Chapter 78

Hubert and Rooney could readily sacrifice their dignity, but Helena valued her reputation above all else. Therefore, Lauren confronted her.

“Mom, let’s just admit defeat,” Helena said, her face flushed, her teeth gritted.

“No way! This is 1.5 million—several years’ worth of expenses!”

Herman slammed his hand on the table. “You’re making a spectacle of yourselves!”

Helena’s family had placed the bet; now, they wanted to back out. Money could be earned again, but the loss of face would be irredeemable.

Seeing Herman's anger, Rooney reluctantly handed over his bank card. Skadi opened her banking app and had Helena transfer the 1.5 million. Helena’s face winced with the pain of the transaction. Skadi then transferred 1.2 million to Hera.

Hera’s eyes widened. “Skadi, why so much? We only bet 220,000!”

Skadi giggled. “We’re besties. No need for details… I’m thrilled to have made 300,000!”

Hera knew Skadi's nature. Resistance was futile. She silently resolved to help Skadi get the man's phone number later.

The birthday banquet lasted two hours. After Joseph's closing speech, he began to see off the guests. Outside the mansion, the warden, crouched beside Mr. Lee's wheelchair, bid his master farewell. Mr. Lee embraced the warden, both men weeping. The warden feared his next visit would be for a funeral.

Stellar whispered to Nash, “Can Mr. Lee’s illness be cured?”

Nash shook his head. “It’s natural aging; the natural cycle of life. Dementia and Parkinson’s are caused by neurodegenerative disorders. Divine Needling and traditional medicine can delay these, but not cure them.”

Theo, hands in his pockets, looked at the old man. “Nashy, how much longer does Grandfather have?”

Olivia’s breath hitched at Theo’s affectionate nickname for the masked man. Was this him?

Lauren, returning from the restroom, overheard Theo. She paused, then hurried away.

Nash pondered. “With good care, perhaps three years.”

Theo forced a smile. “Eighty-three is a ripe old age.”

Hearing Nash, the warden stood and bowed deeply to Mr. Lee. He then told Joseph, “Take good care of your father. I’ll visit when I can.”

Joseph nodded solemnly. “Rest assured, Warden. I’ll be by his side, caring for him attentively for these three years.”

After further pleasantries, the warden, accompanied by Stellar and Nash, departed under Henderson’s inspection team's escort.

Hera squatted for a long time, to no avail. Skadi sighed. “Forget it. I’ll content myself with idolizing him. I can’t have him.”

Hera giggled. “I didn’t know you had feelings for a man. I’ll take you to a bar sometime…”

“Forget it. I’ve invited you countless times!”

“I’ll definitely go next time!”

“Alright. I’m going. Remember to shop with me tonight!”

“Okay. Pick me up after work!”

They parted ways. After seeing the warden into the car, Nash said, “My task is complete. Take care, Warden!”

Stellar was slightly dazed. “The warden’s illness…”

“Pick me up at eight tomorrow night!” Nash said before vanishing.