Chapter 12

According to Mr. Hastings Senior, Alex moved out and hadn't returned because of me? Could that be? Ever since we were kids, Alex had repeatedly told me he disliked me and didn't consider me his sister.

I lowered my gaze. “Mr. Hastings Senior, I think you’re mistaken. Alex—Mr. Hastings—has always been distant. I doubt my words would have any impact on him.”

Mr. Hastings Senior's tone softened, but he remained insistent. “Just try, Serena. Even if he doesn’t come back, I know it’s not your fault.”

I frowned, ready to rebut, but hesitated as I looked up. Mr. Hastings Senior, a man I had always known to be shrewd, capable, and impeccably groomed, had aged significantly. His hair was completely gray, his eyes cloudy, and his gaze carried a weight of hope and longing. The powerful businessman I once admired was gone. In his place stood a father, quietly yearning for his son to come home.

I swallowed the words that came to mind and took a deep breath. “If you insist, Mr. Hastings Senior, I’ll try. I’ll talk to him,” I said softly.

A look of relief washed over Mr. Hastings Senior’s face.

I stood up, ready to ask a favor for Mom. “Mr. Hastings Senior, my mother’s getting older. I hope you can continue looking after her while she’s at the Hastings residence. But if it’s too much—” I paused, hesitating, “—I can bring her back in a few days.”

Mr. Hastings Senior shifted his gaze. “Serena, that was a long time ago. The Hastings family has always treated your mother well. It’s just… she has a hard time relaxing. She likes to keep herself busy.”

His words took me by surprise.

“But since you’ve asked… don’t worry. I’ll persuade her,” Mr. Hastings Senior assured me. “Thank you, Mr. Hastings Senior,” I said, feeling a wave of gratitude. “I’ll be going now.”

I turned to leave the study, but Mr. Hastings Senior called out to me again. “Serena.”

“If possible, you should visit your mother more often,” Mr. Hastings Senior said solemnly. “You were the most innocent in everything that happened back then; she misses you.”

His words lingered in my mind, but I merely nodded in response. Without glancing back, I left the Hastings residence.

Alex was waiting in the car. The moment I got in, he started the engine. The Hastings residence perched gracefully on a hillside in an affluent neighborhood. As we navigated the winding mountain road flanked by dense, vibrant greenery, I gazed out the window, my thoughts racing.

“What did my dad say to you?” Alex’s voice broke through my thoughts.

“Nothing much,” I said, shaking my head slowly. “He just asked me to visit my mom more often.”

A flicker of disdain crossed Alex’s face, but he stayed silent.

“Why don’t you want to go home?” I asked.

Alex slowed and gave me a sideways glance.

“Keep your eyes on the road,” I muttered.

“How did you know?” His voice was tinged with resentment. “Did my dad tell you that?”

I hesitated. I wanted to honor Mr. Hastings Senior’s trust, but also didn’t want to betray it, so I simply continued, “Your home is not far from your company. Mr. Hastings Senior is…” I left the rest unspoken, hoping Alex would piece it together himself.