The Lawson family had reserved an entire floor of the hospital for Matthew. A peaceful atmosphere reigned, though bodyguards stood watch outside, and medical staff remained on standby within. Kayla, arm in arm with Arnold and clutching a bouquet, walked the quiet corridor, her stiletto heels clicking sharply in contrast.

They reached Matthew's ward. As Arnold prepared to greet his grandfather, a metal tray flew toward them, striking the door before clattering to the floor. Silence returned. Matthew, his back to them, remained sullen. "Get out!" he barked.

Arnold remained silent. Kayla, clutching her chest, whispered, "Mr. Lawson Senior, I—I came to see you…"

Matthew didn't turn. "Well, you have," he retorted, dismissing her with a huff. "You can leave."

Tears welled in Kayla's eyes. "Mr. Lawson Senior, I know it was my fault. If it weren't for me, Arnie wouldn't have left the engagement party. But… we couldn't help ourselves. Can't you support us?"

Arnold frowned, admonishing her. "Kayla, go home! Don't say such things!"

On the day of the engagement party, Arnold had defied Matthew, insisting on staying with Kayla. The bodyguards sent to remove him hesitated, resulting in an all-night standoff. Felicia had disappeared, leaving the party ending in awkward silence. Rumors circulated that Matthew, senile and interfering, had coughed up blood in a rage and fallen into a coma. Though he'd recovered, his weakness remained, and no one dared defy him. Kayla, however, refused to apologize, adding fuel to the fire.

Matthew finally turned, his cloudy eyes sharp. "As long as I'm alive, you'll never set foot in the Lawson residence again. Get out!"

"Mr. Lawson Senior, I don't understand why you dislike me so much," Kayla replied, biting her lip.

His attitude toward her had always been cool, but never this vehemently hateful. Felicia's reappearance had changed everything. He found Kayla's current behavior laughable; he'd dismissed her childishness before, but now, she couldn't even tread carefully. She'd even used self-harm to manipulate Arnold, turning the family's preparations into a joke. "Get out! Everyone, get out!"

He hurled an object across the ward. Frightened, Kayla ducked behind Arnold as they retreated.

"Kayla, you should go home," Arnold said coldly.

"Arnie…" Kayla began.

"Go back!" he insisted, his impatience clear.

It was the first time he'd scolded her. Feeling wronged, Kayla pouted. Then, shouts from within the ward rang out. "Doctor! Mr. Lawson Senior has coughed up blood again!"