Chapter 33: Promising to Treat Master Iker

Cheyenne, bored, absentmindedly tapped her pale hand on the table, doodling. As a younger family member, she knew little about the past and avoided speaking out of turn. However, she believed her grandfather wouldn't hate someone without reason, so her granduncle's visit seemed suspicious.

"Layne," he said, tears welling in his eyes, "I've come to realize, over these years, that I was wrong to betray the Edwards family and you."

"Hmph! You owe your wife an even bigger apology!" Adrian retorted, his brow furrowed in a desolate expression. "Yes, I owe Kaylee an apology."

"Bang!" The deafening sound of the tea lid jumping from the table and water splashing followed. Layne, enraged, had slammed his fist on the tea table. "Do you know what happened because of your actions? Your wife and baby died!"

Adrian froze, then stared incredulously. "Layne what are you saying?"

"Was Kaylee pregnant?"

Layne nodded, sighing with regret. "Yes, she was pregnant."

"The three-month-old fetus had formed; it had life, limbs, and consciousness"

Adrian clasped his hands tightly beneath his suit sleeves. He hadn't known he had a child. He was thirty when he married twenty-seven-year-old Kaylee Skinner. Eight years into their marriage, they were still childless, so this was unexpected. Kaylee, an older pregnant woman, was uncertain and afraid, keeping the pregnancy secret until the fetus was more stable. She never had the chance to share her joy; she and her child died at the hands of her husband.

A hint of pain finally touched Adrian. He rarely admitted fault, but he knew he was wrong. Seeing Adrian's sorrow, Layne softened, patting his shoulder. "It's okay. It's all in the past. No use crying over spilt milk."

"It's all my fault! If only I hadn't made that mistake" Adrian lamented, thinking, 'If I hadn't done that, I wouldn't be alone now, and I might even have a grandchild Cheyenne's age.'

Layne impatiently shouted, "Enough, stop crying!" Adrian's tears subsided, though his eyes remained watery.

After a while, Adrian produced a torn, coverless book from his suit pocket, placing it on the table. More worn than junkyard books, he'd carried it for over twenty years. "Layne, this is the first half of the medical secrets book. I was wrong to take it, causing damage to the Edwards family. Now, I return it." His expression was serious, his eyes unwavering.

Layne didn't immediately reach for it, scrutinizing Adrian. "Do you really mean it?" he asked coldly.

"You can check it," Adrian replied.

Layne flipped through a few pages, confirming its authenticity. He couldn't believe Adrian's unconditional return; he wouldn't have disappeared for twenty-five years otherwise. "So, what's your condition?"

Adrian blushed, embarrassed. "It's not really a condition. I've worked for the Todd family for over twenty years, watching their young master grow up. He was in a car accident a few years ago, breaking his leg. Doctors haven't been able to cure him."

Layne was surprised; Adrian always prioritized himself. "You couldn't find a solution?"

Adrian, even more embarrassed, replied, "No. My skills haven't improved since I was expelled from our family." He knew Layne was the Edwards family's best physician; otherwise, he wouldn't have convinced Kai to return home.

After considering, Layne agreed. "If that's your condition, I agree. Let me find a time to see Master Iker."

Overjoyed, Adrian knew Layne kept his promises. His worries vanished. "Thank you. I'll inform my boss and let you know the time and place."

"Okay."

The final promotional sentence has been removed as it is not part of the narrative.