Chapter 2005: Dying Words

Meanwhile, at the manor's security post, Grant awoke, immediately vomiting a mixture of acidic stomach fluid and blood.

The bodyguard, startled, reported the situation to the butler. Mr. Farwell had instructed him to keep watch, but Grant's condition—he was even vomiting blood—clearly indicated serious illness. The butler, after considering the situation, informed Lucian.

Finding Lucian and Roxanne in the living room, the butler reported, “The man outside appears seriously ill; he vomited blood.”

Roxanne's hand, clutching her coffee mug, trembled. She looked at her husband.

Lucian rose immediately, saying, “Let's go see him. If his condition is critical, we must act quickly.”

Composing herself, Roxanne followed Lucian out.

Less than half an hour had passed since their last encounter with Grant, yet his appearance shocked Roxanne. His face was pale and waxy, his eyes clouded, his breathing labored. He seemed near death.

As a doctor, Roxanne wasn't repulsed by the vomit. She examined it.

Grant, aided by the bodyguard, struggled upright. “Roxanne… Roxanne? I’m sorry. I’ve deeply hurt you and your mother…”

A faint smile of relief touched his face upon seeing his daughter. Then, he turned to Lucian. “Lucian, I am a failure.”

Lucian, uninterested in a deathbed confession, searched Grant for the hospital report. Finding a corner of paper protruding from his pocket, he retrieved it.

Before Lucian could unfold the report, Roxanne grimaced. “Stomach cancer, I think.”

Lucian gave the report to his wife. A quick glance confirmed a malignant stomach tumor, possibly metastasized to the liver. "No wonder his complexion is so jaundiced," she murmured. "Elevated bilirubin."

Roxanne felt a wave of indescribable discomfort. The cancer's spread suggested it was likely incurable. Even her skills were useless. A bitter laugh escaped her before she could stop it. He deserved this.

She stared at Grant, a complex mix of resentment, satisfaction, pity, and sadness in her eyes. Lucian observed this blend of emotions.

“Grant, your time is short,” Roxanne said, her gaze unwavering. “Are you afraid of death?”

A faint, enigmatic smile played on Grant's lips. “Roxanne, I have been, for days. But now… not anymore. I spent a day considering my regrets. All I can think of are you and your mother. I've been impulsive, prone to failure, arrogant, boastful. I didn't understand love or family. I deserve this. I betrayed your mother, and I owe her an apology.”

Tears welled in his eyes.

“I wish to apologize to you. I know you can't forgive me, but I must say I’m sorry. I didn't want to die without apologizing. Thank you, Roxanne and Lucian, for this opportunity.”

The couple listened silently. It was said that deathbed words came from the heart, and they chose to believe Grant’s repentance was genuine.