Chapter 1717


    Chapter 1717


    Hudson waved his hands dismissively, “We’ve been at it for days, and everyone’s beat. Each of you go


    back to rest, and do whatever you need to do tomorrow. My health is much better than you think.”


    With the conversation seemingly at its end, there was no reason for anyone to linger. One by one, they


    rose from their seats and made for the door.


    Skyler got up to leave alongside Zavier, but Hudson’s voice halted her, “Skyler, stick around and have


    dinner with me, will ya? I’ll have the driver take you back to schoolter.”


    Skyler nced at Zavier, who said nothing and walked out ahead. The others gave Skyler curious


    looks, clearly wondering about Hudson’s intentions.


    Skyler paid them no mind and turned back to Hudson, “Grandpa.”


    Hudson patted the seat beside him, gesturing for Skyler to sit, then looked up sharply at the others,


    “Anyone else fancy staying for dinner?”


    No one was really keen on staying. They were just itching to know why Hudson wanted Skyler to stay


    behind. No one dared dampen Hudson’s spirits, so they politely made their exits.e2


    Once they had left, Hudson turned to the old butler, “Go over to Brodie’s ce, and bring back some of


    the clothes he wore.” The butler understood Hudson wanted him to leave, “Sir, Brodie’s belongings


    have been here for a while. You even cleared out a room for his things, remember?”


    Hudson’s voice turned icy, “Are you saying I’ve lost my memory? It seems you’re confused about who’s


    in charge here.”


    Startled, the butler quickly nodded, “No offense meant, Sir. I’ll go fetch them.”


    After the butler left, Hudson grasped Skyler’s hand, patting it gently, “Kid, has anyone been filling your


    head with nonsense?” Skyler shook her head, “No, Grandpa.”


    In those days, Skyler and Zavier kept vigil together, rarely parting. During the brief moments they were


    apart, she could hear some deliberately spoken gossip. It mostly med her as a jinx, iming that


    she brought misfortune to the Rivera family, which supposedly led to the sudden death of Zavier’s


    father. However, Skyler did not me herself for those gossips. She was determined not to let those


    people with malicious intentions seed.


    Hudson looked at Skyler, affirming, “You don’t have to cover for them. I’m well aware of what they’ve


    done to you and Zavier. And let me be clear, you had nothing to do with his father’s passing.”


    Skyler nodded, “I understand, Grandpa.”


    Pleased, Hudson continued, “No matter what they say, don’t you pay them any mind. Just focus on


    building a life with Zavier, got it?”


    Skyler nodded obediently, “I will, Grandpa.”


    Hudson was about to say more when he suddenly clutched his chest, coughing violently.


    Skyler quickly supported him, “Are you alright?”


    Hudson’s personal doctor rushed in, administering medication promptly, “Hudson, you know the state


    of your health better than anyone. You need to take it easy, especially now.”


    Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    After the medicine took effect, Hudson rxed a bit, “Don’t make it sound so dire. You will worry the


    kid.”


    The doctor had more on his mind but held his tongue in Skyler’s presence, quietly stepping back.


    Skyler handed Hudson a ss of warm water, “Please, Grandpa, you must listen to the doctor and take


    care of yourself. We need you to get better.”


    Leaning back in his chair, Hudson’s voice grew faint, “You know, it’s like this with age-our bodies start


    to act up. But it’s nothing serious. Don’t fret over me.”