CHAPTER 193


    Gilbert steadied himself andforted Sylvia.


    “Grandma, don’t you trust Fran? He’s amazing, isn’t he? He’s beaten being in aa, and is rehab


    going to scare him?”


    Those words struck a chord with Sylvia.


    Sylvia nodded. “You’re right. Francis has always been sweet and never caused me any worry.


    Everything he does is…”


    She red at her younger grandson Gilbert, “You’re nothing like him! Always finding ways to rile


    up!”


    me


    At that, a shadow flickered in Gilbert’s eyes, almost unnoticeable, gone immediately.


    “Exactly.” Gilbert arched an eyebrow, his tone indifferent as ever. “Well, that’s the difference


    between the golden child and the ck sheep, right?”


    Sylvia couldn’t help butugh, tears fresh on her cheeks, as she yfully tapped Gilbert’s


    forehead.


    “Oh, now that your brother’s awake, you’re back to being a naughty kid!” Sylvia sighed, “I just hope


    Francis gets better soon. That way, you can rx a bit, right?”


    “Yes, Grandma.” Gilbert nodded.


    The grandson and grandmother duo stayed in the hospital room that night, making do for the night.


    The following morning, Sylvia helped Francis with his morning routine, with Gilbert assisting her.


    Francis couldn’t speak, but his cheeks turned red, clearly embarrassed.


    “Oh.” Sylvia understood instantly.


    How could she not know her grandson?


    “Feeling shy, Fran? What’s there to be shy about with Grandma? You and


    08:57


    Gilbert, I’ve taken care of you since you were babies…”


    “Grandma!” Holding a basin, Gilbert protested. “Don’t lump me in with that! What’s this about


    diapers? I was born a suave gentleman!”


    “Nonsense!” Sylvia scolded, “Were you born this tall?”


    “Of course.” Gilbert lifted his chin proudly. “I was born to be six–foot–three.”


    “Heh.” Sylvia scoffed, shaking her head, seeing through him, “Your brother is six–foot–three. You’re


    six–foot–two and a half.”


    Gilbert was speechless.


    On the hospital bed, Francis watched them, a smile curling on his lips.


    Afterward, Sylvia sat beside the bed, feeding Francis water.


    Francis had just woken up, the feeding tube not yet removed. Following the doctor’s orders, they


    began with water.


    “Here.” Sylvia spooned the water gently. “Take it slow. No rush.”


    Francis struggled to swallow the water, a bit dribbling from the corner of his


    mouth.


    Holding a towel, Gilbert quickly wiped it dry. “No rush, Fran. You’re doing great


    for a start…”


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Knock, knock. The hospital room door sounded.


    Without waiting for a response, the door swung open, and Caroline rushed in, breathless.


    “Fran…” She stood by the bed, panting.


    Ever so thoughtful, Gilbert stepped aside, giving her the spot.


    Caroline had left her show early, traveling from afar, not even having the chance to remove her


    makeup. A night without sleep with the long journey made her look pale, especially her eyes, which


    were weary yet frantic.


    “Francis.” She grasped Francis’s hand, bending down, her forehead against his, her voice breaking


    as she spoke.


    “&%$…”


    Francis’s throat made a garbled sound on the bed, unclear what he was trying


    to say.


    Caroline held his hand, whispering, “No rush. You’ll get better. I’ll wait for your to get better. Take


    your time to talk to me.”


    At that moment, Sylvia and Gilbert exchanged nces, nodded in unison, and discreetly left, giving


    the couple their space.