Chapter 945
Chapter 945:
Leonel asked worriedly, “So, my mother will be alright p>
Austin, with a scrutinizing glance, retorted, “Uncle Leonel, are you hoping for the worst p>
Leonel’s reaction was quick. “Of course not! Why would you say that?” With frustration evident, Leonel challenged Austin, asking, “What kind of person do you think I am p>
“Just an ordinary person with your own ambitions p>
Defeated by the response, Leonel expressed his helplessness. “I need to see my mother. How can I be sure of her condition if I don’t see her myself p>
Austin blocked the door, saying firmly, “No, Grandma is resting now. We shouldn’t disturb her p>
Austin’s authoritative stance made Leonel pause and reconsider his actions. Eventually, Leonel lingered at the door with a look of frustration, peering inside before reluctantly departing.
Austin ensured the house was closely guarded, restricting anyone from entering or exiting without permission. Despite Austin’s assurances that Aitana was in stable condition, his actions suggested otherwise.
“Aunt Carly, you should ensure you understand everything fully and not be manipulated by others.” Leanna broke the silence when they were alone.
Carly responded with a nod, acknowledging the truth in Leanna’s words. Austin’s elusive behavior was a clear sign he was concealing something.
Leanna said, “What if Aitana changes her mind and doesn’t approve of Yelena as her future granddaughter-in-law? And what if Yelena and Austin twist the situation while we’re not allowed to see her? That could be a problem p>
Carly cast a nonchalant look at Leanna, rubbed her temples out of irritation, and a flicker of annoyance crossed her face.
Leanna might have appeared sharp, but in truth, she was as straightforward as a single-track road—her world revolved solely around Austin. Whenever she tried to focus on anything while Austin was involved, it was as if her thoughts hit an impenetrable wall.
Carly couldn’t shake off the nagging need to confirm Aitana’s well-being. If Aitana was truly fine, then why was she being kept away from visitors? Why was her room guarded as if it held some great secret?
Leonel shared Carly’s unease. Being a man of keen instincts, Leonel was already calculating his next move. Aitana’s shares were still under her control for now, but in a game like this, ownership could shift hands in the blink of an eye. He needed to act fast, to secure those shares before they slipped into Austin’s grasp. Otherwise, things could get complicated.
As the night deepened, most of the relatives had taken their leave. Yelena stayed behind to look after Aitana and decided to remain at the Barton family home. The following morning, she set out for her usual run.
Austin, having spent the entire night watching over Aitana, was drained and remained in his room, catching up on much-needed rest. Yelena ran alone, her pace steady against the quiet morning.
Then, an eerie sensation crawled over her skin—the distinct feeling of being watched. She turned her head, and there he was—a man in glasses, exuding an air of refined intellect, his gaze resting upon her. There was something about the way he looked at her—a mix of curiosity and admiration, as if he were studying an intricate painting. Uneasy, Yelena quickened her pace, putting distance between them. Johan Barker, however, remained rooted in place, his eyes tracing the silhouette of her retreating figure with undisguised fascination.
Fate had an odd way of playing its hand. Johan had never lacked attention—many women gravitated toward him, yet none had ever stirred his interest. And yet, with just one glance, Yelena had drawn him in like an unsolved mystery.