Chapter 292
“Dad p>
Lisette Cavendish picked up on something unusual.
Velton King’s face darkened as he muttered, She’s gone p>
“What p>
Gone?
Does he mean…she passed away?
It felt like someone had punched Lisette in the chest, hard. She had always dreamed of the day when she could reunite with her parents. After countless prayers, fate finally let her father come back into her life. But her mother p>
She wasn’t here anymore.
Her heart ached, wave after wave of pain crashing over her.
Velton wasn’t feeling any better, though he tried to hide it. He pressed his lips together, hesitating, before meeting her gaze. “Lisette, you still have me. I’ll love you enough for both me and your mom, okay p>
She stared at him, her mind spinning.
The usually composed Velton looked so vulnerable now. Her mother’s absence had to weigh heavy on him too, didn’t it?
Lisette swallowed her grief, forcing herself not to cry. Clasping his hand in hers, she answered earnestly, “Okay. And I’ll love you, Dad—enough for both of you, too p>
Ever since her rebirth, Lisette had never been able to relax. It felt like she was walking a tightrope, afraid one wrong move could send the Cavendish family spiraling into disaster.
They mattered too much to her—every single one of them. Finally, Maverick Ramsey, the massive headache, was out of the picture, and Isabella Delaney got shipped off to Africa to dig mines. Lisette Cavendish finally allowed herself to relax. She stayed in bed, ignoring the world, and slept solidly for three whole days and nights.
And boy, did she scare everyone.
Tobias Hastings, Velton King, the Cavendish family, Scarlett Graham, and the others were all on high alert, pacing nervously.
Velton King, having just reunited with his daughter, was especially restless. Every so often, he’d glance upstairs and mutter, “Three days? This is getting out of hand p>
Marshall Cavendish and Daphne Delaney chimed in, “Lise has always been fond of sleeping in, but three straight days? That’s unheard of. It’s quite worrying p>
Dominic Hamilton, fresh from wrapping up a reality show, yawned and said, “When I’m tired, three days? Please, I could sleep a week, easy p>
Nash Hastings chuckled dryly, “Yeah, but that’s because you’re hungover half the time p>
Being the type of guy who counts every penny, Nash clearly had no patience for anything he considered indulgent—whether it was drinking, smoking, partying, or even a weekend getaway. It was all a waste to him.
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he quipped, “Honestly, I think my brother’s financial losses must’ve gotten to her. She probably figured the only way to avoid stress-shopping was to sleep it off p>
Elliot Jameson was momentarily speechless. He came this close to throwing the quarterly financial reports of the Hastings Corporation at Nash, just to make him understand what “limitless wealth” actually looks like.
Scarlett Graham’s sparkling, playful eyes twinkled. “Hey, could she be pregnant? I hear that makes people super sleepy p>
The imposing man cleared his throat lightly and said, “The doctor checked her this morning. Lissy’s fine, just exhausted from the past few weeks. She needs some proper rest p>
Bryce Cavendish studied the situation carefully. “Makes sense. She probably let go of all the stress she had bottled up now that everything’s settled. That kind of mental release could easily lead to oversleeping p>
Recently, she’d been running herself ragged over Maverick Ramsey’s schemes, pushing him into a corner until he had no escape. His crimes were finally exposed for all to see.
Curtis Cavendish asked suddenly, “I heard he lost his mind. Is that true p>
“Yeah,” Bryce replied with a nod before glancing over at Marshall Cavendish.
Ever since Maverick and Isabella Delaney’s engagement fell apart so spectacularly, Marshall had been in a tough spot emotionally. Raising someone for years only to have them turn on the family like that—targeting Lisette Cavendish and even plotting to destroy the entire family—was a heavy blow. He couldn’t hide his disappointment and heartbreak, though he hadn’t spoken much about it or gotten involved in what came afterward. But Bryce could sense his father was dying to know the details.
So he filled him in. “Yesterday afternoon, Maverick got admitted to the second psychiatric hospital p>
Marshall’s hand trembled ever so slightly.Marshall held her hand, and Daphne comforted him, “Marshall, you’ve done everything you possibly could over the years. You’ve been fair to the Ramseys, and even more so to Maverick. His choices led him here, and it’s on him to face the consequences p>
“I know,” Marshall sighed lightly. “Still, it’s hard not to feel a bit wistful p>
“Ma’am! Ma’am is awake p>
Everyone snapped out of their thoughts at the maid’s exclamation and turned to look. Lisette was stepping out of the elevator, yawning and dressed in silk pajamas.
She froze for a second, surprised to see a room full of people. “Are you all having a meeting or something p>
“Sweetheart p>
“Lissy p>
“Honey p>
“Sis-in-law p>
“Lisette p>
Voices overlapped in a chaotic chorus until everyone declared in unison, “You’re finally awake p>
The collective enthusiasm was so overwhelming that Lisette almost retreated back into the elevator on instinct.
Ruffling her messy hair, she looked around as the group of big shots came alive. Some rushed over to greet her, some went to fetch tea, others barked orders to get a meal ready pronto, and a few were already dialing their personal doctors.
It was sheer, beautiful chaos, with everyone bustling around to make sure Lisette was comfortable. Before she knew it, she was seated snugly on the sofa.
Velton sat imposing yet gentle by her side, reaching out to touch her forehead. “Sweetheart, you’ve been out for such a long time. Do you feel unwell anywhere?” On one side, Marshall Cavendish had taken over: “Lise, tell me what you want to eat. Dad will have it made for you p>
Behind her, Nash Hastings was trying to win her favor by massaging her shoulders. “Big Sis-in-law, how’s the pressure? Want me to go lighter or harder? Oh, and by the way, I like my red packets as thick as they come. Just saying p>
In front of her, Scarlett Graham was tilting Lise’s chin this way and that, scrutinizing her like a specimen. She even pinched at the soft skin on her waist. “Three days of sleeping like a log, and you’ve shed a whole size. Your old clothes might not even fit anymore! Looks like Dad will have to buy you a new wardrobe p>
The moment she uttered “Dad,” Marshall Cavendish and Velton King both sent her death glares that practically radiated with the aura of “real dad supremacy p>
The title of “Dad” was already a fiercely contested position, and now some random woman dared to muscle in as well? The audacity!
Sensing the growing tension — not to mention the two alpha-level death stares boring into her — Scarlett Graham awkwardly cleared her throat and raised both hands in surrender. “Kidding! It was just a joke, guys. I’m out, I’m out p>
Velton King and Marshall Cavendish: p>
Meanwhile, Lise found herself completely surrounded by this collective chaos. So much so that Tobias Hastings, her own husband, hadn’t even managed to get a proper look at his wife. He was stuck on the very edge of the crowd, trying — and failing — to squeeze through.
His lips, usually calm and composed, pursed in visible annoyance.
At least, while dads might be over-the-top and tyrannical when doting on their daughters, moms would’ve been a lot more chill… if only there were one in this mix.Daphne tugged on Marshall’s sleeve. “Tobias has been staying by Lise’s side this whole time. He hasn’t had a proper rest for days. Let him talk to her, won’t you p>
Marshall reluctantly stepped aside.
On the other hand, Velton was planted firmly in his seat, refusing to move an inch. He held Lisette’s hand and fired off questions one after another. “Sweetheart, you’ve been sleeping so long. Did you miss Dad p>
“Honey, I’ve ordered a dozen custom sports cars for you. Just tell me your favorite color and style, and I’ll get some more p>
“Sweetie, you’re thinner now. Wade! Bring my team of over twenty top chefs here immediately p>
Marshall stood there, silent.
He looked reluctant to leave, his expression showing just how threatened he felt. Was his place as Dad at risk here?
Just as Marshall was debating if he should make a stand and reclaim his place in his daughter’s heart, Hannah suddenly burst into the room and ran straight up to Lisette.
“Lisette, something’s happened p>