Chapter 65
Chapter 65:
“You little rascal, you’ve finally come back!” Aitana Barton exclaimed, her voice filled with affection as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Clad in an elegant silk ensemble, her hair perfectly coiffed, Aitana radiated poise and dignity.
Yet, behind her composed exterior, a storm of worry lingered—a constant fear that her grandson’s poisoned state might steal his future away.
The haunting possibility of outliving him weighed heavily on her heart, a silent burden she carried every day.
“I’m here to see you, Grandma,” Austin said gently as he stepped closer.
“How are you feeling these days?” Aitana asked, her tone laced with concern.
“Much better, Grandma. Don’t worry about me,” Austin reassured her with a faint smile. He deliberately left out any mention of the miracle-working doctor.
With so many ears around the house, it was safer to keep that matter to himself for now.
“That’s good to hear.” Aitana nodded, relief softening her features as she studied her grandson’s appearance. He did look healthier, and that eased the weight on her heart, if only slightly.
At that moment, a middle-aged man entered, his warm smile masking his calculating demeanor.
“Austin, it’s good to see you back!” Leonel Barton greeted his nephew with practiced warmth.
Leonel was Aitana’s younger son. Austin’s father, Philip Barton, had been the eldest, but his life was tragically cut short in a car accident years ago.
Following his father’s death, Austin had taken over Barton Group at a young age, thrust into leadership before he was ready.
Meanwhile, Leonel, the company’s general manager, had long harbored resentment at having to answer to his nephew.
𝒯ℎ𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝒻𝓮𝑅𝒽𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒𝒻𝒾𝒆𝓃𝓒𝑒: 𝑔𝓪𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝓈.𝒸𝓂
Austin’s lips curled into a faint, unreadable smile as he regarded his uncle. “Uncle Leonel, good to see you too p>
“I was at the Barton Mansion on business and heard you were back,” Leonel said casually before his tone shifted to one of feigned concern. “By the way, how’s your health? I heard you went to Eighfast to find that miracle-working p>
doctor. “Any luck p>
“Thank you for asking,” Austin replied evenly, coughing lightly for effect. “But it seems the miracle doctor is nothing more than a rumor. I didn’t find him p>
Leonel’s face remained carefully neutral, though his eyes gleamed with something unreadable. “Don’t lose hope. Perhaps you’ll find him soon,” he said smoothly, his tone almost too sympathetic.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Leonel took his leave. Aitana sighed heavily but chose to remain silent.
“Grandma, you look tired. Why don’t you go rest in your room?” Austin said gently, his voice softening as he addressed her.
“All right,” she said reluctantly. “I am too old to meddle in your affairs anyway,” she added with a small wry smile before retreating to her room.
Once Aitana was out of sight, Austin’s calm facade shifted. Taking out his phone, he dialed his assistant.
The weekend arrived, and the Harris house was lively as the whole family gathered for breakfast.
During the meal, Callum smiled warmly and addressed everyone. “Since we’re all free today, how about I take you to the appraisal fair after breakfast? It’ll be a good learning experience.” He glanced at Yelena as he spoke. He figured she hadn’t had many opportunities to attend events like this in the past and thought it would be a valuable outing for her.