Chapter 230
The butler looked at him with complex emotions. "You intend to..."
David put away the photograph, his expression returning to its usual authority. "Since Jagger has agreed to treat her father, let him do it. I still need to give Faye that much face."
He opened the drawer and placed the photo inside, tucking it between the pages of a book. "However... some things cannot be compromised."
The butler bowed slightly. "I understand."
He looked at the gloomy weather outside and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
This matter was far from over.
The next morning at nine, Josephine arrived at the hospital with her father right on time.
Jagger was already waiting in the consultation room. When he saw Josephine, his expression remained cool, but his attitude was reasonably professional.
"Mr. Kennedy, please sit." He gestured to the chair across from him.
Preston sat down somewhat anxiously. Josephine stood beside him, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat.
Jagger first asked detailed questions about Preston's condition, then performed some simple examinations and tests.
The entire process lasted about two hours. Josephine stood by the whole time, her gaze never leaving her father.
When the examination ended, Jagger removed his reading glasses and looked at Preston. "Mr. Kennedy, your hand condition... is better than I expected."
Preston froze. "You mean..."
"The nerve damage in your hand isn't severe. What's really preventing you from picking up a brush again is psychological." Jagger said slowly. "Subconsciously, you've created a mental barrier—you believe your hand is ruined, that you can never create good work again."
He'd seen many cases, far more severe than Preston's.
Preston's condition really wasn't that serious.
"But in fact, as long as you can break through this psychological barrier and cooperate with rehabilitation training, full recovery is entirely possible."
Preston's eyes brightened for a moment, then quickly dimmed. "At my age... even if I recover, what's the point?"
"Dad," Josephine couldn't help but speak up. "You've always loved painting. It's what you're most passionate about."
Preston looked down at his hands—hands that had once created countless vibrant works of art. But after going so long without holding a brush, he'd convinced himself he could never paint again.
Now, to pick up the brush again...
He felt inexplicably afraid and resistant.
"Jojo, I know you mean well. But painting... it requires more than passion. It needs talent and energy. I've lost so many years, I've already..."
"You haven't lost it." Jagger looked at him disapprovingly. "Your hands haven't forgotten how to hold a brush, how to mix colors, how to compose. The one who's truly forgotten these things is yourself."
His instinct was rejecting it, which was why he couldn't do it.
Jagger opened a drawer and pulled out a business card. "I'm recommending a rehabilitation specialist. He'll help you develop a specialized training plan. Come see me once a week on weekends. We'll approach this from a psychological angle."
Preston's eyes were full of conflict and hesitation.
But Josephine had nothing to hesitate about. She took the card directly and said gratefully, "Thank you, Mr. Phillips."
Jagger glanced at her, tone still flat. "Don't thank me. Thank yourself for being willing to learn opera for your father's sake."
He packed up his things and turned to leave. At the door, he looked back at her. "Seeking help from Faye—you did well."
Josephine was slightly taken aback, then understood his meaning. Relief washed over her. She'd been worried Jagger might be displeased that she'd approached his wife, especially since he was her father's primary physician. If...
Well, it seemed she'd been overthinking.
Leaving the hospital, Josephine felt much lighter.
Though her father spoke without hope, at least there was now a path to treatment. She would accompany him, step by step, as he reclaimed his brush.
"Dad, don't lose heart," she said, linking her arm through his. "Mr. Phillips said the nerve damage in your hand isn't severe. As long as we persist, you'll definitely recover."
Preston sighed and patted his daughter's hand. "You... you never give up."
"Because you taught me that as long as we don't give up, there's always hope." Josephine smiled.
After taking her father home, Josephine went to the company.
When she walked into the office, she saw Emma sitting in her chair, looking somewhat uneasy.
"What's wrong?" Josephine asked.
Emma stood up and spoke honestly. "At lunch today, after I ate, I came back to the company. At the entrance, I saw a middle-aged man—he took Mr. Getty away. The guy looked really stern. Felt like he wasn't someone easy to get along with. You don't think something happened to Mr. Getty, do you?"
Very stern...
Josephine pulled out her phone and found a photo of the butler. "Was it him?"
"Yes, that's him!"
If it was the butler, that meant this was David's doing.
Seeing Josephine's silence, Emma asked curiously, "What is it, Josephine? Did you think of something?"
Josephine shook her head. "It's nothing. Go back to work."
Emma left.
Josephine sat in her chair, looking at her phone, somewhat hesitant. Should she message Cedric to ask?
Using Faye to make Jagger change his mind was, essentially, openly defying David.
She was worried about dragging Cedric into this.
She took a deep breath and opened Cedric's chat, composing a message.
[Mr. Getty, there's a meeting tonight.]
About five minutes later, he replied.
[Okay, I'll be there on time.]
Seemed fine?
Josephine scratched her cheek and sent another message. [Are you okay?]
Getty Manor, in the study.
Cedric stood before the desk. David sat in the black walnut chair. An invisible barrier separated them.
"Go to Shadow City," David said slowly. "Visit an old friend I haven't seen in years. He's ill and hospitalized with no family to care for him. Represent the Getty family and check on him."
Cedric frowned slightly. "Right now? The company..."
"Company matters can be handled by the vice president, or have Josephine take charge temporarily." David's tone was flat. "This trip will take about a week."
Cedric frowned. "You could send Gideon."
"He's illegitimate." David spoke of this identity without hesitation, not hiding his contempt. He simply looked down on illegitimate children.
Everyone in the Getty family knew this.
Cedric felt no pleasure at this, his expression neutral. "I understand. I heard about Josephine's father's situation."
David remained composed. "Your thoughts?"
"She's impressive."
David countered, "You admire her."
Cedric spoke frankly. "Someone hardworking and intelligent—why wouldn't I admire that?"
His eyes held only admiration, seemingly nothing else. David said, "It's best if that's how you think. Employees and superiors should maintain distance to avoid rumors that might damage the Getty family's reputation."
Cedric narrowed his eyes slightly. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
After leaving the study, Cedric looked at the door, eyes cold. David was always like this—wanting to control everything, wanting everyone to obey him.
Cedric let out a soft, mocking laugh.
Josephine was in her office handling work when her phone suddenly rang.
An unfamiliar number.
She answered. "Hello?"
"Is this Ms. Josephine Kennedy?" A businesslike male voice came through. "We're from the city demolition office. The neighborhood where your parents live has been included in a priority redevelopment project and requires immediate demolition. Please return with your family as soon as possible to sign the documents and cooperate with the work."
Josephine's grip on the phone tightened sharply. "There was no prior notice."
"The directive just came down. Please return as soon as possible," the voice said. "The demolition compensation is quite substantial. We hope you'll cooperate."
Josephine stood in her office, the blood in her body running cold.