Chapter 235

Chapter 235

One of the team members, acting as their representative, hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Mr. Garcia, Victoria, Chase, we know Marc's family situation is special, and we've learned that his father is in the sanatorium now, poisoned and in very poor health."

He paused, glancing at his teammates. After receiving encouraging looks, he continued, "Although we were really shocked to learn Marc's true identity, over the past two years at the club, he's been really good to each of us. He patiently guided us during training and often looked after us in daily life."

"He's our vice-captain, our teammate who fights alongside us. Now that his father is sick, we'd like to visit Mr. Murray first, if that's okay? We can eat later."

These words caught Alexander and Victoria by surprise.

They had assumed that after learning Marc was the heir to a crime family, these young team members would keep their distance and feel afraid, even if they didn't say anything outwardly.

But instead, what they remembered most was the bond Marc had built with them as their "vice-captain."

Hearing this, Chase immediately nodded vigorously, patting his chest with his uninjured left hand, "Right! We should! Marc is my friend, so his dad is like an elder to us! We won the championship. We should make the elder happy too! Alexander, Victoria, let's go to the hospital first, okay?"

Alexander looked at Victoria, silently asking for her opinion.

Victoria met his gaze and nodded gently.

She appreciated this quality of not forgetting one's roots and valuing loyalty.

"Alright."

Alexander made the decision immediately. "Then we'll go to the sanatorium first."

So instead of heading to the restaurant, the group brought the heavy championship trophy and drove back to Sacred Heart Sanatorium.

When they arrived at Ronan's room, he was propped up against the headboard, being fed some liquid food by a nurse.

After last night's detoxification surgery and rest, his complexion was noticeably better than yesterday. Though still weak, his eyes were no longer cloudy. They had regained some of the clarity and sharpness befitting the head of a family.

When he saw Chase with his arm in a sling, leading a group of energetic but slightly nervous young people carrying a gleaming golden trophy into the room, Ronan was clearly taken aback. A flash of confusion crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by warm welcome.

"Mr. Murray!"

Chase spoke first, his face beaming with a bright smile as he pointed to the trophy in his teammates' hands. "We came to see you! Look, we just won the finals. We're world champions!"

The team members also stepped forward, respectfully greeting Ronan and carefully placing the trophy on the cabinet beside his bed, letting that golden gleam catch his eye.

Ronan looked at these young people with clear eyes radiating the joy of victory, then at the trophy symbolizing their dreams and hard work. A genuine smile appeared on his pale face as he said repeatedly, "Good, good! Congratulations! You're all amazing!"

He gestured for the nurse to pause and swept his warm gaze over each team member.

Seeing this legendary figure being so approachable, the team members' initial nervousness faded considerably.

They began talking over each other about the nail-biting moments of the match and the excitement of their final victory. Some even brought up stories about Marc from his time at the club.

"Mr. Murray, you don't know—Marc is incredible at gaming! His game sense is outstanding!"

"Yeah, and although he's strict during training, he really looks after us in private."

"With him around, we always feel so confident."

Listening to the team members enthusiastically describe how Marc had shined in this completely different world, how he had been genuinely accepted and loved by his teammates, Ronan's expression grew increasingly gentle, filled with comfort and emotion.

He realized that during the two years Marc had been away from the family, he hadn't been entirely consumed by resentment and loneliness. In the world of esports, Marc had found his own value and happiness, and had gained such genuine friendships.

This brought Ronan more peace and joy than hearing about any abilities Marc had shown in underworld affairs.

However, Ronan's body hadn't fully recovered yet, and his energy was limited.

The team members didn't want to disturb him too much, so after expressing their concern and congratulations, they prepared to leave.

Chase looked at the trophy on the cabinet, and an idea struck him. He said to Ronan, "Mr. Murray, let's leave this trophy with you for now. When Marc finishes his business and comes to see you, you can show it to him."

"Tell him we won. AW is the world champion! And he deserves some credit for that too!"

Ronan looked at the sincere expectation in Chase's eyes and understood. He nodded, "Alright, I'll definitely tell him. Thank you, kids."

Chase still needed to take the team members to the postponed celebration dinner and couldn't stay long. After reminding Ronan once more to rest well, he and the team members left the room, led by Alexander and Victoria.

The group arrived at the upscale restaurant Alexander had reserved.

The environment was luxurious, the food exquisite. The team members were still immersed in the excitement of winning the championship. The restaurant was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone toasted each other in a lively atmosphere.

However, amid all the celebration, the excitement on Chase's face gradually faded, and a faint shadow of worry crept back over his features.

He ate somewhat absent-mindedly, his gaze occasionally drifting toward the window or toward Victoria, who was dining quietly.

Finally, Chase couldn't hold back. He leaned closer to Victoria and asked in a low voice, "Victoria, is there still no new news from Marc's side?"

He tried to keep his tone calm, but the concern and unease were hard to completely hide.

Victoria put down her utensils, picked up her napkin to wipe the corners of her mouth, and looked at Chase, telling him honestly, "Not yet. But no news from Chris is good news—it means everything is still under control."

She paused, analyzing in an even tone, "The Murray family's internal power structure is deeply entrenched. Nash has been building his influence for years. What Marc has to face today—those more cunning, better at disguising people in the company is much more complex and difficult than simply clearing out traitors last night."

Seeing Chase's face instantly tense up, she changed her tone to reassure him, "But you don't need to worry too much. With my people and Alexander's people assisting from the sidelines, plus Marc's own abilities—if he chose to go back, he must have his own confidence and plan. He's not an impulsive person."

Chase listened, fell silent for a moment, then let out a heavy sigh, his face showing rare regret and helplessness.

He unconsciously stirred the straw in his glass with his uninjured left hand, his voice low, "Victoria, you're right. Marc is really capable, I know that. But I just can't help worrying. At times like this, I really do feel a bit of regret."