Chapter 525 Estrangement

Chapter 525 Estrangement

"His way? He just put Leo in a tough spot," Clifford grumbled.

"Grandpa, you can't say that. The Schmidt family has such a huge empire. If Leo can take over, it's a big deal for him."

"Are you really okay with this?" Clifford asked, still worried about Hazel's feelings.

And George might not be okay with it either.

The Schmidt family indeed had a massive empire, one of the few aristocratic families that had stood the test of time. It was not surprising that they could continue to thrive for another hundred years.

But the York family wasn't just any small household either.

The York family was incredibly wealthy, practically rivaling nations. Did they really not need an heir?

And everyone could see how smart Leo was. His future potential was immeasurable.

Were they really willing to let Leo stay with the Schmidt family?

"I respect Leo's choice, and George has clearly agreed with Glenn. He's willing to let Leo stay with the Schmidt family," Hazel said firmly.

Clifford looked at her.

"Grandpa, you just woke up and need to take care of your health. Don't worry so much. I think you can fully relax now. Glenn has the ability to support the entire Schmidt family. He won't let you down," Hazel reassured him.

Clifford was silent for a moment.

He sighed and said, "You all have your own lives. I really am getting old."

"Grandpa, it's not that you're old. You've worked hard your whole life. It's time to rest. Let us, the younger generation, or even the next generation, take on the challenges ahead," Hazel said.

Hazel and Allegra's issues were mostly resolved, but suddenly, Kenna called.

She said she wanted to visit Allegra and Clifford, and coincidentally, Ambrose was also at the hospital.

Allegra could see that Kenna was in a bad state. "You and Ambrose..."

Before she could finish, Kenna's phone rang.

She answered quickly and left in a hurry.

Back home, she rushed through the door.

"What happened to him?"

Everyone turned to look.

Ambrose also saw Kenna standing not far away.

She stood there, looking at Ambrose blankly.

Her face was pale, and she seemed dazed.

"Kenna, why are you here?" Ambrose's mother, Aurelia Beaumont, quickly walked over, her eyes filled with worry.

She seemed concerned that Kenna might have overheard something.

No matter how Kenna and Ambrose felt about each other, hearing Ambrose say such things would hurt Kenna.

Kenna turned stiffly.

She looked at Aurelia and said calmly, "I woke up and found he wasn't at the hotel, so I came to check."

She wasn't lying.

She woke up and didn't see Ambrose, so she hurried to the hospital.

She didn't call Ambrose because she didn't want him to worry about her health and stop her from coming to the hospital. But she was really afraid Ambrose and Aurelia would argue again, so she came to check.

When she arrived, she heard Ambrose's words.

He said being with her was just settling.

He said giving her to Brooks meant nothing to him.

So, in Ambrose's mind, she was still dispensable.

Kenna's eyes filled with tears. It was all just what she thought.

She said, "I'm still very tired. I'll go back to the hotel."

Kenna turned and walked out of the hospital, her tears never falling in front of them.

Aurelia watched Kenna's departing figure, feeling a pang of sadness.

Kenna wasn't their biological daughter, but she grew up with them. Aurelia truly treated her like her own, especially considering her parents had passed away, giving her extra compassion.

Seeing Kenna so lost and heartbroken, Aurelia felt deeply pained.

But in the end, Aurelia didn't let Ambrose comfort Kenna.

She selfishly agreed with Ambrose's approach.

If only Kenna could help Brooks recover, she preferred to believe Ambrose and Kenna had no real feelings.

Ambrose's father, Leopold Valois, couldn't stand it anymore.

Leopold turned to Ambrose and said, "We'll pretend we didn't hear what you just said. Now that Kenna's gone, go after her and explain properly. Don't let this cause a rift between you two."

Ambrose's fingers clenched tighter.

He saw the sadness in Kenna's eyes.

But sometimes, a short pain was better than a long one.

Kenna liked Brooks so much. If she were truly with Brooks, without the constraints of their marriage, she would be happy.

Ambrose chose silence, ignoring Leopold's words.

Leopold sighed.

How did their family end up like this?

Since that day, Brooks had cooperated well with the doctors.

The doctors said Brooks's recovery was excellent. Today, he just needed one more check-up. If all indicators were normal, he could move to a regular ward.

Leopold and Aurelia were thrilled, finally seeing Brooks leave the ICU.

The check-up went smoothly, and Brooks moved to a regular ward.

The doctors said he could be discharged in a week to recover at home.

This was undoubtedly good news.

Everyone staying at the hospital wasn't a solution.

They moved Brooks to a new warf.

The family finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mom and Dad, thank you. You've been worried about me all this time," Brooks said emotionally from his bed.

"As long as you're okay, we'll endure anything," Aurelia said excitedly.

It was clear Brooks's attitude had changed since leaving the ICU. He was no longer pessimistic, much like before the accident.

"I'll adjust myself and try not to disappoint you," Brooks promised.

"You've never disappointed us. You've always been our pride," Aurelia said firmly, holding Brooks's hand.

Brooks smiled at Aurelia, a touching mother-son moment.

It was heartwarming. Ambrose was also in the ward.

He was there when Brooks left the ICU.

He stood not far from them, fiddling with his lighter, looking like an outsider.

After talking with Aurelia, Brooks turned his gaze to Kenna.

Kenna was busy with the nurse, familiarizing herself with Brooks's ward and asking about his upcoming rehabilitation.

She was meticulous about Brooks's care.

"Kenna, thank you," Brooks said sincerely.

Kenna turned and smiled, "You're welcome. It's my duty."

"If it weren't for your encouragement, I wouldn't have come out of the darkness so quickly or accepted this reality," Brooks said. "Thank you for your support."

Kenna smiled lightly, accepting his gratitude.

Then she turned back to ask the nurse more detailed questions.

Ambrose prepared to leave the room.

"Ambrose," Leopold suddenly called, "Where are you going?"

"I'm planning to go back to Phoenix City," Ambrose said calmly.

"Now?" Leopold was surprised.

He didn't expect Ambrose to leave so soon. Would it just be them and Brooks after that?

"The company hasn't been visited in a while. I need to check on things. I got a call a few days ago about some uncertain projects that need my attention," Ambrose said indifferently. "Brooks seems to be doing well. You can take care of him. I'm just in the way here."

Leopold sighed.

Hearing Ambrose's self-deprecating "in the way" made him feel sad.

Did Ambrose always feel he was dispensable in this family?

"Then I'm leaving," Ambrose said, ready to go.

"I'll see you off," Kenna suddenly said.

Ambrose's body trembled. He turned to look at Kenna.

Since Kenna heard Ambrose's words that day, they had barely communicated in the past three days.

They still stayed in the same hotel room, but their schedules were different.

She took the day shift, he took the night shift. He took the night shift, she took the day shift.

Today, they crossed paths because Brooks left the ICU.

Ambrose could sense Kenna's rejection.

He didn't expect Kenna to suddenly approach him.

Before Ambrose could speak, Brooks said, "Kenna, are you leaving too?"

He looked very downcast, completely different from his earlier cheerful demeanor.

Aurelia also looked at Kenna nervously, afraid she would leave with Ambrose.

Kenna replied, "I'm not leaving, just seeing Ambrose off."