Chapter 132 A Promise Worth Waiting For

Chapter 132 A Promise Worth Waiting For

Grace didn't leave the hospital room until her father had fallen asleep.

Michael had just returned with some supplies. Seeing the radiant smile on Grace's face, he knew her father's recovery must be going well.

"What are you planning to do next?" Michael handed Grace a bottle of water. "You look so happy—I'm guessing you've already figured something out?"

Grace sighed. "Honestly, I'm not overthinking things anymore. The fact that my father woke up is already a huge comfort to me. I'm not asking for anything more."

She paused, a thoughtful gleam crossing her eyes.

"Jonathan hasn't bothered me these past few days. I imagine Caroline's been keeping him plenty occupied. In a way, she's actually doing me a favor."

"But this whole mess can only be resolved once we're back home. There's no point stressing about it now."

"I know," Michael nodded. "But that's not what I was asking about. I want to know—how do you feel about Jonathan now?"

"How do you think I feel?" Grace looked puzzled. "You can't seriously believe I still have feelings for him, can you? If I did, I would've reconciled with him ages ago. Why would I wait until now?"

"Of course that's not what I meant," Michael quickly clarified. "I'm asking if you have any lingering attachment to him. If he came to you begging for forgiveness, would you ever take him back?"

"Absolutely not." Grace's answer came without hesitation, and her expression turned cold.

"From the moment he betrayed me, I made up my mind. No matter what happens, I will never go back to him. Besides, someone like him isn't worth holding onto, is he?"

Michael couldn't argue with that. If nothing else, Grace had been hurt beyond repair.

And if that was truly the case, then he could finally set his mind at ease.

"Why are you asking me this?" Grace asked, genuinely confused.

"No reason." Michael cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Are you sure there's nothing you want to tell me?" Grace tilted her head, studying him.

Michael felt a sudden tightness in his chest. Before he could stop himself, the words tumbled out. "I want to know—if you truly have no feelings left for Jonathan, then once everything is settled, could you… be with me?"

"Why wait until everything's settled?"

"Because I know you're not in the right headspace to think about romance right now," Michael said earnestly. "At this critical moment, I don't want to add to your stress."

"I want you to handle everything you need to first. Only then can I be with you openly and without any complications."

"That way, you'll have peace of mind. Don't you think?"

Michael had thought this through long ago. Of course he wanted to be with Grace—he'd dreamed of it constantly.

But wanting something and actually achieving it were two different things.

What mattered most was that he wanted Grace to be with him wholeheartedly, without distractions.

That's why he'd kept their interactions casual these past few days. He didn't want to upset her.

What if she wasn't ready for romance, and he pushed too hard? What then?

Grace looked at him, visibly moved. "Is that really how you feel?"

"Of course." Michael smiled warmly. "I've thought about this very carefully. I don't want you to put too much pressure on yourself. That could lead to mistakes."

"I'm confident that once you've taken care of everything, you'll choose to be with me. I'm willing to wait for that day."

"Thank you," Grace whispered, her eyes brimming with tears.

This was exactly what she'd wanted to hear—more beautiful than any words in the world.

She was deeply touched that someone was willing to wait for her so patiently.

No matter how long it took, no matter how much energy it required, even if the outcome was uncertain—he was still willing to wait.

What an extraordinary thing that was.

But now, at least, she was certain of one thing: Michael's heart had always been with her. And he was nothing like Jonathan. That was enough.

"I'll resolve the research institute situation as soon as possible," Grace said, wiping her tears. "I'm planning to have a serious talk with Charles."

"This whole thing was his doing. I need to confront him directly."

"If he's willing to tell the truth, I don't care how much it costs—I'm getting my research back."

Grace knew this approach meant she'd be at a disadvantage.

After all, the research was hers to begin with. Now she'd have to buy it back.

But she couldn't think of any other way.

Was she just supposed to stand by and watch as someone else stole what rightfully belonged to her?

This was the only solution Grace could come up with. Whether it would work remained to be seen.

Still, at least now, life finally seemed to have a glimmer of hope.

"All right, I should get going," Michael said gently. "I've been away from the institute too long. There's still a lot to handle there, and I can't let it slide any further. Don't worry about the director—I'll take care of everything on that front."

"Thank you," Grace said gratefully. "I'm so lucky to have you. You've helped me so much. I honestly don't know what I would've done without you."

After seeing Michael off, Grace returned to her father's room.

He was already asleep.

She sat by his bedside for a long time, lost in thought.

Everything that had happened recently replayed in her mind like a film reel.

For a while, she'd felt like life had no hope left. But now, she felt reinvigorated.

It was time to deal with Charles.

A cold glint flashed in Grace's eyes.

She'd been far too lenient with him before, which was why he'd fed her nothing but lies.

But things were different now.

This time, she wouldn't hold back.

Meanwhile, Charles's situation wasn't looking good either.

His original plan had been to collaborate with Grace. But when she refused, he'd been forced to steal her research instead.