Chapter 392 Seeking Verification

After Vincent finished his call with Isabella, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He sat up in his hospital bed, anxiously staring at the door. He wanted his son to come quickly, but he also dreaded the questions about Rowan that might follow.

The door opened, and Vincent's eyes lit up as he quickly straightened his posture. But when he saw it was Jeremy who entered, his excitement faded.

Noticing the change in Vincent's expression, Jeremy nervously asked, "Mr. Johnson, am I not welcome here? If I've done something wrong, please tell me, and I'll fix it."

"No, no, Jeremy, don't misunderstand. You've always been a good kid," Vincent said awkwardly, trying to reassure him.

Jeremy sighed in relief and brought over the meal he had prepared. "You scared me. I thought you were upset with me. This is a nutritious meal I made for you. I heard from Qiana that you don't like the hospital food."

"Jeremy, do you like Qiana?" Vincent asked cautiously.

Jeremy's face turned red, and he coughed to hide his embarrassment. "I love Qiana more than my own life," he said seriously.

Vincent smiled with relief. As a father who had been absent for many years, it comforted him to see such a fine young man care for his daughter.

He sighed and said, "I don't know much about Qiana's previous marriage, but seeing how she's changed over the years, I know it must have been tough for her. I haven't been there for her, and she's suffered because of it. I just want her to be happy from now on."

"Mr. Johnson, I promise I'll do everything I can to make Qiana happy," Jeremy vowed solemnly.

Vincent nodded, feeling reassured.

Just then, a voice startled both Vincent and Jeremy. Michael entered the room with a stern expression.

Jeremy frowned and said, "Be careful, you're scaring Mr. Johnson..."

"Leave us. I need to talk to him," Michael said darkly.

Jeremy noticed something was off with Michael and asked with concern, "Michael, what's wrong?"

"Get out!" Michael shouted at Jeremy.

Vincent sighed and said, "Jeremy, please step outside."

"Michael, what's going on? You look like you're ready to explode. Remember, Mr. Vincent Johnson is your father, and he's sick. Don't..."

"Out," Michael said, pushing Jeremy out and locking the door behind him.

Jeremy paced anxiously outside, worried about what might happen inside but too afraid to force his way in. He was about to call Qiana when Terry sneaked over.

Terry took Jeremy's phone and said mysteriously, "I advise you not to call Qiana right now. If you do, you'll lose any chance you have."

Jeremy frowned and grabbed Terry by the neck. "What do you know? Tell me."

Terry, bursting with secrets, couldn't hold it in any longer. He told Jeremy everything he had overheard on the surveillance.

Jeremy's eyes widened in shock. "Not only is my future father-in-law alive, but my future mother-in-law is too?"

"That's right," Terry confirmed with a nod.

"This is unbelievable," Jeremy muttered. He knew he needed to discuss this with Michael before telling Qiana.

"Should we listen in?" Terry suggested, eyeing the door.

They exchanged a look and both leaned forward, pressing their ears to the door.

Inside the room, Michael stared at Vincent, his face expressionless.

Vincent, feeling guilty, apologized softly, "Michael, I'm sorry."

"Do you think 'sorry' is enough?" Michael said coldly. "I want the truth."

"Alright, I'll tell you everything," Vincent said, taking a deep breath. He explained everything, including his relationship with Wendy.

As Michael listened, a bitter smile formed on his lips. "You think you're some kind of hero, don't you? You stayed away all these years, hiding with Wendy, just to protect her secret. You didn't want us to know she was alive, afraid we'd blame her for abandoning us. You let us misunderstand you, all for her. Your love for her is truly touching."

"I never thought I was a hero," Vincent said, covering his face as tears streamed through his fingers. "I failed her, and I failed you. I didn't fulfill my duties as a husband or a father. I stayed away because I was ashamed and didn't know how to face you. I didn't know what to say when you asked about your mother. I was a coward. You can hate me, blame me. I hate myself too."

"You are a coward," Michael said harshly. "You didn't even try to find out the truth. Whether she hated you or had amnesia, you let her live with our enemy for years."

"Michael," Vincent reached out, grabbing Michael's arm, tears streaming down his face.

Michael pulled away, unable to bear the sight, and left the room.

As he opened the door, Jeremy and Terry nearly fell inside. They quickly stood up, giving him awkward smiles.

"Let's go for a drink," Michael said coldly, not stopping as he walked away.

The two followed him, eager to learn more. They went to a bar Jeremy had invested in, where they had a private room.

"Imagine thinking your parents were dead for twenty years, only to find out they're both alive and have new partners. How would you feel?" Michael asked, downing several drinks.

Jeremy patted his shoulder sympathetically.

Terry seized the moment to ask, "Michael, what's going on? Is your mother really alive?"

Jeremy joined in, "Yeah, Michael, what's the story? Does your sister know?"

Michael shook his head in pain and continued drinking, not saying another word.