Chapter 66

Priscilla placed the report on the table. "The doctor says if he wants to recover, the only option is to re-break and reset the bones."

At the mention of re-breaking bones, Ryder immediately lowered his head in silence.

Priscilla's gaze swept back and forth between Ryder and Haven.

"If you're unwilling, once the bones fully heal, your leg will basically be permanently lame." Priscilla added.

As the only labor force in the family now, if Ryder collapsed, this household might truly be finished.

Haven couldn't help crying. "What did I do to deserve this! Lynn, please, just help your father this once. We really can't survive!"

Watching them cry before her, Priscilla felt something hollow out inside her chest.

Paxton still hadn't appeared, yet Ryder and Haven were placing all their hopes on her.

"Priscilla's been having a hard time lately too—she doesn't have that much money! Even your medical expenses, she had to borrow from others!" Kieran, who'd been mostly silent, suddenly spoke up.

Priscilla glanced at Kieran in surprise.

Understanding he was speaking up for her, Priscilla showed a troubled expression. "It's not that I'm unwilling to help—I'm in difficulties myself right now."

"But you have a car! You're a Medici family heiress. Just twenty-some thousand dollars—surely the Medici family can afford that!" Haven said anxiously.

Priscilla said nothing, just turned to look at Ewan behind her.

Not expecting the couple to say such things, Ewan's face showed embarrassment.

"However wealthy the Medici family is, that's their business—what does it have to do with you!" Ewan snapped at them irritably.

Ryder reached out to grab Priscilla. "Lynn, consider this money a loan. If we ever get the chance, we'll definitely pay you back."

Pay back?

For these two to repay this money—who knew how many centuries that would take.

"Borrowing isn't impossible, but I need Paxton to come ask me himself." Priscilla said.

"Why do you want him back?" Mentioning her precious son made Haven nervous.

Who knew how many debt collectors were out there—if they found Paxton, they really would chop off his hands and break his legs!

Thinking of the possible consequences made Haven frantic.

Ewan couldn't bear it anymore. "I'm saying—what could be more important than Ryder's leg right now! Do you want him to be lame forever!"

"Paxton is young—he can earn money however in the future. Lynn's willingness to lend you money is already generous!"

Ewan's voice wasn't small, making Haven instinctively shrink.

"But Paxton is our only child now!" She said quietly.

Only child?

Priscilla noticed Kieran's body sway slightly beside her.

She instinctively reached out to gently steady his arm.

"You're right. The Anderson family does only have Paxton now. So the choice is entirely yours." Priscilla smiled faintly. "I've already paid the medical expenses. If nothing comes up, you can be discharged in a couple days. Consider this repayment for the years you raised me."

With that, Priscilla was first to leave the hospital room.

Sitting in the car, Priscilla gripped the steering wheel and buried her head against it, exhaling deeply.

She'd thought she'd let it go long ago, but hearing Haven say only Paxton remained—she still couldn't help feeling hurt.

The car door opened. Kieran got in too.

Priscilla lifted her head, acting as if nothing was wrong.

"Have something warm." Kieran handed her a cup of hot chocolate.

Priscilla took it and took a big gulp. The sweet taste improved her mood considerably.

"Priscilla, I've thought it through. They probably never truly considered us their children. If that's the case, I don't need to keep feeling guilty." Kieran said, forcing lightness.

Though she didn't know what they'd discussed in her absence, seeing him come to terms with it brought Priscilla some comfort.

She deposited money into Ryder and Haven's hospital account—enough to last until discharge.

The hot chocolate finished, her mood much improved, Priscilla tossed the trash, fastened her seatbelt. "Let's go home!"

Wind blew into the driver's seat. Priscilla suddenly felt grateful—grateful she'd really come back.

Otherwise, Ryder and Haven might actually have died.

"By the way, why do you insist on Paxton coming back? He's not a good person." Kieran didn't like Paxton.

Priscilla glanced at Kieran. "Since you know he's not good, you should know he'll stop at nothing in the future."

Paxton was like a ticking time bomb—who knew when he'd cause trouble.

In that case, she might as well take the initiative.

Kieran agreed.

"I heard before that people who get into gambling eventually lose their humanity. Looks like Paxton's already lost his." Kieran said with feeling.

If Paxton learned Priscilla had the ability to help repay debts, who knew if he'd come looking.

What Priscilla didn't say was that she was more worried Quinlan would find Paxton.

After the broken engagement, Quinlan would definitely try to pin the blame on her. Whether Bianca believed it or not, her situation would be very difficult.

But this wasn't the time to tell Kieran.

"Don't worry. The security around our building is top-tier. No one can easily get in." Priscilla said with a smile.

Even if Paxton wanted to disguise himself as staff, it would be impossible.

Returning home, Priscilla shut herself directly in her studio.

The materials had arrived—now came the production process.

Knowing Priscilla was busy, Kieran took Verity out to play.

The competition was approaching. These past days, Priscilla devoted herself entirely to designing her work, naturally unaware of news about Visconti Group.

"Aiden, I'll personally attend this press conference." After reviewing the documents, Algernon closed the file.

"Mr. Visconti?" Aiden looked at Algernon in surprise. "You already have plans this afternoon."

Algernon glanced at Aiden.

"I'll clear your previous schedule immediately." Aiden said perceptively.

Emerging from the conference room, Aiden faced several confused expressions.

"Mr. Williams, what's with Mr. Visconti lately? Why is he so interested in Golden Throne—not only sponsoring prize money but attending personally?" One person couldn't help asking.

Others chimed in agreement.

Aiden's face was stern. "Is this something you should be concerned about? Seems like you all have too much free time."