Chapter 132
What I said made Grace's expression change.
It seems she already knew something about the possibility that William might not be Robert's biological son.
Maybe her real intention was to find out whether we had another will that Robert had made, or maybe she wanted us to understand that Robert could no longer make a legally valid will, so we had no right to fight for the inheritance and should back off on our own.
Did they overestimate The Novagen Group's strength, or underestimate Oscar's ability? Did they really think Oscar would want a company that was already in the red?
We stayed quiet and waited for the nurses to finish cleaning up before going back into the room.
"Grace, I'll stay with Mr. Lopez for now. If you're tired, feel free to head home and rest," I said, trying to be considerate.
Grace shook her head quickly. "No need. I'll wait until Gregory gets here. You're just a young woman — what do you know about taking care of a patient? Besides, your health isn't great either. I can't let you wear yourself out."
I just smiled and said nothing. Was she afraid I'd do something while she wasn't watching?
So I stood up and said to Robert, "Mr. Lopez, please get some rest. I'll come see you again tomorrow."
Robert stared at me for a long moment, then carefully asked, "You're not taking me home? Emma, will you take me home?"
Grace stepped forward and tucked his blanket in. "Dad, there are so many people here with you. Don't worry."
Just then, Gregory walked in carrying a food container. "What's going on, Mom? Is Grandpa okay?"
He had just set the container down when Robert grabbed his clothes tightly and said, "Are you my son? Take me to find my mom — no, wait, I can't do that. If my mom finds out you're not my son, she'll be so upset it'll kill her."
Gregory was confused. "Grandpa, it's me, Gregory. Don't be scared. The whole family is here. You don't need to be afraid."
Robert studied his face carefully, looking puzzled. "Gregory? You're Gregory? Did you bring Emma back?"
Gregory frowned. "What Emma? She can't come back, Grandpa. Lie down first. When you're better, I'll take you home, okay?"
Robert looked over at me, confused. "Did you two have a fight?"
Gregory followed his gaze and looked at me, a hint of guilt on his face. He quickly turned and said, "We didn't fight, Grandpa. We're fine."
After calming Robert down, he quietly explained to me, "Grandpa gets a little confused sometimes. He can't recognize people. He probably mistook you for Emma. Please don't take it personally."
I avoided his searching gaze. "Since you're all here, I'll head out."
"Wait." Gregory quickly reached out and grabbed my arm.
"Gregory —" Grace's voice carried a warning. "Ms. Wilson is leaving. Why are you stopping her? Didn't you listen to what I told you before?"
Gregory ignored her and pulled me by the hand toward the door. "I need to talk to you."
I frowned, shook his hand off, and looked at him coldly. "Say what you need to say right here."
Gregory looked at my face, troubled and confused. "Emily, you weren't like this with me before. Is it because I suddenly told you I loved you, and now you don't want to be around me? I just like you. Is that wrong?"
Before I could say anything, Grace grabbed Gregory and pulled him back inside.
Gregory's face was twisted with frustration. "Mom, I know exactly how I feel. I want to be with her. If Uncle Oscar is willing, I can offer him control of The Novagen Group in exchange."
I watched his earnestness with some amusement. "Gregory, are you saying you'd do anything as long as I agree to be with you?"
Gregory nodded without hesitation. "Yes. Anything."
Grace watched me like she was facing a threat, her eyes full of warning.
I raised an eyebrow and smiled, not looking at Grace. "Because of Sophia — the mess between you two makes me uneasy. But Oscar doesn't make me feel that way. He only loves me. So tell me, if you were in my position, what would you choose?"
Gregory rushed to explain. "Nothing happened between us..."
I looked at him with a calm, amused expression.
He quickly lowered his head in regret. "I've explained this so many times. The baby was an accident. I was drunk. I didn't know what was happening. I swear, I never made a move on her."
"But you never said no either, did you? That's why I don't like men who can't make up their minds. You say you'll do anything — then have her get an abortion, then send her out of the country. Solstice or wherever. Do that, and maybe I'll reconsider." I said it calmly.
Gregory's face fell. "But if she loses this baby, I'm afraid she won't be able to go on..."
I walked to the door. "Then go be with her and your child. Live your life together. I wish you both happiness."
With that, I opened the door and walked out.
Once I was out of the hospital, I sent Bianca a message: [Let the legal team know — tomorrow, draft a termination notice for our contract with The Novagen Group. Pull out from their counters and brand stores. Have the tech team's e-commerce site go live for testing tomorrow, and start working with vendors to push full promotion.]
Bianca: [Got it.]
I had partnered with The Novagen Group for one reason only — to push them over the edge when they were already on the verge of collapse.
I had to give Gregory some credit. The baby Sophia was carrying had successfully pushed Gregory to quietly move twenty million dollars out of the company. It wasn't a huge amount, but the domino effect was what mattered. SoftGlow Biotech pulling out of its partnership with The Novagen Group wasn't just a signal — it was the first domino to fall.
Gregory, are you ready? Brace yourself for the storm.