Chapter 212
"Aren't you mistaken? Lucinda isn't even our family member. Why would my mother want to speak with her alone?"
David was the first to raise an objection.
The doctor glanced at him, his tone certain. "I didn't relay the message incorrectly. Mrs. Alicia Percy specifically wants to see Lucinda."
David's expression darkened. He looked at Leopold with anger and resentment. "Leopold, you're really something."
Displeased by his sarcasm, I was about to retort.
Donovan spoke first. "David, are you dissatisfied with your mother's decision, or dissatisfied that you've been overshadowed by your junior?"
David's expression shifted slightly. "Dad, I don't mean to be dissatisfied. It's just that Mom has never liked Lucinda. Why would she specifically want to see her alone this time? Don't you find that strange?"
Donovan snorted coldly. "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Drop your schemes. Whom your mother chooses to see is her freedom. It's not your place to question it."
David was unconvinced. "Dad, isn't what you're saying a bit excessive? Everyone in the Percy family knows you favor Leo. Even though Mom hasn't interfered with the Percy Group operations, she still holds 18% of the shares. What if..."
"Outrageous!" Donovan angrily slapped the armrest. "Your mother is still in the operating room, and instead of caring about her, you're concerned about her shareholdings?"
Seeing Donovan was truly angry, David didn't dare continue.
"Grandfather, please don't get upset." Leopold stepped forward to comfort Donovan.
Still angry, Donovan turned and told David to get lost.
David slunk away.
Once he left, Amelia also came over to placate Donovan.
Donovan shook his head. "I've long known he wasn't worthy of great responsibility, which is why I never chose him as the Percy Group heir from the start."
"But I never imagined that as he grew older, his ambition would grow too, to the point where he can't even tolerate his own family."
Those last words made my heart clench.
I'd heard from Amelia before that the Percy family wasn't peaceful internally, and Leopold was under great pressure, but every time I saw Leopold, he seemed very composed.
I'd always thought Amelia was exaggerating.
But just now, David's mention of Alicia's shares and Donovan's words made me suddenly realize David must have been causing plenty of trouble behind the scenes.
Otherwise, Donovan wouldn't have spoken of him this way.
So everything Amelia said was true.
When I realized I was feeling indignant on Leopold's behalf, I quickly reined in my emotions.
"Mrs. Alicia Percy has woken up. She wants to see Lucinda." Just then, a nurse came to fetch me.
"Okay." I stood up to follow her.
The moment I stepped forward, Leopold grabbed my hand.
"Lucinda, no matter what Grandmother says to you, remember this." His fingers forcefully pried open my fingers, inserting themselves forcefully and clasping tightly. "From now on, I choose my own path. No one can interfere."
"Even if I'm wrong, I accept it."
His words rang out resoundingly, hammering against my heart one by one.
Just as my defenses were about to crumble, I remembered how I'd once considered forgiving him before.
But Leopold had said it was just a means of revenge against me.
I couldn't waver.
I pulled my hand away.
Calmly, I said to the nurse, "Please lead the way."
As I passed Leopold, I saw his eyes suddenly darken.
Even though I hadn't responded to him, he still followed behind me, escorting me to Alicia's hospital room door.
Pushing the door open, I saw Alicia wearing an oxygen mask, lying propped up in the hospital bed.
Her completely white hair, combined with her pallid complexion, made her look very haggard.
Only her gaze as she looked at me remained the same as before.
Displeased and stern.
"Lucinda, you promised not to return for a while."
Before coming, I'd guessed she would definitely bring up our previous agreement.
"Mrs. Alicia Percy, I did make that promise, but the prerequisite was that you keep Leopold stable and prevent him from coming to find me."
Alicia frowned. "Couldn't you have run? Gravenford Kingdom isn't Silverlight City. If you'd wanted to run, how could he possibly have caught you?"
"That's because you don't understand him." My tone was flat. "When has Leopold ever failed to get what he wants?"
Alicia glanced at me. "So what do you plan to do now? Leave or stay?"
I walked slowly to the foot of the bed. "Mrs. Alicia Percy, things have changed. I can't control whether I leave or stay. Even if you wanted to interfere, I'm afraid you're willing but unable."
Perhaps my words were too blunt. Alicia choked and started coughing.
Only her illness was too severe—even her coughing sounded weak and feeble.
"Never mind. Leo has grown up now. Forget me—even Donovan is probably helpless."
"In that case, let's change the terms this time."
"You stay and keep him company properly."
She said all this in one breath, as if certain I would agree.
I laughed softly. "I refuse."
Alicia's expression turned angry. "Lucinda, don't be ungrateful!"
"Even though the Percy and Wipere families have a good private relationship, the Wipere family has always been a step below the Percy family. Without the Percy family's protection over the years, do you think the Wipere family could have lasted until today?"
"I'm not demanding gratitude for favors rendered. Instead, I'm following your wishes and agreeing to let you stay by Leo's side. What more could you want!"
"Refusing you means being ungrateful? Mrs. Alicia Percy, you're far too arrogant." I looked directly into her eyes, my tone unwavering. "The Wipere family's development to this day relies on my father's solid management. From the first day Leopold and I were together, he anticipated people would say this, so he's always been careful not to give anyone leverage."
"I love Leopold, but that doesn't mean I'm beneath him. Setting aside my identity as Leopold's fiancée, I'm also a ballet dancer who's won many awards and was once invited by the top Royal Ballet Company."
Alicia said dismissively, "The Percy family's grandson's wife doesn't need to be outstanding—just obedient, compliant, and not causing trouble for the Percy family."
I took a deep breath, suppressing my anger.
I smiled. "Then I wish you luck finding the daughter-in-law you want."
Alicia's face flushed red with anger. I quickly said, "Mrs. Alicia Percy, now that we've finished talking, I won't disturb your rest."
Before she could say more, I turned and left the room. The moment I stepped out, Leopold, who'd been waiting outside, quickly took two steps to stand before me.
"What did Grandmother say to you?"
I'd originally planned to brush him off, but hearing the barely perceptible tension in his tone, I changed my mind. "She said I'm not worthy of you and told me to keep my distance from you."
I didn't mention Alicia saying the Wipere family only had today because of the Percy family.
Because I was afraid Leopold thought the same way.
After hearing this, Leopold's gaze immediately darkened. "That's only Grandmother's personal opinion. It doesn't represent mine."
I remained silent.
Leopold wanted to say more when Alicia called his name from inside the room.
"Wait for me. I'll come find you after I finish talking with Grandmother."
After he reluctantly went inside, looking back every few steps, I didn't linger for a moment—I turned and left.
Just as I walked out of the hospital, Ethan called me again.
Looking at that flashing number, I hesitated for a long time before answering.
"Ethan, what is it?"
The other end was silent for several seconds before a voice came through.