Ch. 191..195: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 191-195

Chapter 191: Kind of weird

Both Ashley and Tristan looked at Tori who stood a few steps away with a glass of water in her hand.

The second she stepped out of the kitchen, her eyes bulge out in shock watching Tristan being pushed by Ashley on the couch. The way the supreme leader landed on his butt whining made her jaw drop.

The supreme leader she had seen back then was acting like a clingy husband. The cold heart man who never bat an eye before snapping at his enemy was now acting all spoiled in front of his wife.

’Is this the end of the world’ Tori couldn’t believe her eyes and closed her mouth and cleared her throat making them both snapped their head in her direction.

"W-water" she barely spoke showing the glass in her hand and quickly walked towards them, placing the glass on the table and turning back dashing straight into the kitchen.

Ashley blinked her eyes, looking at Tori’s quick reflex and she turned her head at Tristan who was just as astonished as her, and said," Did she see everything?"

Tristan shrugged his head, staring at Ashley. Quickly composing his posture, Tristan sat properly on the couch and reached his hand to pick up the glass of water before gulping it down.

"I thought she wasn’t coming," Tristan said placing the glass back on the table and stood up, walking toward Ashley.

"She seems kind of weird to me" he exclaimed.

The way Tori reacted in front of him made him doubt whether the girl was comfortable around people or not. She was so timid, that made him think whether she had any kind of problem with him.

Tristan remembered that he was polite to her then why would she get scared by him?

Ashley frown at Tristan’s remark. "Why do you think like that?" she asked as they both headed back to their room.

All the way to their room Tristan was finding words to prove his statement earlier and once they were in front of their bedroom door she heard him say," I don’t know... but the way she got scared of me made me think that way"

Opening the door, they both stepped in and closed the door.

"She is scared of you... are you serious" Ashley chuckled as she couldn’t believe what Tristan thought about Tori.

He was the funniest person, she had ever seen. Though sometimes in his anger, he little bit scares her but that was not the way he was defining it.

Tristan pursed his lips into a thin line and silently followed her. Sitting next to her on the couch Tristan shrugged his shoulder thinking in what way he scared Tori but nothing came out of it.

Brushing off the topic Tristan tried to change the conversation, "By the way, you did tell me about the sponsor who invested in the ad shoot for Alaska cosmetics"

Tristan tried to play it calmly without letting her know the real intention behind his statement.

He had somehow managed to skip Ashley’s thoughts from the previous topic which led to their fight. And now, he didn’t want her to sense anything suspicious in his words.

"Lucan Scott, one of the top businessmen. You must be knowing him" she asked excitedly turning herself at him.

Tristan acted as if he was thinking something and nodded his head," Yes, I know him but, why is he suddenly investing his money into something which he isn’t confident about"

Tristan tried to gather information as much as he can from Ashley since he wanted to know about the scheme Gabriel was plotting through Lucan. So he had to act normal.

"I don’t know but I’ve heard from Miley that, he is launching his nephew through this small ad into the modeling industry" Ashley’s words made Tristan frown.

As far as Tristan knows, Lucan doesn’t have any siblings then, from where did this nephew come from?

Ashley saw Tristan spacing out," Is there any problem" her concerned tone made him snap out of his thoughts.

Tristan shook his head before he pulled Ashley closer to him, wrapping his arm around her shoulder," Don’t get swayed by that new model. I won’t be there to warn him"

Tristan didn’t want to sound jealous but when Ashley mentioned the new model, he suddenly felt defensive. It was not like he didn’t trust Ashley. He believed her more than himself but he had no guarantee about the people around her.

The fatigue on Ashley’s face was replaced with a playful grin as she watched Tristan marking his territory already. She thought of agreeing to him but wait... didn’t he tease her downstairs. Now it’s time for a counter-attack.

"What if the new guys look more handsome? How am I supposed to break my eyes from him" Ashley smiled internally when she saw Tristan’s face turn ugly in jealousy.

"Then I should find a way to replace that handsome guy because apart from me, I won’t like my wife gawking at any other man" Tristan’s words came out in possessiveness.

Ashley couldn’t hold back her smile and finally give in. The way he claimed her, made her exceptional.

Moving closer she cupped his cheek and brushed it gently with her thumb, "I don’t intend to look at any other man when I have such a charming husband" as she confessed, the animosity in Tristan’s orbs disappeared.

Moving his hand from her shoulder to the back of her neck, Tristan slightly pulled her face closer until the tip of their nose touched, "You are mine, Ash. Only mine to look at and to love. And whoever dares to lay their dirty eye on you will have to face my wrath" the gentle words suddenly turned into a deadly warning that even took Ashley by surprise and before she opened her mouth to speak, Tristan pulled her for a kiss.

The kiss wasn’t gentle. It came out of the obsession Tristan had towards her and that kind of appalled her.

Ashley didn’t stop him and let him kiss her until he felt better. The moment she felt him nibble her lip Ashley, gasped. Taking the opportunity, Tristan invaded his tongue tangling with hers and began savoring her mouth.

The lips move simultaneously as they both deepened their kiss. Ashley had moved down, reaching Tristan’s heart. She felt his heart thump vividly against his chest and she snapped out of their moment.

Slightly pushing him, Ashley tried to break the kiss and luckily she managed when Tristan senses her discomfort.

Pulling away Tristan opened his eyes and stared at Ashley who was still trying to grasp her breathing. And once she stabilized, Ashley slowly opened her eyes, looking at Tristan with concern.

She didn’t say a word but her silence made Tristan realize what he was trying to do and that made him feel guilty the next second.

"Sorry I lost control," he said resting their forehead together, and then pulled her closer to him resting his chin on her head.

He again let his insecure thought control his rational mind. Tristan opened his mouth to say something but Ashley’s words stopped him.

"It’s okay" bringing her hand to his back she gently brushed it.

She could understand his insecurity and it was normal. She didn’t mind if he tried to show it with action. If it was her at his place, she would have done the same.

Tristan relaxed as her words soothe him. Taking a deep breath he kissed her head and tightened his grip around her.

It was his way of letting her know that she belonged to him in every sense and no outsider will ever be able to break them apart.

****

Alice returned back to her cabin once she finished the photoshoots. Taking the chair for herself she leaned back closing her eyes.

Now that her distraction was gone, the thoughts from morning again came rushing through her mind. Snap opening her eyes, She pulled herself straight up and reached out her hand to pick up her from the table ahead.

Quickly typing something, she pressed the send button and kept waiting anxiously for the reply.

DING!!!

As her phone buzzed, she looked at the screen and a satisfying smile appeared on her lips. Getting up, she took her bag and walked out of the studio. On her way out of the studio building, she booked a cab for herself.

After some time the cab came and Alice quickly stepped in before it drove away.

Reaching Bluebird cafe, Alice stepped out of the cab and ended after paying the fare.

Looking for a familiar face, Alice scanned the shop and once she found the person, she walked toward the table.

"I hope I didn’t disturb you," Alice said taking the seat and looking at Avera who was waiting for her.

The second she received a text from Alice, asking her to meet at Bluebird cafe, she couldn’t reject it. She believed that it must be related to the issue she spoke to her last night which was why she asked her to meet her.

Asking her chauffeur to drop her off as soon as possible Avera reached the spot waiting for Alice to arrive. Since the place wasn’t far from her house Avera reached the cafe before Alice did.

Shaking her head Avera came straight to the point," Did Noah agree to my request?" she asked starring at Alice with hope.

Chapter 192: Blaming Alice

"How can he agree when he is not the one behind Dylan’s misery" Alice’s words made Avera frown and she questioned.

"What do you mean, Noah isn’t the one? I can’t be wrong with the news I got from the resource" Avera was confident that she wasn’t accusing Noah just like that. She had asked someone to find out about it.

Alice could tell that Avera was satisfied with her words. Instead of losing her cool, she remained calm and spoke," Someone mislead you with the wrong information Avera. Yes, Dylan is facing issues, but it isn’t Noah. Someone is trying to frame him by using Noah’s name"

If even a single word Avera told was true then she would’ve discussed about it with Noah. But when he himself isn’t aware of such a big conspiracy against him, how will she ask him to back off?

The frown on Avera’s forehead deepened. How can she be wrong, she had seen the shares which were taken and the name mentioned on it was Wayne. And for her the only Wayne she knew was Noah.

Scoffing in disbelief Avera glared at Alice in anger. She should’ve known, Alice would never go against her man for her and how did she forget, the grudge she hold against Dylan for whatever he did to her?

Avera couldn’t believe, Alice would still be stuck in the past incident. And now she was rooting for Dylan’s failure by using her rich boyfriend.

"Now I understand... why are you defending Noah. That’s because it’s you who want to see Dylan’s downfall" Avera snapped taking Alice by surprise.

She never thought Avera would come to misunderstand her words. She thought explaining everything to Avera will make her look into the matter a little deeper but what she heard from her blew her mind.

"Are you kidding me?... Why would I do that?" Alice didn’t hold back her displease and snapped at her instead.

She didn’t know Avera would come to think so lowly about her. Yes, she never forgave Dylan for whatever he did to her but that doesn’t mean she would go around taking revenge.

If she had to then she would’ve done it long back. Instead, she decided to start a new life away from all those people who became the reason for her miserable life.

"Don’t act so innocent Alice. I know it’s you who must’ve asked Noah to revenge Dylan on your behalf. Such a cunning lady" Avera shook her head in disgust and got up taking her bag.

"But I won’t let you both get succeed. I will use every way to help Dylan because I love him way too much to see him suffer like this" declaring she turned and walk out from there leaving Alice alone.

Looking at her retreating back, Alice sighed in defeat. Avera was just blinded by her love for Dylan. She couldn’t see right and wrong at this moment.

****

Outside

Avera stepped out of the cafe wearing her sunglasses and hopped into the car that was parked out and drove away from there.

"You think, Avera managed to gain Alice’s sympathy," Vincent asked turning his head at Dylan whose eyes were still focused on the entrance of the cafe shop.

They both followed Avera when Dylan got the news of her meeting with Alice from his spies.

"I don’t think so but-" he paused as his eyes shined in satisfaction watching Alice step out of the cafe and continued," One thing I am sure is that the seed I planted in Avera’s heart has finally bloomed into the much-awaited hate, I was rooting for"

Once Alice was out of his sight, Dylan looked at Vincent with an evil grin, "Drive" without mentioning anything further, he instructed the driver and they soon drove from there.

****

Knight mansion

It had been two days since Dante was trying to talk with Grace. But every time, he bought himself to speak something happened and he retreated from speaking.

Even now sitting in his rocking chair, he was finding ways, how to start the conversation.

"Should I wait for Tristan to return from the Brown mansion? His presence can save us from breaking down"

Dante learned about Tristan’s stay at Brown mansion from Gwen and he didn’t know when his grandson was going to return. He knew Tristan would be able to handle Grace’s overflowed emotions and it would be better if he had the backbone to stand for himself and his daughter.

The thought of Grace’s broken self, made his heart bleed. What would happen when she finally learns about his illness?

"Argh!!!... why is it so hard to confront someone" Dante’s personality changed in these years when Tristan over his place as the supreme leader of Jaguar.

If he was that old Dante, he wouldn’t have thought twice before confronting someone but now as he is growing old, even his self-confidence was declining.

As Dante was busy cursing himself, a knock pulled him out of his worried state and he quickly composed himself.

"Yes..." he said and Grace stepped in with a tray of fruits in her hand.

"Why didn’t you come to have breakfast dad" Grace walked deeper inside the room and once she was in front of Dante, she placed the tray on the table and to the seat next to his chair.

When Dante didn’t show up for breakfast, Grace asked the maid to convey the message to his room. But the maid returned with Dante’s message of having no appetite for having breakfast.

She was about to rush to his room when Trevor told her maybe he wasn’t hungry and asked her to take some fruit after some time.

Agreeing his words, Grace didn’t argue much and had her breakfast silently. Once she was done, she walked to Dante’s room with some fruits along.

Sitting in front of him, she started cutting the apple into slices and passed Dante. Without saying a word, Dante kept stuffing the fruit in his mouth, and in no time he finished most of the slices.

"I am full," he said when he couldn’t eat anymore.

Grace looked at the plate and was satisfied that he didn’t act stubborn and ate everything like a good child.

Dante kept his eyes on Grace’s expression, trying to understand how her mood.

’Should I speak?’ he thought biting his tongue.

After much thought, Dante finally mustered the courage again and opened his mouth to speak.

"Grace... umm... I had something to talk about" holding his palm together Dante began to feel nervous. It had been the same for two days, every time he opened his mouth his heart began to pump vividly inside his chest.

Turning her attention to him Grace asked," Go on"

Watching at her calm and composed face, Dante began to feel even more anxious.

"I-I want to tell you about my h-heal.." his words died when someone knocked at the door.

"Just a second" Grace excused herself and went to open the door.

After some time she walked back and informed Dante about some work she had to finish and will soon join him in the conversation.

Once Grace was out of the room, Dante release the breath he had been holding all this while. He then looked at his palm which had turned white because of his firm grip.

"God... this is so hard" Dante rubbed his palm warming it up and looked at the door from where Grace left.

Chapter 193: I know what work you do there

Lucan Scott stepped out from his black Mercedes and rushed inside the tall building where Gabriel shifted his entire base.

"Take me to Gabriel," he said anxiously to the head guard and he soon escorted Lucan to meet his boss.

Once they reach in front of Gabriel’s room, the guard took a step back allowing Lucan to step inside.

Taking a deep breath Lucan tried his best to calm his nerves and opened the door, stepping inside the main office from where Gabriel monitored his entire base.

"I hope you didn’t bring unnecessary spies along with you Lucan" Gabriel turned his attention from the huge surveillance screen swirling his chair to face the man.

"Gabriel... I’ve something important to tell you" Lucan was sweating by now as he rushed to meet him as soon as he learned something which he thought was important for him to know.

His aloof emerald eyes didn’t waver looking at the anxious man and with the same calmness, he asked the man to take a seat.

Wiping off his sweat buds, Lucan did as said and settle down.

"What is it?" Gabriel’s deadpan voice made him look at the man and he gulped.

Lucan had been so persistent to reach here as soon as possible and now when he was finally facing the man, he felt his throat run dry.

When Gabriel had joined hands with Lucan, he was warned to never make any mistake that would upset their boss. But still, he ended up making a mistake that he knew wouldn’t be spared.

"Tristan’s men have been keeping an eye on us. One of his close people even managed to befriend Natalie. Fortunately, she had no idea about you so, he wasn’t able to get anything out of her"

Lucan wasn’t sure when and where Natalie happened to meet him but last night he happened to hear her conversation with one of her friends. Though he couldn’t listen to everything properly but, the name Noah Wayne was heard clearly by him.

The way his daughter sounded smitten by the man confirmed his doubt that somehow, Tristan was behind Noah meeting, Natalie. He was trying every means to know what was cooking between him and Gabriel but unfortunately, his daughter had no clue about it, and his plan got ruined.

Gabriel didn’t react and just kept silent which somehow made Lucan even more anxious. Though he was quiet but Lucan knew something was brewing inside his brain.

After much thinking, Gabriel finally opened his mouth and spoke," Have you arranged everything" he asked as he lifted his gaze to meet Lucan.

Lucan knew what he was talking about, quickly nodded his head, "Everything is been taken care of. No one will ever get doubtful that you aren’t my nephew"

Gabriel wanted to get close to Ashley and for that, he had to disguise his entire identity as someone else. From his name to his features he had to manipulate everything.

"Good, Now get lost before I change my mind from punishing you for your carelessness" Gabriel waved his hand asking him to leave before he comes up with a punishment for his negligence.

Getting Gabriel’s warning, Lucan quickly got up from his chair and rushed out of the room without waiting for a second more.

Once Lucan was out of his sight, Max stepped in. Though he stumbled a little but composed quickly himself before walking towards Gabriel.

"Boss, these are the pictures Tori send me" passing him a folder Max stepped back.

Gabriel opened the folder and looked at the pictures carefully. His expression was still, even Max could understand what he was thinking.

"Tell her to start preparing for the plan" shutting down the folder Gabriel instructed Max and he quickly rushed to inform, Tori.

Gabriel knew Tristan wasn’t someone who easily got scared. So now, he had to target his beloved wife. With her life at stake, Gabriel wanted to make Tristan go through the same pain he went.

He wanted to see him break. He wanted to see his destruction...

"Now you will know, how it feels to see your loved one in pain" Gabriel’s eyes soften remembering the person who was dear to him but because of Tristan, he lost her.

"I will make sure you go through the same pain I went through and that’s my promise... Tristan Knight With my shadow lurking around you will always keep you anxious and make you remember the things you did back then... and I will make sure you get to see it through your wife"

Clutching his palm into a fist, Gabriel closed his eyes as a lone tear streamed down his cheek.

"I will revenge everyone who took you away from me Sandra" the name softly escaped from his mouth like a sweet melody and the void inside his heart widen.

He himself didn’t remember how many times he would end up calling her name, feeling her closer to him as if she was still by his side but then the harsh reality broke his trance.

"How I wished you had seen me just the way you saw Tristan" the pain in his voice was so obvious. Unfortunately, no one was there to see his vulnerability.

Gulping the lump in his throat, Gabriel composed himself averting his eyes at the huge screen behind him.

He made sure his base was located somewhere no one will be able to guess not even Tristan.

*****

Gwen returned back home after meeting Karl. The moment she stepped inside the house she was stopped by Grace’s voice.

"Looks like you finally got the time to get back home" Gwen stopped and turned around staring at Grace in surprise.

"Hehe... mom... what are you doing here and where is dad? Why isn’t he with you" she asked when she couldn’t see her father

Everyone in the house knew how much Trevor liked to tail behind Grace, never leaving her alone even for a second. And the same trait he had passed on to his children except for Gavin who never got involved in a serious relationship.

"He is busy with some work and doesn’t try to change the topic" Closing the magazine in her hand she motioned Gwen to come and take the seat next to her.

Pursing her lips into a thin line, Gwen did as her mother said and quietly sat next to her.

After that hickey incident, Gwen tried her best to ignore Grace’s eyes. She just wanted the mark to disappear before she faces her mother without any worry. Even now she wore a turtleneck top since the mark was still faintly present on her neck.

"Haha...mom why would I change the topic. It’s just that I was so busy with work that I happen to spend more time in Karl’s apartment rather than ours" Scratching her head, she lied.

"I know what work you do there" Grace snorted knowing what couples end up doing most of the time.

Not that she had a problem, but she knew Gwen who liked troubling everyone and Karl wasn’t an exception. Though he wouldn’t complain but she didn’t want him to tolerate Gwen’s every demand.

Gwen pursed her lips and lowered her head. Watching Gwen acting obedient Grace asked," Did Karl like the pancakes you made for him that day"

Grace had seen her wake up early morning and make pancakes for Karl. She knew her daughter would put her entire soul into the things she is desperate to learn and fortunately she didn’t end up messing up the kitchen she did back then.

Sensing Grace’s voice softened, Gwen’s mood instantly cheered up and she answered happily," He just couldn’t stop eating. I was so nervous thinking he might not like it but gladly he ended up finishing everything"

Gwen puffed her chest proudly making Grace smile. She knew Gwen had a liking for cooking but because of her carelessness, she never allowed her to step into the kitchen. But now she could finally relax a little.

"Anyway, where is grandpa? He doesn’t seem to come out of his room. Is he not feeling well" Gwen’s words made Grace remember her conversation with Dante which she left halfway because the maid asked her to come into the kitchen informing the course meal.

"Oh god... how did it skip my mind" Grace cursed herself making Gwen frown.

"What happened, mom? Is everything all right" she asked in concern.

Looking at Gwen she shook her head," Nothing serious. I just remembered something" Grace muttered and got up walking away there.

"Huh! What happened to her" Gwen watched her mother sprint like a kid. Sometimes she couldn’t understand her mother, she asked her to behave like an adult but didn’t she just run like a kid.

Grace quickly reached Dante’s room and was about to step in opening the door when she heard him talk with someone and she stopped with the door slightly open until she could hear his words clearly.

"There isn’t any improvement in my health" his words made her freeze on her feet.

’What is he talking about?’ she mumbled to herself looking at the door in front of her when she heard again.

"Do you think I will survive? " And this time she felt the ground slip underneath her feet making her stumble back in shock.

Chapter 194: There is no guarantee

Grace stumbled back on her feet on the verge of losing her balance when Gwen rushed to hold her at the right moment.

"Mom!!" Gwen stopped Grace from falling.

Her voice was so loud, that even Trevor heard it inside his study and dashed out in hurry.

Grace was shivering, blabbering to herself, scaring the shit out of Gwen. She had never seen her mother so disoriented with her behavior and now she was worried about what happened to her.

Dante ended his call inside the room midway when he heard Gwen’s voice outside his room and shut his eyes sadly. Mustering up the courage once again he turned around and walked towards the door, opening it steadily.

Once the entire door was opened, the view that Dante saw in front of his eyes broke him into pieces. This was what he was scared for.

The state he saw his daughter in, was something he never wanted to see, but he can’t fight the game of fate and now... it was time to face the reality.

Grace who had lost her mind raised her head to look at Dante. The tears that kept streaming down her cheeks were evidence that she knew the truth about what he was trying to hide from her all this time.

"Dad... you can’t die..." her trembling lips called his name and suddenly everything around her turned dark as she slowly lost consciousness, falling limp in Gwen’s arm.

"Grace..."

"Mom..."

Trevor and Dante both rushed towards her while Gwen slowly laid her down.

****

Inside Dante’s room Taylor was checking on Grace’s condition. Once he was done examining, he turned back to see the anxious eyes that waited for his feedback.

"How is she?" both Trevor and Dante asked Taylor.

Looking at both of them Taylor sighed," She is in shock which is why she lost consciousness. I have given her the medicines, let her rest for some time, and make sure when she wakes up you don’t end up stressing her more"

Taylor shot a glare at Dante who just lowered his head in regret. He was aware of Dante’s condition as Matt and Taylor were simultaneously working on his case.

Trevor had articulated Dante’s situation to Taylor along with Matt and even he suggested the same things but the old man was too adamant to listen to them once.

Getting Taylor’s instruction, Taylor walked out of the room along with Trevor who wanted to discuss a few things with him.

Gwen just kept sitting next to her mother, holding her hand and crying silently when suddenly the door of Dante’s room flung open with both Tristan and Ashley rushing in.

"How is she?" Tristan sprinted toward his mother’s side and sat beside her, watching her pale face.

Ashley walked toward Gwen, who was crying silently holding her mother’s hand and placing her hand on her shoulder. The moment she turned her head Gwen wrapped her arm around Ashley’s waist and cried burying her face into her stomach.

Gwen was very sensitive in this matter. She looked so fragile, as she cried like a kid holding her mother for comfort.

Ashley just kept consoling her by brushing her back until she finally calmed down.

"Ashley, take Gwen to her room" Tristan instructed without averting his eyes from Grace’s face.

Nodding their head Ashley and Gwen both exited the room. Now it was only Dante, Tristan, and Grace inside the heavily silent room.

"It’s all my fault" Dante finally opened his mouth after so long.

His heart was breaking every second as he looked at Grace’s pale face. She looked so weak as she slept on the bed.

"It’s no one’s fault grandpa. You did what you felt was right. The situation wasn’t right when you found out about being diagnosed with cancer. Your relationship with mom wasn’t right that time"

Tristan didn’t want Dante to blame himself entirely. He was just trying to protect his daughter. He never thought after all these years of misunderstanding, Grace would finally come to forgive him and give their relationship a chance.

It was a hopeless case for him to even think that Grace would even accept him as her father, after knowing how much hated him back then. But everything changed when she finally started to understand Dante’s situation.

"But she is in this condition because of me" Dante slumped on the chair in defeat. He didn’t expect Grace wouldn’t be able to handle his illness news and end up getting into this condition.

The Grace who always stood strong in front of him lost all her will because of him and now, he couldn’t stop blaming himself.

****

Gwen’s room

Ashley was trying to console Gwen as she couldn’t stop crying. The words she heard from Grace before she fainted still kept ringing in her ears.

’You can’t die’ she heard her say before falling into a deep slumber.

Grandpa Dante was dying, yet he didn’t let anyone know about it or it was only she and Grace who were kept away from such big news.

"He can’t die... grandpa can’t die..." Gwen covered her face, still trying to cope with the news.

Ashley felt bad for both Gwen and Grace. Even she learned this news from Gwen when she called Tristan, but unfortunately, instead of him, Ashley picked up the call.

She didn’t force Tristan to tell her everything as it wasn’t the right time to question him. His silence throughout their drive was the affirmation.

"There must be a way to save him. Tristan wouldn’t have been this calm if there wasn’t any way to cure him"

Medical science these days had advanced and had cures for everything. She was sure there must be hope for him too.

They can’t conclude anything, before considering a few things.

Once Gwen calmed down, Ashley walked to their bedroom where she found Tristan already present. He was talking with someone and as soon as he sensed her presence he quickly finished up his call.

Ashley walked to him as she tried to understand his expression. She could read through it. Just when she stopped in front of him Tristan pulled her into a bone-crushing hug, burying his face into the crook of her neck.

Sensing his trouble, she wrapped her arms around him, brushing his back. They both didn’t speak a word but it was enough for them to convey their pain through their action.

After some time, they finally pulled apart. Ashley didn’t let her eyes drift away from Tristan’s face. He was silent as if he was thinking something but didn’t want to speak yet.

"His body is too weak to reciprocate any treatment. The tumor is spreading tremendously in his body, making him lose the battle" heaving out a sigh Tristan sat at the edge of the bed, dropping his head in defeat.

He was the one who asked Matt to convince Dante to the therapy but even after, they couldn’t see any significant change in his health.

"But there is one hope for him to stay with us but-" he paused lifting his head and looking at Ashley.

"There is no guarantee if it would be entirely successful or not"

It was Taylor on the phone. He told him there was one option they could opt for in Dante’s case, but there isn’t any assurance that he would come out safe or not.

Tristan dictated to her everything that Taylor told him on the call. Though he wasn’t cent percent sure but the way he propose it to him sounded quite hopeful.

"But what if it works" Ashley wanted to see the positive side.

Both Matt and Taylor were skillful doctors who had handled cases that were almost failures. Why can’t they just give it a try?

Tristan looked at her in disbelief," But what if doesn’t?" he snapped.

He didn’t want to risk anything that would near Dante’s end than his due time. It was his worst nightmare.

Tristan didn’t want to lose Dante. Back then he was attacked by the assassins, and everyone had lost hope but it was he who move the entire world upside down to search his grandfather.

His quick reflex and smartness made them locate Dante, but when they found him, Dante wasn’t in a good condition. Still, he hoped, there was a chance for his survival.

Shifting the entire medical staff into the base, he instructed them to get him back. After a lot of struggle, Dante was saved but he slipped into a coma and only woke up after three months.

He was just a teenager back then, but Dante’s accident made him see through his skills.

Tristan brush off the negative thoughts from his mind when he heard Ashley," Then would it be fine to see him go through endless pain and watch him die in front of you every second?"

Ashley didn’t want to sound rude, but the way Tristan was reacting made her raise her voice.

He wasn’t thinking rationally and was letting his emotion come in between his sensible mind.

Chapter 195: You have my words

Dante’s room

It had been five hours since Grace has been sleeping. After Tristan left, Dante took his place and sat next to Grace’s bed, watching her the entire time. He didn’t realize when he fell asleep on the chair only to get woken up by her weak voice.

"Dad..." there was a glint of sadness with the way she called him this time.

Slowly opening his drowsy sleepy eyes, Dante looked at Grace who was finally awake. She had her eyes fixed on him. A thousand emotions lurking in them.

He knew it was time to confront her without holding back. He opened his mouth to speak but she cut in," Isn’t there no chance?" she felt her heart heavy as she recalled the words he said.

Dante could no longer look at her face as he felt guilty for hiding such a huge thing from her. He knew he was at fault for being a coward in order not hurting Grace. He forgot, one day she was eventually going to find it but still, his selfish side chose the latter.

Lowering his head, he joined his palm rubbing them nervously, and answered, "Very less"

His words felt like a stab in her heart but she kept her calm. She knew Dante was trying his best not to break down and she didn’t want him to feel bad for watching her cry.

Pulling away the duvet, Grace carefully climbed down the bed and kneeled in front of him. She held his trembling hands in her before taking a deep breath and said," You won’t leave us, dad. I won’t let you go not after I finally learned how much I missed you having in my life"

Her words broke him into tears and he cried covering his face. Dante was a man with strong willpower. The last he cried was when he lost his wife Sera.

That was the first time, he broke down isolating himself inside his room for days. He was so unfortunate that he couldn’t even see her.

Finding her father cry hysterically Grace couldn’t hold herself longer. Standing up she hugged him tightly and let her tears stream down her eyes. They both release their emotions without holding back.

After some time passed they both calmed down. Grace helped him calm and so did she. She knew her father was weak at this moment and stressing so much would affect his health which did she want to happen.

Passing him a glass of water, she helped him relax. Once she saw he was normal her heart calmed down too.

"You can’t lose hope, dad. There must be a way to cure you" Grace didn’t want to lose any hope that would help her father extend his life. She would ask Taylor and Matt to find a way that would prolong his life.

She won’t let her father lose hope when she could see how badly he wanted to live.

****

Study room

Tristan sat in front of Trevor and Taylor with this enigmatic face, that left both parties clueless.

After checking Grace, Taylor left the house when on his way he received a call from Matt informing him about the operation opting thing.

He explained to him everything with the pros and cons of the situation. Though he wasn’t sure whether they would be successful or not but still he wanted to let him know about it. Since they both have been working on Dante’s condition Taylor was confident enough with Matt’s suggestion. And that’s what they both dictated to Tristan.

When the silence inside the room started bothering them, Taylor finally opened his mouth to speak," I know it’s kind of difficult to come to the conclusion, but at least we can propose it to him"

"I think Taylor is right. Dante needs to know about it" Trevor agreed to Taylor’s words.

Tristan had been pondering his thoughts on Ashley’s words. Though he didn’t answer her back, he knew that no one will be able to see him die in front of them.

The pain he would be going through would kill them mentally. And the thought itself was chilling.

Watching his enemy dying in front of him wasn’t a big deal but, watching his family member go through immeasurable pain was hard to look at.

Closing his eyes Tristan heaved out a sigh and asked," But what if we lose him in that process? You said his body is weak at this moment. Then how can you be so confident that he would hold on till the end"

Tristan knew he was doubting both Matt’s and Taylor’s skills but he wanted an assurance that they would do everything to make it work.

Taylor smiled making Tristan frown. Was it time to smile? They were in the middle of a serious discussion and this old man was smiling.

"Yes, I told you that Dante’s body is weak at the moment but if we prepare him mentally, he would be determined to fight back"

"What do you mean?" he asked deepening his frown.

"If he is willing to stay alive, then he would handle everything but if... he himself doesn’t want to live then there won’t be any need to take a step ahead"

Taylor was a doctor and knew many people give up when they can handle the pain their body faced during surgery. But if a determined mind controls their body then they fight every odd to get through it even if it’s difficult sometimes"

The crease on Tristan’s forehead was clear when Taylor’s words finally started making sense. The confidence in his words gave him the assurance he wanted and then his eyes averted from Taylor to Trevor who also gave him a nod.

Taylor had never lost any case and was even capable of reviving a lost case. But then will Dante ever agree to the surgery?

"But will grandpa agree," Tristan asked.

"Yes he will"

The three pairs of eyes looked in the direction of the door where Grace stood staring at them back. She heard their conversation before she entered in.

After talking with Dante she went on looking for Tristan when she learned that he was in his study along with Trevor and Taylor. She had somewhat guessed what they would be discussing, so without wasting a second she marched to the study area and reached the door listening to every word they spoke.

Nobody was expecting Grace to come and stand in front of them. She fainted just a few hours ago and now she was here listening to their conversation as if nothing happened.

Trevor quickly rushed to her said wrapping his arm around her shoulder and asked in concern," Honey...you shouldn’t be here. Come let’s go in our room"

"Don’t treat me like a kid Trevor" she glared at him and slowly removed his hand from her shoulder and walked ahead.

Trevor could sense the strangeness in her attitude towards him when suddenly he realized.

’Damn...’ now he understood why she was acting this way.

Helpless, he walked and stood next to her, but didn’t dare to speak a word and just kept silent.

"I will convince dad for the surgery," she said looking at Tristan and then averted her gaze at Taylor," But you have to save him at any cost," she said firmly.

Taylor nod his head with a proud smile and said," You have my words, Grace. Your father will win this battle and it’s my promise"

Taylor never liked losing and he was confident enough that even this time he would conquer Dante’s case.

After everything was settled, Grace and Trevor walked back to their room. Grace didn’t speak a word to him letting him feel guilty for keep her in dark.

She never thought Trevor would come to hide Dante’s illness for her. She couldn’t get upset with her father knowing his reasons but what about Trevor, she didn’t expect him to be this insensible.

"Honey, don’t walk this fast. You are still weak" Trevor tried to touch her but she jerked his hand away.

"I am fine. You don’t have to worry" she ignored him and entered the room. All this time she didn’t turn back and kept walking ahead avoiding Trevor.

Once they were inside the room, Trevor forcefully made her stop by holding her wrist," Grace I know I did a mistake but... you can’t ignore me like this"

Trevor couldn’t take her silence and directly confronted her. Back then he didn’t think of the consequence but now, he couldn’t see her avoid him.

Grace tried her best not to melt into his soft words but when he walked around standing in front of her with his hand still holding her wrist, she could stop from looking at him.

"I so want to smack that face of yours, Trevor. Don’t you know how unfair it was to keep me in the dark all this time" Grace didn’t want to cry but she couldn’t hold back.

Finding her tearing up, Trevor pulled her into his embrace kissing the top of her head, and let her cry in his arm.