"That''s impossible! He''s my grandpa too!" Eric stammered, his eyes fixed on the pile of worthless contracts at his feet. His face had gonepletely pale.


    He had even skipped Cole''s engagement party just to handle these problems abroad. But now, before he could even resolve them, Hugh had already dug everything up!


    His heart pounded diffidently. Thinking about the trouble Melissa and Cole had caused before, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and step aside for Serena.


    "We didn''t do anything to Grandpa. Melissa and I just suspect that Regina''s ident has something to do with Sarah..."


    "Since when did suspicions count as evidence, Eric?" Hugh asked. He led Serena to the door. Just before stepping in, he shot Eric a cold nce. "Instead of doubting others, you should learn to read contracts more carefully. Don''t make me teach you how it''s done."


    With that, Hugh took Serena into the ward.


    Outside, Eric''s pale face flushed red with humiliation. Clenching his jaw, he bent down and picked up the scattered documents one by one.


    Of all people, Hugh had to be the one to expose his failures first. If word got out that Hugh had to clean up his mess, Eric, the Larson family''s eldest grandson, would be utterly humiliated.


    Seeing Eric suffer a blow, Melissa didn''t dare say a word.


    Cole stood still, his expression unreadable.


    Eric stacked the papers neatly. He then turned and shot Cole a furious re.


    "This is all because your mom spoiled you! Calling off your engagement is a huge deal. How could you go straight to Grandpa without discussing it with us first? You''ll kneel before Grandpa and beg for his forgiveness the moment he wakes up!


    "Don''t wait until he turns his back on you. If he changes his will and names another heir, we''re all screwed!"


    Melissa frantically nodded in agreement. Losing the engagement with Regina was one thing, but losing Calvin''s favor and trust was uneptable.


    But Cole simply met Eric''s gaze and sneered. "Compared to your mess, Dad, calling off an engagement isn''t even a big deal."


    Melissa was stunned by Cole''s defiance.


    Eric, already humiliated by Hugh, hadn''t even cooled down when Cole hit him with such a provocative remark. His fury exploded, and he pped Cole across the face.


    "Cole, I will always be your father! No matter what anyone says about me, it''s not your ce to lecture me! Your only option is to do better than me, to be more perfect! If you push me too far, I swear, I''ll have another son with your mother. Do you really think you''re irreceable?"


    As long as Hugh didn''t have children, his son would always be Calvin''s first choice as heir.


    Cole didn''t say a word after taking the p. He simply lifted his gaze looking past the ward at Hugh and Serena inside. They stood shoulder to shoulder, speaking in hushed tones by the hospital bed.


    Serena had Hugh''s coat draped over her shoulders. She was gentlyforting


    him, her soft lips moving as if to say, "Grandpa will be fine. Don''t worry."


    The jealousy in Cole''s eyes deepened.


    He wanted that too. When Melissa scolded him, and Eric ced unbearable pressure on him, he wanted someone like Serena beside him. Someone who would tug at his sleeve and say, "It''ll be okay."


    Just one door apart, Serena and Hugh confirmed that Calvin was out of danger


    and resting peacefully.


    Hugh finally let out a long breath and sank onto the couch.


    Serena sat beside him. "Let''s handle things one step at a time. If you need help, just let me know."


    "I''m just d you''re here," Hugh replied.