?Chapter 769:


    The moment he saw Ste step inside, his gaze glistened, and his lips trembled as though trying to form words, though none came.


    Ste hurried to his side, wrapping her hand gently around his frail, icy fingers. Her voice was soft, almost soothing. “Truett, don’t strain yourself. I’m here. Take it slow if you want to speak.”


    The old man’s breathing eased slightly. He squinted as though gathering all his strength, then clutched Ste’s hand with surprising force.


    “Ste…” he whispered hoarsely, guilt swimming in his weary eyes. “I failed you. Raising such a disgrace of a grandson, I’ve brought you nothing but suffering…”


    Truett’s words seared into Ste’s heart like fire against flesh. All the resentment she had carried seemed to dissolve in that instant, leaving her only with a heavy ache of helplessness.


    She sped his hand firmly, shaking her head as she tried to steady her voice with warmth. “Truett, please don’t speak that way. I don’t hold you responsible. What matters now is your health. Focus on regaining your strength—everything else can wait.”


    She honored the promise she had made with Marc earlier, showing no hint of resentment toward him and choosing instead to soothe the old man with kindness.


    Truett seemed to recognize what she was doing, gripping her hand without pressing her for more.


    Because the visit could notst long, Ste left after offering a few more words offort.


    The moment she stepped into the hallway, Truett’s frail but furious voice carried out from the room. “You worthless boy, are you trying to drive me to my grave?”


    Truett’s gazended on Marc, who stood slouched before him, unkempt and haggard after a sleepless night—so different from the proud heir of the Walsh family he once presented himself to be.


    Marc lowered his eyes and muttered, “I know I was wrong. But all I wanted was for Ste to return to me.”


    Truett’s face darkened with rage at the confession.


    If his body had any strength left, he would have hurled whatever he could find at Marc. “You still haven’t repented! Do you think she’ll ever forgive you after this? Stop fooling yourself. Ste deserves far better than you!”


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    For years, Truett had believed Marc was simply reckless and blind to his feelings, not malicious. But this ordeal had stripped away that illusion. He now understood clearly that his grandson was utterly unworthy of Ste.


    In this lifetime, there would be no chance of calling her his granddaughter-inw again. From this point on, all he could do was make sure Marc stayed out of her way.


    Minutester, Marc emerged from the room, shoulders slumped, carrying the look of a man who had been harshly rebuked once again.


    When Truett’s condition seemed more stable, Ste rose to her feet, preparing to leave the hospital. Before she departed, she gave Truett her word that she would return when she could, though she never once allowed her eyes to rest on Marc.


    William had remained close to her side the entire time, and when he saw her finally ready to go, a trace of relief and satisfaction crossed his face. But the moment Ste reached the parking lot, she slipped into her car and drove away, leaving him without the chance to say a word.


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