While Mrs. Thompson Sr.''s condition wasn''t life-threatening at the moment, it wasn''t optimistic either. The doctor stressed that she neededplete rest, free from any physical or mental strain, which might prolong her life for a while longer.


    After the doctor left, Eden and Vanessa gathered around the bed tofort her.


    Vanessa said, "You heard the doctor. You need to stay calm. This time, you must take care of yourself properly."


    Mrs. Thompson Sr. waved a dismissive hand and sighed. "I know my own body. How much longer can Ist? If I can see Eden be the heir to the Thompson Group before I die, I can finally rest in peace."


    "Grandma, don''t say things like that. You''re going to live a long and healthy life," Eden said, holding her withered hand.


    "Living to be a hundred would make me an old monster. I''ve lived this long and enjoyed a lifetime of wealth; it''s been worth it. I''m just worried about you and your sister. Before your mother passed away, she entrusted you to me. If I don''t secure your future, I''ll be too ashamed to face her in the afterlife."


    As she spoke, Mrs. Thompson Sr. seemed to recall her deceased niece andmented, "Back then, I was the one who brought Carol to Istra, hoping she would marry Frank and live a good life. Who would have thought that Emma would upy the position without fulfilling her duty?"


    "But Mrs. Thompson did give birth to Bet," Eden said neutrally.


    "That''s only because Carol gave birth to you and your sister, bringing good fortune to the Thompson family. That''s why that barren hen Emma was able to conceive Bet."


    At the mention of Bet, Mrs. Thompson Sr.''s hatred red, and she practically spat out her next words. "That bastard. We should never have let him be born."


    Eden remained silent, but his expression had turned cold.


    He was right. How much better things would be without Bet. Then, he would be his father''s only son. It was a shame that the fool Vanessa had failed back then. She should have made sure that bastard never saw the light of day.


    After calming Mrs. Thompson Sr. and waiting for her to fall asleep, Eden left with Ynda.


    He drove her back to the Walker estate.


    The car ride was silent.


    He pulled up in front of the Walker family''s gate.


    As always, Eden politely escorted Ynda to her front door.


    Once inside, Ynda didn''t even spare him a nce, immediately heading up the stairs.


    Mrs. Walker saw this and shook her head with a sigh. "Her father and have spoiled her rotten. She''s so


    willful Eden, please be patient with


    her."


    "You worry too much, Mrs. Walker, Ynda is gentle and candid; she''s very endearing Eden replied with polite smile, then made to leave.


    "Since Ynda is back, I should be..."


    "Eden, you''re here," Vincent called out, just as Eden was about to finish. He was descending the stairs.


    "Mr. Walker," Eden greeted him with a respectful nod.


    "You''re just in time. Come and have a chat with me," Vincent said with a warm smile, beckoning him over. He then nstructed Mrs. Mrs. Walker to make some tea.


    Eden and Vincent sat down together on the living room sofa.


    Mrs. Walker brought over two cups of tea herself. "Please, try it."


    "Thank you," Eden said politely as he epted the cup.


    "This boy is just too formal," Mrs. Walker said with a wave of her hand. "You two


    chat. I''ll go upstairs and check on Ynda."