Chapter 2347
Justin's gaze darkened, and his cracked lips pressed into a thin line.
Ian's instincts rang like a warning bell. He immediately moved to stand between the bed and the intruder, adopting a protective stance.
Grant's normally calm and composed face was now uncharacteristically grave and cold.
Wyatt frowned slightly, noticing Grant's sudden entrance. The faint anger between his brows made it clear that he was not here for a friendly visit.
"Mr. Grant, Mr. Justin is injured. Who knows which idiot forgot to leash their dog and let him out?" Ian gritted his teeth, his words clearly intended to send Grant away. "He's not fit to receive guests right now. Please leave!"
Grant's expression darkened even further, though only slightly.
In truth, Ian did not know who was behind Justin's injuries. His outburst was simply a way to vent his frustration. Unfortunately, what he said in jest hit a nerve with those present.
Not wanting Wyatt to witness the family drama, Justin sternly reprimanded Ian. "Ian, don't be disrespectful to my brother."
Ignoring Ian entirely, Grant turned to Wyatt, his lips curving politely. Despite the tension, he maintained his refined demeanor. "Chairman Thompson, my apologies for the interruption."
Wyatt offered a faint, ambiguous smile. "You're too polite, Grant. I'm just an outsider. You and Justin are brothers. If anything, I'm the one intruding on your time."
"Chairman Thompson, I hope you'll forgive my boldness, but I'd like a moment alone with my brother."
It was clear Grant wanted Wyatt to leave.
Wyatt glanced at Justin with concern. "Justin, take care of yourself. I won't disturb your conversation."
Wyatt had always admired the elegance and grace Grant exuded, like a gentle spring breeze. Yet, for reasons he could not explain, he could not warm up to Grant. There was something intangible, like an invisible barrier, that made him want to keep his distance.
"Grant, whatever you want to say, you can say it here," Justin replied calmly.
After everything that had transpired, Justin found himself doubting this man who had once saved his life. He did not want to be alone with Grant now. "Chairman Thompson is someone I deeply respect. I haven't seen him in a long time and would like to spend more time with him."
Wyatt's heart softened, a faint warmth rising within.
"If it's inconvenient, then perhaps we can discuss this tomorrow," Justin added, his lowered gaze signaling his unwillingness to continue.
A shadow passed over Grant's face, his eyes growing colder.
He exhaled deeply, his voice hoarse as he finally spoke. "Justin, Ms. Thompson's recent ordeal nearly cost her life in the mountains. I just spoke with her attending doctor. She sustained two severe frostbite injuries. For a young woman, such an extreme cold can have long-lasting effects on her health and potentially impair other bodily functions."
The atmosphere in the room turned oppressive.
Justin's temples throbbed, his fists clenching tightly beneath the blanket.
He could not help but picture Bella curled up in the snow, looking at him with hesitance. Her fragile figure etched deeply in his mind, chilling him to the bone.
Wyatt's face paled and his already frail body swayed. Axel rushed to steady his father, his gaze filled with worry as he turned to Grant. "Mr. Grant, what are you implying about my sister?"
Grant hesitated, a hint of sorrow clouding his expression.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.
At that moment, Clarice, clad in a white coat, seized the opportunity to enter. She raised her voice as if on cue. "Excessive exposure to cold can severely harm a young woman, possibly affecting her fertility or leading to various gynecological issues."
She then cast a deliberate glance at Justin, whose face had turned ashen. "But, as I've heard, Ms. Thompson had a miscarriage once and is already unable to conceive. So in a way, you could say she's spared from that concern."
Her casual comment was as cutting as a dagger, wounding hearts and shattering defenses. It pierced Justin like a blade and left the Thompson family members reeling.
Ian's eyes burned with anger. He balled his fists and stepped forward, his voice shaking with fury. "You've gone too far! Bringing this up in front of her family-are you trying to provoke them? What are you playing at with your malicious intentions?"
Clarice widened her eyes, feigning innocence as she cast a pleading look toward Grant for support.
Grant said calmly, "Clarice was too rude, but what she said is the truth."
Then his sharp gaze pierced through the room, landing on Justin.
"Justin, this incident with Ms. Thompson-her injuries, her suffering -it's entirely your fault. If not for you, she wouldn't have gone into the mountains alone. She wouldn't have been in danger.
"Did it never occur to you why someone like her, who is experienced in mountaineering, would venture into a blizzard despite the risks? Why didn't she turn back and choose to face the storm instead of retreating to safety?"
Each question hit like a hammer, shattering any defense Justin had. His lips parted, but no sound emerged. It was as if his throat had been sealed.
Grant leaned closer, his words precise and unrelenting. "Because you broke your promise to her."
"Promise?" Wyatt and Axel were equally stunned.
Clarice, well aware of the truth, chose to remain silent, her usual cleverness evident in her restraint.
"She waited for you, even though you didn't come. She stubbornly climbed the mountain, risking her life because she was unwilling to accept the truth." Grant's voice grew colder, his eyes shadowed with unspoken fury.
"She couldn't believe that the man who once loved her so deeply, who cherished her as though she were his entire world, could now turn his back on her so easily for another woman. She must have been waiting, hoping, and refusing to believe your heart had grown so cold. Refusing to believe you wouldn't come."
At the bedside, Grant leaned in closer, his breath like ice. The lines at the corners of his lips deepened, resembling cracks that were hiding something terrifying hidden beneath.
"But you let her down, Justin. Whether you admit it or not, the facts are clear. Ms. Thompson is no longer important to you."