Forgive and forget. Camille decided to let bygones be bygones and give him a pass.
But before the old man could even speak, Ayan said, “Why let it go? We finally made it to the hospital, and now that we see Grandpa, we should tell him all our grievances and let him intervene, right?”
“What do you mean?” Callum furrowed his brow. “Are you threatening her? You audacious brat!”
Callum immediately looked for his cane. Whether he genuinely couldn’t find it or pretended not to, he searched around but couldn’t locate it until Ayan reached out and handed him the cane from his left side.
“Here it is, Grandpa.”
Grandpa froze, staring at him as if he were a fool.
So, he was offering himself up for a beating?
Camille also glanced at him, her eyes questioning.
Ayan simply smiled and then casually said, “Grandpa, don’t liars deserve a beating first?”
“You’re still lying? Did you deceive her?” Callum was good at twisting the truth.
Camille couldn’t help but laugh.
Fletcher and the butler chuckled along with everyone else.
Only when Ayan and Camille were here did the hospital room fill with laughter and a joyful atmosphere.
Ayan also found his grandpa’s remark amusing. “You really are good to me, Grandpa.”
Callum showed no signs of guilt.
As long as it was for Camille’s benefit, what harm was there in telling a little lie?
Ayan reached out, took Camille’s hand, and extended it towards his grandpa. “Let’s start by punishing the liar. She lied that I mistreated her. You can’t be biased, Grandpa!”
Camille instinctively tried to pull back, but Ayan held her firm. How could she possibly match his strength?
Pouting, Camille looked aggrieved as she said, “Callum, look at him! He dares to bully me right in front of you. When it’s just the two of us, he’s even worse than he is now!”
Camille’s voice trembled as if she were about to cry.
Of course, Callum believed her. He turned to Ayan and said sternly, “Let her go now. Everyone in this room is a witness. Be careful. We might accuse you of domestic violence.”
After he spoke, everyone laughed, including Camille and Ayan.
Shaking his head, Ayan sighed, “Alright, I see now. I won’t fight for favor anymore. That’s disrespectful to myself!”
As they chatted away, time flew by.
The housekeeper had already prepared the meal along with the dishes they brought. They all sat around the table and began eating.
Callum had a good appetite but ate much less than a normal person would.
Camille took care of him diligently but felt a tinge of sadness. The meal wasn’t enjoyable because the old man left the table early so as not to affect anyone else’s appetite.
Afterward, Camille and Ayan accompanied Callum on a stroll around the balcony of the hospital room.
Callum planted many flowers and plants there, as well as some vegetables.
They were all growing nicely.
He enthusiastically introduced them and even asked Camille to take some flowers back when she left since they would wither here otherwise.
They chatted for a while until Ayan calmly said, “Camille, go inside and get Grandpa a glass of water.”
Camille acknowledged and went inside from the balcony.
While she was gone, Ayan took the opportunity to speak softly, “Grandpa, I have something I want to ask you.”
“What is it? Ask away.”
“Camille isn’t the Armstrong family’s daughter. How long have you known about this?”
Given what happened that morning in the office, Ayan deliberately lowered his voice. His gaze had been following Camille all along. He had already informed Fletcher to take Camille to see Dr. Ellis under the pretense of understanding his grandpa’s health condition.
In reality, he just wanted to keep her occupied.
Camille came back with a glass of water and then told Ayan that she needed to leave for a moment.
After she left, the door closed behind her.
Only then did Ayan shift his gaze back to his grandpa, who hadn’t spoken all this time. He solemnly asked, “Who told you about this? Someone from prison?”
Of course, he meant Brody. Ayan knew that too well. He couldn’t help but smile faintly and say, “No.”
Ayan didn’t reveal who told him. He only asked, “Grandpa, do you and the old Armstrong know about this?”
Callum wore an expressionless face as if contemplating something. It seemed he didn’t want to bring up this matter with Ayan.
He simply asked instead, “Who told you?”
“Does it matter?” Ayan countered.
The old man looked grave. His murky eyes showed some hesitation and conflict.
Ayan continued steadfastly, “This matter is known only by me for now. But there are no secrets in this world that can remain hidden forever. Even after so many years have passed since I found out about it, do you really think it can be kept confidential?”
Sometimes things would be exposed no matter how many decades had passed.
Callum remained silent without speaking further. Ayan didn’t rush him either.
The atmosphere became quiet between grandfather and grandson as they waited for someone to break the silence first.
After a while, thinking Camille might return any time, Callum sighed heavily before saying, “I don’t know how to explain this matter or where to start. Ayan, this is not a small issue. Even if you know about it now, keep it from Camille for now.”
“Is there nothing else you’re willing to say?” Ayan asked again.
“It’s not that I’m unwilling. I just don’t know where to begin. It has been too many years since that incident happened. Now that you know about it won’t bring anything but trouble.”
The old man seemed helpless too.
Some things weren’t as simple as they appeared on the surface.
But Ayan persisted firmly, “What trouble? With both the Simpson family and me by her side now, can’t we protect her?”
Ayan spoke in a low voice. He had already probed his grandpa about the Bill family’s matters before this conversation took place.
However, his grandpa directly denied any dealings with the Bill family, which completely shattered Ayan’s speculation.
“Grandpa, I am aware of what’s going on regarding this matter. I have already started investigating it myself. No matter who they are, as long as she doesn’t want or like them, I have enough ability to ensure she can make her own choice.”
“She is a mother. I don’t want her to find out everything when she is over fifty years old and feel regretful then. I don’t understand what concerns you have.”
Callum still seemed troubled as he sighed heavily, “It’s not that I’m concerned. I just don’t want this matter to upset her.”
He paused for a moment before adding, “Has the Bill family approached you?”
Ayan stared at him intently. His voice became low and hoarse as he said, “Do you know the Bill family’s motives are money and benefits?”