Chapter 261Meanwhile, they got home around 10 pm that night. The gate was locked, so Alisha honked several times, but there was no answer.Richard noticed her frustration and said, "Don't worry, honey, I've got this."He tried getting out of the car, but Alisha stopped him. "Dad, I'll handle it," she said.But Richard insisted, "No, I'll do it."He finally got out of the car and proceeded to go open the gate for her.At that moment, Kate was already coming out of the house, muttering, "I'm coming, I'm coming." She scolded, "Whoever is blowing that horn, take it easy! Alisha, is that you? Where are you coming from this late?"As she opened the gate, she was shocked to see her husband, Richard, standing there. "Richard!" she exclaimed, "You're back and on your feet!"She tried to hug him, but Richard pushed her away. "Get out of my way," he barked. "I'll slap you if you don't disappear from my sight."Kate was shocked and embarrassed, remaining silent as Richard opened the gate fully f
Chapter 262It was almost 5pm.Meanwhile, Eric Wood sat in his office, the dim lighting reflecting his somber mood as he stared at the phone on his desk. The thought of visiting Liam Carter in the hospital sent chills down his bones.Liam has been effectively blackmailing him into a business partnership, and it weighed heavily on his mind because Liam might accuse him of being responsible for current state. He ran a hand through his hair, debating whether it was worth the trouble. Despite the coercion, Liam was going to be a significant business partner, and maintaining a good relationship seemed crucial. But the idea of bowing to Liam’s demands left a bitter taste in his mouth.Finally, he sighed and picked up the phone, dialing James’ number.James was at his desk, organizing documents when his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Eric. "Eric," he answered, his voice steady. "What’s up?""James," Eric began, his tone hesitant. "I’ve been thinking... should I go se
Chapter 263Eric Wood stepped out of the car, his driver quickly moving to open the door for him. He nodded in acknowledgment, adjusting his suit jacket as he stepped onto the pavement.The familiar sight of the hospital loomed before him, a place he had visited countless times with his daughter, Claire, for her checkups. It felt different today, though. This visit wasn’t for Claire—it was business, and it was personal.As he walked toward the entrance, a few hospital workers milling about recognized him. Their faces lit up with recognition as they approached him.“Mr. Wood, good afternoon!” one of the nurses greeted him with a warm smile. “It’s been a while since we last saw you.”“Good afternoon, Mr. Wood,” another worker chimed in, extending a hand. “How have you been?”Eric smiled politely, shaking hands with them. “Good afternoon,” he replied, his tone friendly but professional. “It’s good to see all of you. How’s everyone doing?”“We’re doing well, sir,” the first nurse responde
Chapter 264As they approached Liam’s room, Eric’s thoughts shifted to the task at hand—one that could shape the future of EMC and his own personal fate.“We are here, Sir.” The nurse said, interrupting Eric's thoughts.“Oh! Thank you,” Eric replied and smiled at her.He readied himself before entering.As Eric stepped into Liam's room, he noticed the subtle tension in the air. Liam was seated upright in his hospital bed, a book resting on his lap. He looked up as Eric entered, his expression neutral but with a hint of curiosity.His lips curled into a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Eric,” he said smoothly, closing the book and placing it on the table beside him. “What a pleasant surprise.”Eric forced a smile, trying to hide his nerves. "Liam, it's good to see you. I wanted to check in and see how you're doing after... everything that happened."Liam’s smile widened, a predatory glint in his eyes, as he cracked his knuckles. “That’s very considerate of you. I’m recove
Chapter 265Eric Wood’s thoughts were swirling as he walked out of the hospital. His encounter with Liam Carter left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in his chest.He was so lost in his own mind that he didn’t even notice when his driver opened the car door for him.“Sir,” Jackson called respectfully, his voice cutting through Eric’s reverie.Eric blinked, coming back to reality. “Oh, sorry, Jackson,” he murmured as he slid into the backseat of the sleek black sedan. Jackson, without needing any instructions, started the engine and pulled out of the hospital parking lot, heading towards Diamond Ville, the upscale neighborhood where Eric’s family resided.As they drove, the streets were alive with the evening’s activities. Vendors packed up their stalls, couples strolled along the sidewalks, and children played with the last remnants of daylight. But the sights and sounds of the bustling city barely registered with Eric.His mind wa
Chapter 266Eric stepped into the house, feeling the comforting warmth of home surrounding him. He closed the door behind him and called out, “Honey, I’m home!”Almost instantly, he heard the rapid patter of small footsteps on the wooden stairs. “Daddy!” Claire’s excited voice echoed through the hallway as she dashed down the stairs, her little legs moving as fast as they could.Eric’s face lit up with a smile as he saw his daughter, her curls bouncing with each step. She practically launched herself at him, and he caught her in a warm embrace, lifting her off the ground.“There’s my little princess!” Eric said, laughing as he spun her around. Claire giggled uncontrollably, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.“I missed you, Daddy!” Claire exclaimed, her voice muffled slightly as she buried her face in his shoulder.“I missed you too, sweetheart,” Eric replied, holding her close. He could feel the stress of the day melting away, replaced by the pure joy of being with his daughter.
Chapter 267Eric took a moment to enjoy the tranquility of the bedroom as he freshened up, splashing cool water on his face and changing into a more comfortable outfit.The mirror reflected his tired eyes, but there was a lightness in them now that hadn’t been there earlier. He could hear the clinking of dishes and the soft hum of conversation coming from the dining room below, and it filled him with a deep sense of peace.After a final glance in the mirror, Eric made his way downstairs, where the scent of Mary’s cooking wafted through the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation. As he entered the dining room, he saw Mary placing the last dish on the table while Claire bounced in her seat, her feet barely touching the floor.“There he is!” Mary announced with a smile as Eric walked in, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.“Daddy, come sit next to me!” Claire called out, waving him over enthusiastically.Eric chuckled, his heart swelling at the sight of his daughter’s excitemen
Chapter 268Eric and Mary found themselves sitting quietly on the couch in their cozy living room. The evening had settled into a peaceful lull, with the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light over the room. Claire had already been tucked into bed, leaving the couple to enjoy a rare moment of quiet together.Mary, feeling the weight of the silence, took a bite of the dessert she had brought out—a slice of her homemade pie—before finally breaking the quiet. “So, how was your day?” she asked gently, her eyes searching Eric’s face for any sign of how he was feeling.Eric smiled at her, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It was...eventful,” he began, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “Work was the usual hustle, but I also went to visit Liam Carter at the hospital.”Mary’s brow furrowed slightly with concern. “Liam Carter?” she repeated, setting her plate aside. “How is he doing? And how did the visit go?”Eric leaned back against the couch, his expression thoughtful. “He’s