?


    "How''s your father?"


    It seemed he was aware of my father''s ordeal.


    ims of him being oblivious to external affairs appeared to be merely a facade. His deep understanding of the situation suggested otherwise.


    I quicklyposed myself and calmly replied, "Not great. My father''s leg was crippled, which disabled him. Years of imprisonment have taken a toll on his health. Although he survived, his condition deteriorated greatly. However, his mind is still sharp."


    My words made him nce at me. His gaze was deep, and I couldn''t tell how he felt.


    After a moment, he grunted as a tacit acknowledgment of my response without delving further into the topic of my father.


    Instead, he said, "Since you''ve be As''s wife and you''re carrying the Pierce family''s offspring, it seems the Pierce family has to take responsibility for you."


    I didn''t understand.


    When he saw my puzzled expression, he indifferently said, "From now on, you''ll stay here."


    His words left me stunned.


    What?


    "What do you mean, Grandpa?" I asked, trying to keep calm as I stared at him.


    "You''ll stay here until As finishes the tasks I''ve assigned to him. I''ll assign someone to take care of your daily needs until you give birth," he exined in a tone that left no room for doubt.


    "How long will that take?" I inquired, trying to steady myself.


    "That depends on how efficient As is."


    "Are you bargaining with him too?" I retorted boldly.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I just want to ensure your safety," he said grandly.


    As I was about to continue questioning him, a harsh voice sounded from the door, "Thank you for your concern, Grandpa. However, I''m capable of taking care of my own wife and children. You don''t need to worry about that."


    As the voice trailed off, As strode in. He was visibly displeased, indicating that he was restraining himself greatly.


    Behind him, Abbas followed closely, looking anxious. Obviously, he couldn''t stop As.


    Grandpa didn''t seem surprised. He seemed to have expected As toe. He calmly waved to Abbas, then looked at the displeased As and said, "What? Don''t you trust me to take care of your wife and children?"


    "Do you think I should trust you?" As asked without hesitation.


    Grandpa froze for a moment before. he casually picked up his teacup


    took a sip, and said, "She''ll be safe here until you finish the tasks I''ve assigned to you."


    "She''ll only be safe with me." As stood his ground, then walked over, gently pulling me up and into his arms. "It''ste, Grandpa. You should rest." Then he led me out.


    "Remember, kid. I''m your grandpa." Grandpa''s words carried deep implications.


    But As didn''t pause. He continued to walk away without hesitation, casually saying, "And you''re my father''s father."


    I didn''t turn back to see grandpa''s expression. Protected by As, we left grandpa''s room.


    At the door, Abbas watched As escort me out. He took a step forward and hesitantly said, "Mr. As, you''re letting..."


    "Thanks." As cut him off coldly, then walked out of Abbas''s sight without hesitation.


    In the car, As finally said to me, "Don''t be afraid. I know he means well, but I only trust myself."


    I looked up at As. He never felt at ease no matter where I was, let alone with anyone from the Pierce family.


    "What did he ask you to do?" I asked.


    "The business from back then and an internal secret of the old Pierce Corporation. It''s rted to Celine''s mother," As said briefly. "Don''t worry. I''m here."


    I leaned into his embrace, feeling safer than ever before.


    "He said his ce is safe. Is he implying he can challenge Celine21 asked As softly. "If he meant that, he must be telling us that he doesn''t trust Celine anymore."


    I spected about grandpa''s intentions.


    "I only trust myself," As said firmly.


    "Are we still going to Celine''s ce tomorrow?" I asked.