That evening, Wyatt was admitted to a VIP ward at the Thompson family''s hospital in Hatchbay. When Be and Justin brought him in, Asher and Arnold were already waiting.


    It had only been a few days, but Be noticed that Arnold looked much thinner and visibly exhausted, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness. There was no time for small talk. As the medical staff wheeled Wyatt into the examination room, Arnold followed them immediately.


    Before entering, Arnold nced back at Asher, his lips parting slightly as he mouthed, "Don''t worry, I''m here."


    As the door closed, everyone''s hearts sank. Asher stared fixedly at the door. His breathing stifled as he felt an intense pang of anxiety. He was worried about his father''s condition and about Arnold''s health. That morning, Arnold mentioned that his back wound was still aching. Asher had wanted him to rest more, but upon hearing about Wyatt''s situation, Arnold had jumped up as if invigorated, insisting on returning to Hatchbay.


    During the trip back, Asher gripped the steering wheel with one hand while Arnold yed with his other hand. The little fox would squeeze and rub it, not wanting to let go.


    Asher said, "Your body is barely recovered, and now you are taking on such intense work. You can''t handle it."


    "I''m a man. I''m not as fragile as you think. Don''t worry," Arnold replied, emphasizing his manhood, as if afraid that Asher was bewitched by his overly beautiful face and would abandon him after the passion faded, just as he had done before.


    "I know you''re a man," Asher responded while staring ahead, his voice slightly hoarse. "I know what I''m doing. There has never been a moment when I was clearer than when I was with you that night." Arnold had gazed longingly at Asher''s handsome profile, not hiding his burning desire. The next second, he leaned over and nted a deeply affectionate kiss on Asher''s cheek. Asher''s deep eyes were filled with hidden emotion. The hand that Arnold tightly held finally squeezed back.


    "From now on, I will take care of Dad''s illness. Don''t think about finding another doctor for him. You can only rely on me," Arnold said as he lifted his chin proudly. This time, when Arnold called Wyatt, "Dad", it was loud and clear, without hesitation.


    Asher did not show much reaction, but there was a slight quiver in his throat. A feeling of warmth spread through his heart.


    "Ash, after things went so badlyst time, how did you get Arnold toe back from the Larson family?" Be was naturally curious and asked about everything.


    Asher''s heart pounded violently, guiltN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    and bitterness filling his chest. That night, he had indeed gone to the Larson family and waited outside for a long time. But in the end, he left. Asher did not know that Arnold had endured family punishment, was imprisoned, and had stood by the window as he left.


    When Yuri examined Arnold''s injuries, he found not only bruises but also multiple abrasions and cuts, as if Arnold had fought his way out of a battlefield. Asher dared think deeply about how much effort Arnold had expended to escape that cage ande to him that night.


    "If only I had waited for him a little longer that day..." Asher murmured, his voice hoarse.


    "Ash, what did you say?" Be did not hear clearly.


    "Be, let me ask you a question."


    Asher slowly turned his handsome, pale face towards her, his eyes dark and heavy as he met her gaze.


    "If one day you found out that I''ve done many things beyond yourprehension, things you couldn''t possibly ept, or if you discovered that I''m not as good as you thought and that I''m not even a decent person bymon standards, what Would you do?"