Chapter 643

"Jonathan." Donald’s voice came, bam, behind them.

Jonathan and Gary whipped around. Donald and Jennifer were stepping out of the elevator, heading their way.

It was the first time Gary had to face Donald since finding out Werner was his father. Donald’s gaze landed on Gary, who met his eyes. They both looked like they had something to say but couldn’t figure out how to start.

Gary broke the silence first, offering a small nod of greeting. Donald returned it.

“Let’s go in and see Hayden," Jennifer said flatly to Donald.

“Yeah, sure,” Donald replied.

As they disappeared into Hayden’s room, Gary stared hard at Jennifer’s back.

Jonathan turned to Gary and asked, “What were you going to say just now?”

Gary’s mouth went tight. “Oh, nothing. Forget it…”

In the ward, Werner watched Donald and Jennifer walk in. He glared daggers at Jennifer. “Can’t believe you’d pull something like this.”

Donald raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean? What did Jennifer do?”

Werner pointed at Jennifer and snapped, “Ask her yourself.” Then he turned on Donald. “Your wife’s a real piece of work. She ran her mouth to your grandpa about all our family dirt. That gave him a stroke. Nearly killed him.”

Donald shot a confused look at Jennifer, but she had her story ready, and she delivered it without even blinking. “Mr. Lynn was here for a check-up. I just happened to run into him. He asked questions, and I answered.”

Werner let out an ugly laugh. “Wow. So you’re good at passing the buck. I should’ve never let Dervald marry you."

Donald had heard enough. “Dad,” he snapped, “you’re one to talk. What about all the times you’ve tried to shift the blame? Or did you forget why Mom divorced you in the first place!"

Werner shot back, “At least I didn’t try to give my father a stroke on purpose, like Jennifer did.”

“Shut your mouth.” A weak voice cut through the room. Hayden was awake, glaring at Werner from the bed, his eyes burning with fury.

“If you hadn’t done anything to be ashamed of, you wouldn’t have to worry about people talking, would you? This is your fault. You put me in this bed, Werner,” Hayden snapped.

Werner fell silent, his jaw tight. With Hayden awake, he had to keep quiet.

Donald tried to calm things down. “Grandpa, easy. The divorce was their call. Dad cheated on Mom. I don’t blame her for leaving.”

A heavy sigh escaped Hayden. He reached for Donald’s hand and patted it gently. “I know this must be hard on you and Cheryl.”

Donald’s eyes suddenly welled up with tears as he gripped Hayden’s wrinkled hand. “We’re grown-ups, Grandpa. We can handle it. Please…”

“I’m not sad,” Hayden snapped, his voice rough with anger. “I’m furious. At your father! How did I raise such a disgrace? He’s a shame to this family!”

Werner finally found his voice. “Dad, I know I screwed up. I’ll take responsibility from now on.”

“Your responsibility?” Hayden shot back. “And what exactly is that?”

“To take care of you,” Werner said quickly. “I’ll stay right here by your side.”

Hayden let out a disgusted grunt and waved him away. “Don’t bother. I wouldn’t want to be a burden. That…”

“Donald,” Hayden said, his focus shifting. “Is Jonathan still out there? Get him for me. I need to talk to him.”

“Sure, Grandpa.” Donald went out and came back a moment later with Jonathan.

“Grandpa, you wanted to see me?” Jonathan said.

Hayden’s eyes welled up with tears as he looked at Jonathan. “Jonathan, my boy, I know you’ve been running around, taking care of everything since I got here. I appreciate it.”