Chapter 1768

Michelle hurried toward Dominic, pausing as she approached. She greeted him courteously, "Hello, Uncle Dom," then quickly wiped Austin's sweat with a tissue.

"You're not well yet! What are you doing out here in the breeze, all sweaty? What if your illness worsens?!"

"I'm alright. I'm much better!" Austin smiled, taking the tissue to wipe his brow. His other hand still held a basket. "Uncle Dom, where should I put this?"

"Take it inside. Someone will put it away," Dominic replied, gazing distantly.

"Then you..."

Dominic turned and walked away. "I'd like to be left alone. Don't mind me." He clearly wanted them to leave.

"Then we'll go to the foyer. It's cold; we shouldn't stay long," Austin said, taking his mother's hand and leading her away. Michelle wanted to help carry the basket, but he refused. A servant collected it shortly after they reached the foyer.

Michelle pulled Austin close, studying him carefully before nodding. "You look much better." She visited every two days, yet still needed to assess him each time to ease her anxieties.

"I feel much better, and my symptoms haven't returned. Stop worrying, okay?" Austin understood her concern, but her protectiveness could be overwhelming. His parents had never been demanding since he became an adult; he was used to living independently. He knew this recent ordeal had deeply frightened them. "Mom, I'd like to ask..."

Before he could finish, Michelle said, "Son, I have something to tell you."

They paused simultaneously, but Michelle continued, "What would you like to know?"

"It's nothing much. What is it you want to tell me?" Austin was in no hurry.

Michelle said, "After discussing it with your father, we've decided to move overseas once you're better."

"Migrate? Why?" Austin was astonished.

"Your father and I considered it years ago, but we thought your herbal medicine career was better established here. We wanted to respect your decision and were proud of your accomplishments. However, we never anticipated this ordeal. If we had known, we would have moved long ago, and none of this would have happened!" She was emotional, blaming herself for his suffering.

"Mom, how can you say that? It has nothing to do with what I've learned," Austin said, bewildered.