Chapter 454 Sowing Discord
Taking advantage of the moment, Harper shoved Keith hard in the chest. Totally caught off guard, he stumbled back a few steps. His fake smile vanished, replaced by a cold, icy glare.
Harper didn't have time for his drama. She dashed to the bedside, grabbed Francis's hand, and gasped, "Francis, you're awake?"
Francis frowned, a rebellious fire in his eyes. But when he saw Harper, his gaze softened. "Don't worry, I'm here."
He clasped Harper's hands, their fingers intertwining. His cold, sharp eyes scanned the room, and he muttered, "No one's gonna mess with you."
His stare landed on Keith and then on Abigail. That look of disappointment in his eyes made Abigail's heart race. Their already shaky relationship took another hit.
Just then, Victor barged in with more people, having shaken off the bodyguards outside. With a wave, his men moved to restrain Keith.
Francis's injury had been kept on the down-low, but somehow, word got out. Ryan took the chance to expose Keith's identity. Keith's sudden appearance today threw Victor off, causing the chaos in the ward.
Keith's bodyguards were tough as nails. Even injured, they rushed in to confront the ones holding Keith.
Keith suddenly laughed, "Francis, this is our first meeting as brothers. What's with the hostility? Do you really hate your brother that much?"
Francis's eyes were filled with murderous intent as he coldly replied, "I've been out for a few days, and all sorts of people are crawling out of the woodwork."
Ignoring Keith, he told Victor, "Get them out."
Two bodyguards escorted Abigail out first. Though she was reluctant, Francis's look had already shaken her resolve. She followed them out without a fight.
The room was left with just Keith, who wasn't budging. Taking advantage of the standoff, Keith chuckled, "Francis, I was just chatting with Harper. Are you nervous?"
Keith knew bringing up Harper would set Francis off. As expected, Francis's pale face turned icy, and his grip on Harper's hand tightened until his knuckles turned white. Harper felt it and gently squeezed back to calm him down.
Keith found it amusing, his lips curling up as he continued, "Francis, we're family now. We'll be seeing a lot of each other. If you keep this up, people will think the Getty family isn't united."
"Family?" Francis's tone was frosty and disdainful. "You're not qualified."
Though rusty on debate, Francis was more composed than before. He wasn't as easily rattled.
But Keith wasn't letting up. Smiling, he said, "Francis, I get it, you're still mad. Yeah, my thing with Harper caused a lot of misunderstandings. If I'd known we were brothers, I would've stayed away from her. But," Keith paused, glancing at Harper with a soft, tender look, "what's done is done. I hope you can let it go. I was young and dumb back then."
It sounded like an apology, but it was more like confirming those unproven past events. Keith was secretly provoking Francis.
Francis's handsome face turned icy, and the veins on the back of his hands bulged. If he weren't bedridden, his fist would've already shattered Keith's smug face.
Keith saw Francis's expression and his smile grew even more smug.
"Alright, I'm outta here." Keith shot Harper a look, his tone all shady, "Harper, let's catch up some other time."
Even on his way out, he couldn't resist stirring the pot.
"Hold up," Harper called after him.
Francis's eyes darkened like a brewing storm, his grip on her hand tightening. He looked not just mad but also worried.
Keith noticed Francis's rattled expression and found it even more entertaining. Francis was still as insecure as ever, making it easy for Keith to mess with the newly-reunited couple.
"What is it, Harper?" Keith stepped closer, invading her space, and leaned in, "You can tell me later. I'll wait for you..."
Francis's knuckles went white. Harper patted his hand, reassuring him, "I'll be right back."
Francis didn't want to let go, but he forced himself to, saying, "Okay, I'll wait."
They didn't go far, just outside the ward, but close enough for Francis to hear everything. Harper did this on purpose so Francis could hear their conversation.
Keith, however, found it even more thrilling. He looked at her, his eyes soft, "Harper, what do you want to tell me?"
A loud slap echoed outside. Harper had smacked him hard.
Keith, caught off guard, heard Harper's clear words, "That's what I wanted to say."
The hallway went dead silent. Keith's ever-present smile faded, replaced by a sinister smirk. "Harper, are you joking?"
Harper stayed calm, "Mr. Bolton, you're the one who started the joke."
The formal address dimmed the glint in Keith's eyes instantly. Harper didn't even want to call him by his name now, let alone acknowledge him as part of the Getty family.
Harper added, "What happened between us? I don't think I have a clue."
Keith's lips curled into a cold smile, "Harper, do you really want me to say it? Aren't you afraid Francis will get jealous?"
"Go ahead," Harper said.
"Harper, we used to be so close, didn't we?"
Harper chuckled, "Mr. Bolton, are you delusional? We were close?"
She thought she had been too naive before, always seeing the best in people. She couldn't see through those with ulterior motives. Looking at Keith's nearly shattered facade, she coldly said, "Are you talking about your sneaky moves, your attempts to mess up my marriage, and your failed confession that turned into kidnapping?"
"Harper." Keith looked at her, his eyes deep and seemingly full of affection. "It was him who didn't trust you and hurt you. I wanted to stand up for you, but I wasn't capable enough. I often thought, if I were more capable, would you have fallen in love with me?"
"Did you really think so?" Harper looked at him mockingly, "Or did you think of me as your tool?"
Thinking back, Harper realized why Keith always showed up whenever she and Francis had a fight. He must have been using her even then, and now, this person she once considered a friend still wanted to use her.
Harper was fuming. Without hesitation, she told him, "Mr. Bolton, I can responsibly tell you that I have never had any feelings for you beyond friendship."
Keith's handsome face fell instantly.
Harper stared at Keith's changing expression, her voice growing colder, "But I deeply regret ever considering you a friend. From now on, we are no longer friends, and please don't try to associate with me. If you continue to spread false rumors, I will file a defamation lawsuit against you!"
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