Chapter 870
Jackson, on the other hand, handled Ambrose's snarky comments with impressive patience.
"How's Oberon doing, both physically and mentally?"
Ambrose was standing by Oberon's hospital bed. For the past few days, Oberon had been faking a serious illness, staying in the ICU. As the child Oberon had raised, Ambrose naturally hadn't left the hospital even for a moment. They had to keep up the act.
When Jackson called, Ambrose put it on speaker. Hearing Jackson's concern for Oberon's health instead of taking the bait, Ambrose felt a pang of regret.
Jackson, sharp as a tack, was indeed cautious and alert. Ambrose had hoped Jackson would respond to his unfriendly tone with some sarcasm, giving Oberon a good listen, so Jackson couldn't easily marry the Kelly family's only heiress.
Ambrose wished Jackson would face numerous obstacles on his way to marrying Lillian, ideally keeping her in the Kelly family until she was in her thirties or forties. But Jackson, as if he had a sixth sense, didn't fall into the trap. Instead, he smoothly and subtly earned some goodwill.
Ambrose considered turning off the speaker but glanced at Oberon, who was flipping through a newspaper, showing no reaction to Jackson's concern. Oberon even shifted slightly, showing his disdain, a bit childishly.
Ambrose let out a small, helpless smile before responding to Jackson. "He's been through a lot in his life, so he's pretty relaxed. As long as you take good care of Lillian, he'll be fine."
To the outside world, they were creating the illusion that the Kelly family was in chaos due to Lillian's situation. This prevented the Kelly family from sending someone to take over or bring Lillian back to Seaspring Valley City, allowing Jackson to be with her without restraint.
Oberon seemed to think along these lines, too. He couldn't focus on his newspaper anymore. Folding it and tossing it aside, he raised his voice. "Jackson, while Lillian is benefiting from your care, it's only temporary. Keep your intentions in check, or when I get to Miracalia, I'll break your legs!"
Jackson wasn't surprised to hear Oberon's voice. Though Oberon hadn't explicitly stated it, Jackson understood his warning: no ill intentions, like trying to get Lillian pregnant to secure his position.
Jackson dreamed of becoming a father again, of Lillian carrying his child. But he had caused her enough pain in the past and wouldn't repeat those mistakes. His voice softened as he replied, "Hearing your strong voice reassures me. I'll let Lillian know, and she'll be relieved."
Oberon wasn't moved, snorting. "Don't change the subject. Did you hear what I said?"
Jackson responded, "Don't worry, I promise what you're concerned about won't happen. I owe Lillian a lot from the past. This time, from courting her to dating, proposing, and marrying, I want to make up for all our past regrets."
Oberon, somewhat satisfied, nodded. "Good to know..."
Halfway through his sentence, Oberon suddenly realized something and angrily added, "Wait, what do you mean make up for regrets? I haven't agreed to you two dating! Once this is over, stay away from Lillian!"
Jackson didn't argue; instead, he chuckled and coaxed, "Alright, if you don't agree, I'll keep studying the books you sent me."
Oberon huffed, grabbing the phone from Ambrose. "Don't waste your time. Even if you memorize them, it won't help! You're just not cut out for it!"
"You haven't spent enough time with me to judge. When you come to Miracalia, let's fish and play chess. Get to know me better, or I won't accept it."
Oberon scoffed at Jackson's words. "I'm not coming! Even if I did, you wouldn't meet my standards!"
"Are you refusing so quickly because you're afraid I'll convince you?"
Oberon recognized Jackson's challenge but couldn't resist. "Afraid? Do you think I'm as easy to fool as Lillian? Fine, you just wait!"
Jackson's lips curved into a smile. "I'll be waiting."
Ambrose, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. He had to admit, Jackson had a way with words. Oberon, who used to detest even mentioning Jackson, was now bantering with him.
"Alright, what's the real reason you called?" Oberon asked impatiently. Jackson then briefly explained his recent encounter with Kenneth.
"Ruby's been cut off from her kidney source and special medication. She might act out of desperation. Be on guard."
Oberon's face fell. "Got it. Protect Lillian."
After hanging up, Oberon held the phone in silence. Ambrose knew Oberon's feelings towards Ruby were complicated. After Ophelia's death, Oberon and Flora had treated Ruby like a daughter for years. Even after Ruby got together with Kenneth, Oberon had been furious and ignored her for months. But seeing Ruby's devotion to Anouk and her decision not to have her children, Oberon's anger had softened over the years. He was a man who remembered kindness, never forgetting Ruby's kidney donation to Ophelia, which made him particularly lenient towards her.
Now, learning about Ruby's kidney failure and her lack of a donor, Oberon felt a mix of emotions.
"Grandpa, Ruby's situation is her own doing. Even if she dies from kidney failure, it's her fault. She may have saved Aunt Ophelia, but her intentions were never pure. Over the years, she's taken enough from the Kelly family to repay that kidney. You don't need to feel sorry for her anymore."
Ambrose's words made Oberon sigh deeply. "You're right. Maybe I am getting old."
He felt a pang of sadness and reluctance, but thinking about all the things Ruby had done, Oberon's heart grew colder bit by bit. If Ruby had indeed been behind the switch at Lillian's birth, then she deserved the harshest punishment.
...
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Lillian woke up from a nap to find her room quiet. She looked around but didn't see Jackson, feeling a surprising emptiness. Despite only two days with his company, she had grown accustomed to seeing him the moment she opened her eyes.
Lillian blinked and decided not to dwell on it. She reached under her pillow for her phone and called Jackson. He answered almost immediately, his deep, smiling voice coming through.
"Miss me already?"
Lillian couldn't help but smile. "Yes."
Jackson hadn't expected her to admit it so readily, and his heart fluttered. He swallowed before saying, "Keep yourself entertained for a bit. I'll be back soon with some treats for you."
Lillian quickly responded, "I want strawberry cake from Seaspring Valley City, coconut milk squares from Celestial Bay..."
She listed six different snacks, each from a different part of Miracalia. Terry, who was in the car with Jackson, overheard and was shocked. Getting all those snacks would mean driving all over Miracalia, taking at least two or three hours.
Terry glanced at Jackson, who showed no signs of impatience. Jackson's fingers tapped lightly on his knee, a habit Terry knew he had when memorizing things.
"Got it. I'll bring them all for you."
Hearing Jackson's indulgent tone, Lillian's smile grew sweeter. "No need, I was just joking. Where are you? Are you busy at the office?"
Jackson hadn't been to Star Group in days. With Lillian's incident and Lyra also in the hospital, he couldn't focus on work. Plus, going to work would raise Ruby's suspicions. He was already on his way back to the hospital.
"Be good and wait for me."
"Okay, I'll hang up now."
Just as Lillian was about to end the call, Jackson spoke up. "Wait, aren't you forgetting something?"
Lillian was puzzled. "What?"
Jackson's voice was teasing. "You forgot to give your boyfriend a kiss."
Lillian was speechless.
"Come on, give me a kiss," Jackson urged over the phone.
Lillian felt a bit silly. They hadn't been apart for long, and a phone kiss seemed childish. But Jackson insisted, so she laughed and made a kissing sound.
The clear sound echoed in the car, and Jackson was very pleased. Terry couldn't help but laugh.
Lillian paused, confused. "I thought you were in your office?"
Jackson glanced at Terry, who wasn't fazed and spoke up. "Mrs. Frane, we're in the car."
Lillian's face flushed, and she quickly hung up. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she tossed her phone aside. She considered sending Jackson an angry emoji, but then sensed someone watching her.
Lillian looked up towards the door but saw nothing suspicious. The door was closed, and the small window was empty. She scanned the room again but found nothing unusual. Knowing Jackson's trusted bodyguards were stationed outside and the medical staff were thoroughly vetted, she figured her nerves were just on edge from the recent incident.
She got out of bed, washed her face in the bathroom, and then went to check on Lyra in the next room. However, she found Lyra's door locked. Surprised, she knocked twice.
After a moment, Peggy opened the door. "Mrs. Lillian Frane, come in."
Lillian stepped inside, asking casually, "Why was the door locked? Is Grandma resting?"
"Mrs. Lyra Frane accidentally dirtied her gown and asked me to lock the door while she changed. She's fine, especially happy knowing you and Mr. Frane are back together. She's been eating more."
Lyra was sitting on the bed, still fastening the last button of her gown. Seeing Lillian, she smiled warmly.
"Lillian, come talk to Grandma. I'm so bored."
Lillian sat by the bed, helping Lyra with the stubborn button and straightening her collar. "If you're bored, I can have the nurse move my things here. I haven't slept with you in a while. We can chat all night."
Lyra's eyes lit up. "That sounds wonderful."
But then her expression changed. "I'm worried Jackson will be upset if he finds out I took you away while he was gone. He has a temper."
Lillian laughed. "He wouldn't dare! If he shows any discontent, I'll help you teach him a lesson."
Lyra squeezed Lillian's soft hand, her eyes full of love. "He wouldn't openly show it, but he'd be annoyed. Let's not cause any trouble."
Lyra waved her hand dismissively, and Lillian looked at her in surprise. "Grandma, you're our treasure, our pillar. We all love you the most."
Lyra chuckled at Lillian's earnest expression and sweet words. Just then, a sound came from the bathroom, something falling to the floor.
Lillian turned towards the bathroom, her curiosity piqued.
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