Chapter 927
Jackson caught the slightly annoyed look in Shirley's eyes and immediately knew what Lillian was thinking.
Lillian must have thought he tipped off Gray, causing Gray to show up.
But he really didn't.
Jackson wasn't going to accept this accusation, so he quickly turned to Lillian.
"I stepped out to make a couple of work calls. It wasn't me who told him. You can check my call records."
He pulled out his phone, looking eager to prove his innocence.
What a joke. Even though he had been fortunate enough to earn Lillian and the Kelly family's forgiveness and acceptance, he still didn't feel secure.
Until they had their marriage certificate, he wouldn't be at ease for a single day.
Even after getting the certificate, he had to learn from past mistakes and never let Lillian suffer again.
Gray watched Jackson, who seemed desperate for his wife's approval, and couldn't believe his eyes.
Was this really the same cold and unfeeling Jackson who used to intimidate everyone?
As Gray was silently mocking him, Jackson turned to look at him. His expression changed faster than a circus performer's, from warm and gentle to icy cold, making Gray wonder if he had imagined the earlier scene.
Jackson was still the terrifying figure he remembered.
Gray was so startled by Jackson's look that he immediately straightened up and said to Lillian, "Lillian, I've been out of town filming for the past few days. I only found out last night that my nephew was safely home, so I rushed back overnight and came to visit first thing in the morning. It was just a coincidence. It has nothing to do with Jackson. If you don't believe me, ask Shirley."
In truth, he had been filming out of town, but he had returned last night.
He could have come to visit early in the morning, but he had anticipated that Shirley would likely come today, so he waited.
He had someone keep an eye on the hospital, and only after Shirley arrived did he come over, making it seem like a coincidence.
Shirley knew Gray had been filming out of town recently.
Even though they had broken up, and she hadn't been keeping tabs on him, they were still in the same industry. Gray was a prominent figure, and his actions always sparked discussions and rumors.
So it was hard for her not to know his whereabouts. She was forced to know.
Recently, Gray had been involved in a scandal with the second female lead of his current project.
The young actress had just turned eighteen and had publicly declared Gray as her idol multiple times.
She had joined Gray's project specifically to be close to him.
Several candid photos showed the young actress following Gray closely, much to the delight of fans.
Shirley couldn't help but know.
She had even seen a photo circulating in an industry group, taken late at night in the cold.
Gray was sharing a wooden spoon and eating ice cream with the young actress under a streetlamp.
It was incredibly romantic and indulgent.
So, Shirley believed Gray was telling the truth. It was just a coincidence.
Gray had only been playing around with her anyway.
They had broken up, and enough time had passed that even if Gray still felt a bit resentful, it had likely faded, especially with a new love interest in the picture.
Dwelling on this topic would only make her seem self-absorbed.
With that in mind, Shirley pulled Lillian aside but didn't respond to Gray's words. She simply said, "I need to get back to the set. Don't forget to video call me with Taylor later."
Lillian, as an observer, didn't believe Gray's sudden appearance was a coincidence.
But even if Gray couldn't let go, he was too proud to show it, often resorting to sarcastic remarks towards Shirley, which didn't seem genuine.
She didn't want Shirley to get entangled with someone like Gray and certainly wouldn't help him.
She nodded and said, "Alright, you've seen Taylor. He's doing well. Go back to the set and focus on your work. In a few days, I'll bring Taylor to visit you."
Shirley's eyes lit up. She leaned down to kiss Taylor on the cheek, put on her sunglasses, and left.
From start to finish, she didn't spare Gray a single glance.
Gray's expression darkened, and he suddenly said, "I forgot Taylor's gift in the car. I'll go get it."
He wanted to leave, but Lillian immediately stopped him, saying, "No rush for the gift. We've received so many gifts for Taylor that we can barely store them all. It's fine if you didn't bring it up. We can have someone send it to the Kelly Manor later. You said you rushed back overnight, so you must be tired. Jackson, let Gray sit and spend some time with the child. I'll get him a glass of water."
Lillian glanced at Jackson, signaling him.
Gray quickly gave Jackson a look, hoping he would cooperate and let him go after Shirley.
However, Jackson didn't even blink and chose to prioritize his wife over his friend without hesitation.
Jackson even gave Gray a slight push, saying, "Sit down. Lillian's right. The gift can wait."
Gray was pushed down onto the sofa, with Jackson holding him by the shoulder.
Jackson took Taylor from Lillian's lap and said, "Taylor, this is your uncle. Say 'uncle.'"
Jackson stared at Taylor, wanting to see if the little one would defy him and call Gray "uncle."
Gray was anxious but didn't show it.
Besides, he was genuinely there to see the child.
Seeing Taylor's big, curious eyes staring at him, Gray had to suppress his impatience. He waved at Taylor and flashed a charming smile that drove his fans wild.
"Uncle, I'm your uncle."
But Taylor clearly didn't like Gray. After staring at him for a couple of seconds, Taylor turned his head away, showing no interest.
Gray chuckled, "Jackson, your precious son doesn't seem to like me."
It was obvious Taylor had an issue with him.
Was it a case of like repelling like, unable to stand someone more handsome?
Jackson, however, thought Taylor did well.
If Taylor had enthusiastically run over and called him "uncle," Jackson would have been heartbroken.
"Why should my son like you? If he likes anyone, it should be me."
Jackson said, patting Taylor's little bottom.
Taylor, thinking Jackson was playing with him, wiggled excitedly on Jackson's lap. Jackson's arm tensed, holding Taylor a bit tighter.
Gray said, "Don't hurt his wound. Let me hold him for a while."
Jackson looked over and hesitated. "Do you even know how to hold a baby?"
Gray raised an eyebrow, "Jackson, who do you think you're underestimating? I've played a dad before, you know?"
Even though it was just in a show, when it came to taking care of and holding a baby, Jackson, as a new father, might not be better than him. After all, he had undergone professional training.
Seeing Gray's professional posture, Jackson handed Taylor over to him.
Gray crossed his legs, letting Taylor sit on his lap. He wrapped one arm around Taylor's small body, supporting his back, and gently poked Taylor's cheek with his other hand.
"Taylor, if you don't like calling me 'uncle,' how about 'godfather'? Come on, say 'godfather.'"
Lillian walked over with a glass of water and overheard Gray asking Taylor to call him godfather.
She strongly suspected Gray had heard Shirley asking Taylor to call her godmother and decided to appoint himself as godfather.
Lillian set the glass down and looked at Jackson.
"When did Taylor get a godfather?"
Jackson immediately shook his head. "I have no idea. Don't worry, I wouldn't let anyone become Taylor's godfather without your approval."
Gray, accustomed to Jackson's new persona, looked at Lillian and said, "Lillian, look at me. I'm from the prestigious Flores family, the youngest Best Actor, multi-talented, and I can inherit twenty children's theme parks. I think I'm qualified to be Taylor's godfather, don't you?"
Gray's maternal family specialized in large-scale amusement parks, with investments in major theme parks across the country. Gray's mother was an only child, so his claim about inheriting multiple children's parks wasn't just idle talk.
Before Lillian could respond, Jackson said, "Does Taylor lack amusement parks to play in? I can build a few for him myself. No need for a godfather."
Gray wasn't upset by Jackson's rebuttal. He continued to tease Taylor, saying, "Come on, Jackson. Even if you build amusement parks, they should be for Lillian. Taylor doesn't need them. I can send my nephew a new one every year. Taylor and I just have a special bond, right, Taylor?"
Gray leaned in and kissed Taylor's cheek, exactly where Shirley had kissed him earlier.
Lillian was certain Gray was still up to no good.
Taylor, feeling the scratchy stubble on Gray's chin, stared at him with wide eyes, pouted, and suddenly started wailing.
Though no tears fell, the loud cries startled Gray, leaving him momentarily flustered.
"Come on, don't cry. I didn't cry, so you shouldn't either!"
Lillian bent down and took Taylor from Gray's lap, smiling as she said, "Taylor doesn't seem to have that special bond with you. Let's forget about the godfather idea. Besides, I've already discussed with Shirley that Taylor will recognize Shirley's husband as his godfather."
Taylor stopped crying as soon as his mother held him, snuggling into Lillian's shoulder.
Gray felt a pang of rejection from both young and old, male and female.
But he didn't have time to dwell on it, as Lillian's words made his heart tighten.
"Shirley getting married? Who knows when that will happen? I'm a ready-made godfather."
Lillian gave him a meaningful smile. "Who said Shirley's marriage would take long? She might get married before me."
After all, she hadn't even considered remarrying yet, but Shirley might find the right person and get married quickly.
These days, flash marriages weren't uncommon.
Of course, Lillian said this deliberately to unsettle Gray.
Gray's carefree smile faltered. His hands clenched on his knees, and he forced a casual smile as he asked, "Lillian, are you saying Shirley is already seeing someone? She's a rising star. Why would she rush into a relationship or marriage now? If you truly care for her, you should advise her against it."
Lillian chuckled, patting Taylor's back as she said, "Why should I? If Shirley finds a man who loves, respects, and cherishes her, I'll sponsor the wedding and send the couple to State Court. Shirley isn't pursuing an idol career; she's aiming to be a serious actress. Marriage won't affect her much. Establishing a family before a career is perfectly fine. The Kelly Media's resources are at her disposal, and if that's not enough, there's always the Star Group. Star Group can provide her with top endorsements. Isn't that right, Jackson?"
Jackson nodded, "Whatever you decide."
Lillian immediately turned to Gray, raising her chin.
Gray's smile completely disappeared. He forced a laugh, nodded, and stood up.
"Alright. Taylor's asleep, so I won't disturb you any longer."
Taylor, exhausted, had fallen asleep in Lillian's arms after a few pats.
Gray turned and walked out, his back radiating a sense of gloom.
After he left, Lillian looked at Jackson and asked, "I didn't give your friend much face. Are you upset?"
Jackson chuckled, stood up, and took the sleeping Taylor from Lillian's arms.
"Why would I be upset? Besides, you did give him face by personally pouring him water. It's his own fault for not being clear-headed, wanting a wife but not willing to swallow his pride. He deserves to be unappreciated. Maybe a few more hits will help him figure things out sooner."
Lillian blinked, stood on tiptoe, and kissed Jackson's lips.
"Mr. Frane, your awareness is quite high now."
Jackson's lips curved into a smile. "Of course, Ms. Kelly taught me well."
Outside the hospital.
Shirley had taken a cab to the hospital and was now waiting for another one to go back.
She didn't expect that while waiting for her ride, a young man would accidentally bump into her while she was looking at her phone.
Her phone fell to the ground, and the screen shattered.
Before she could get angry, the young man who bumped into her cried out and fell to the ground.
When she picked up her phone, the young man was still lying there, motionless.
She couldn't just ignore him.
Shirley frowned and walked over. "Are you okay? There's a surveillance camera here. You bumped into me. If you're trying to scam me, I suggest you find a different spot. Get up!"
Her voice was sharp, but the young man remained on the ground.
From an angle Shirley couldn't see, the young man looked pained and helpless.
What kind of job was this?
Gray had insisted that he stop Shirley. As a good young man, he was forced into this situation.
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