Chapter 933
The more Martin talked, the more worked up he got, but it was clear he was just getting himself all riled up.
Jackson, on the other hand, felt nothing. He was getting impatient and shoved the phone back at Martin.
"Do you really think it's not too late to ask for forgiveness and fix our father-son relationship now? I'm thirty, not thirteen. But you know what, you do have a point. So, don't worry, I'll do my duty. When you hit retirement age, I'll make sure you get your monthly support on time."
Martin felt like all his emotions were wasted. Did he really need that support money?
Feeling a wave of dizziness, Martin watched Jackson reach for the door handle but held back his anger.
He remembered what Lyra had said. Lyra mentioned that now that Taylor was found, it might be his only chance to show he was trying to mend their relationship.
If he missed this opportunity, his relationship with Jackson and Lillian would only grow more distant.
Martin thought Lyra made a lot of sense, and he agreed.
So, he swallowed his discomfort and called out to Jackson's back.
"These shares aren't for you; they're for Taylor. You don't have the right to refuse. Ask Lillian."
Jackson didn't turn around. Lillian had already been accepted back into the Kelly family.
Even before, Lillian probably wouldn't have cared about these shares, but Jackson didn't argue with Martin.
Martin had a point. Whether to accept or not, he couldn't decide for Lillian.
Jackson strode out of the stairwell, only to have a small figure run into him.
The little figure bumped into his leg and wobbled, about to fall.
Jackson quickly grabbed the small figure.
It was a tiny girl in a hospital gown, with two little buns tied with pretty red and yellow ribbons.
"You shouldn't run around in the hospital corridors, okay?"
Since having Taylor, Jackson had become more patient with kids.
He bent down slightly, his voice gentle as he spoke to the child.
The little girl covered her forehead with her hand, her soft voice apologizing.
"Sorry, I won't run next time."
Her chubby little hand rubbed her forehead, her voice sweet and obedient.
Jackson looked at her standing there, thinking of Taylor.
He wondered if Taylor would be this well-behaved when he grew up.
With that thought, he became more patient with the little girl.
Seeing her still holding her forehead, worried she might be hurt, he squatted down and asked.
"Did it hurt? Don't cover it with your hand; it might swell. Let me see."
He gently pulled her hand away and saw a small red bump on her forehead.
Jackson frowned slightly, not seeing any parents around. He was about to take her to the nurse's station when the little girl called out.
"Quiana!"
She ran past Jackson to a middle-aged woman nearby.
Jackson turned to see the woman, Quiana, leading the little girl into a room. Seeing they were okay, he headed back to Taylor's room.
But the little girl's face seemed oddly familiar.
Back in the room.
Lillian came out of the bathroom, noticing the faint smile on Jackson's face, and asked curiously.
"What are you thinking about, smiling to yourself?"
Jackson gently placed a hand on Lillian's shoulder, his gaze soft as it swept over her delicate features, a smile playing on his lips.
"Sweetheart, how about we have a little girl once Taylor grows up?"
His voice carried a mix of anticipation and affection.
Lillian raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye, "Weren't you just saying a few days ago that you couldn't bear to see me go through another pregnancy?"
Her voice was a blend of teasing and confusion, finding Jackson's sudden idea both amusing and puzzling.
Her delicate features framed this moment as a sweet, everyday scene in their life, simple yet heartwarming.
Even a brief exchange like this filled Jackson with a sense of joy and the richness of life.
Jackson had just seen the cute little girl and, turning to see Lillian's bright beauty, thought their daughter would surely be just as lovely.
He also remembered how adorable and well-behaved Lillian was as a child, which made him suddenly want a daughter.
But hearing Lillian's words, he remembered the complications during Taylor's birth.
The severe bleeding, the doctors saying it was a close call, and how they almost lost her.
Thinking of that, Jackson's desire for a daughter faded.
He changed his mind, "You're right, I can't bear it. Let's not have another. One child is enough."
If he wanted a daughter, he could always buy Taylor some cute dresses while he was still young and unaware.
Or maybe even a little wig?
Lillian, seeing his changing attitude, felt a mix of amusement and helplessness. She hadn't known he could be so whimsical.
"What made you suddenly want a daughter?" Lillian was still curious.
Jackson smiled, "I ran into a little girl in the hallway, soft and sweet, just adorable."
Lillian chuckled, understanding.
She often felt the same way, seeing well-dressed, pretty little girls on the street, like little princesses, so lovable.
She said, "I bet you thought she was cute, huh?"
Jackson didn't deny it. He thought their daughter would be a stunning beauty if she looked like Lillian, or a delicate fairy if she looked like him.
Either way, she would be beautiful.
He smiled, "That little girl was really cute, and she looked familiar. Now that I think about it, she looked a bit like Ambrose."
"Like Ambrose?"
Lillian thought of Ambrose's gentle, easygoing demeanor. Imagining his face on a little girl didn't seem too far-fetched; she would be a pretty little girl.
Curious, she asked, "Where did you see her? Is she a patient, too?"
She remembered Oberon urging Ambrose to settle down.
She thought she might check out the little girl, see if she really looked like Ambrose. If so, she could meet the parents, take a photo, and send it to Ambrose to maybe inspire him to start a family.
"She should be a patient. She was wearing a hospital gown. Her room is the second one past the stairwell."
Jackson's words stayed with Lillian.
Lyra's voice rang out, "What are you two whispering about at the door? Is there something Jeffrey and I can't hear?"
Lillian and Jackson exchanged a smile and walked hand in hand over to Lyra.
Seeing the couple so happy together, Lyra's eyes were filled with contentment.
"Grandma, there's nothing I wouldn't share with you! You can't accuse me of that. Even if I have little secrets, they're only with you."
Lillian linked her arm with Lyra's, her sweet words making Lyra laugh heartily.
Lyra nodded, "Yes, yes, Lillian only shares secrets with Grandma. Come closer, I have a little secret for you, but you mustn't tell anyone."
Lillian thought Lyra was joking and leaned in playfully. Lyra whispered a few words into her ear.
Lillian's expression tightened, and she quickly said, "Grandma, why did you tell me that?"
Her eyes were filled with shock and concern, but Lyra brushed it off, patting her hand.
"Why shouldn't I tell you? If not you, then who?"
Lillian felt a mix of emotion and gratitude, unsure of what to say.
"But..."
"Grandma, what secret did you tell Lillian? I promise I won't tell anyone. Share it with me, too."
Jeffrey, initially indifferent, became curious seeing Lillian's reaction and leaned in.
Lyra immediately pushed his face away, "You're the worst at keeping secrets. Anything you know, the whole town will hear about it within a day. You dare say you can keep a secret!"
Last time, when Martin had a health issue and was constipated for three days, Jeffrey had spread the news all over town.
Lillian laughed and pushed Jeffrey away, "This is a secret between Grandma and me, nothing to do with you."
Jeffrey, feeling slighted, huffed and picked up Taylor, "Then I'll share a secret with Taylor. Come here, Taylor, let me tell you..."
He leaned into Taylor's ear, whispering something. Little Taylor thought he was playing, his ear tickled and warm, and he squirmed on the bed, giggling.
Just then, the door opened, and Martin walked in.
Lillian was surprised; she thought Martin had left after being rebuffed.
Martin entered and sat on the couch, silently watching Jeffrey play with Taylor.
Though his presence was strong, the others in the room were not easily intimidated and continued their conversation, ignoring him.
Lyra then asked about Taylor's name, turning to Lillian.
"Have you and Jackson decided on a name for Taylor? You should do it soon, can't delay any longer."
Lyra wanted Taylor to be officially recognized and registered under the Frane family name.
Plus, Taylor's first birthday was coming up in a couple of months, and she had many gifts to prepare.
Legal documents and such required Taylor to have a name and identity.
Before Lillian could respond, Martin perked up.
He smiled, "I've thought of a few names for Taylor. Let me share them..."
He stood up, reaching into his pocket for the paper.
He had spent the night in his study, carefully thinking of names for Taylor.
But before he could pull out the paper, Jackson spoke to Lyra.
"Grandma, we've already asked Lillian's grandfather to name Taylor. We should have it finalized in a couple of days, and I'll let you know."
Lillian thought Jackson had already informed Lyra about asking Oberon to name Taylor.
But it turned out he hadn't mentioned it at all.
Lillian worried Lyra might be upset, but Lyra showed no sign of displeasure, instead nodding and smiling.
"That's a great idea. Oberon is knowledgeable and cultured; he'll choose a fitting and elegant name."
Martin's expression darkened. He still pulled out the paper with the names and said.
"Taylor is the Frane family's eldest grandson. His name should be chosen by us..."
Martin's words were cut off by Lyra's stern look.
"Enough. It's just a name. Whoever chooses it will surely pick a meaningful and good name for Taylor."
Lyra's gaze carried a warning, signaling Martin to stop.
Her son wasn't lacking in emotional intelligence; he knew he wasn't welcome but still sought attention.
He had been pampered all his life, never faced setbacks, always carried himself with pride, and now, at his age, he was still single.
Martin believed his grandson's name was important.
In the Frane family, although they hadn't had a grandson in their direct line, other branches had grandchildren.
The names he chose reflected that. But if Oberon named Taylor, he wouldn't consider these details.
Martin wanted to argue further, but Jackson spoke again.
"Once Mr. Kelly decides on Taylor's name, we'll register it. Taylor will take his mother's surname."
Martin was shocked.
His brows furrowed deeply, unable to contain himself.
"What do you mean, take his mother's name? Aren't you getting remarried? Hurry up and get the marriage certificate so Taylor can be registered properly."
He felt like his mind couldn't process Jackson's words. Everything seemed chaotic.
Jackson looked coolly at Martin and stated his intention directly.
"Lillian and I don't plan to remarry for now, so Taylor will take his mother's surname and be registered under the Kelly family name."
Martin was furious.
He felt like blood was rushing up, ready to burst. This was his only grandson; how could he take the Kelly name?
A name wasn't something to be changed casually.
In the future, it wouldn't be easy to switch back to Frane.
Martin's face turned grim, his voice stern.
"No! Absolutely not. You're not a son-in-law. My precious grandson can't be named Kelly!"
Martin couldn't bear the shame!
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