Chapter 257
Raymond glanced at Katherine, then back to Teresa, his expression somber. “Gabriel, I’ve arranged for a consultation with one of the top international oncology teams for tomorrow morning.”
At that moment, Raymond was somewhat relieved to see Gabriel playing happily with Michael as if nothing was wrong.
At least Gabriel wasn’t cowering in fear or trembling with anxiety. His bravery was a boon for his treatment.
“Gabriel, why are you so negligent? How could you not realize something was wrong with your body?” Mason scolded Gabriel, his eyes brimming with concern and sorrow.
Mason couldn’t fathom how his grandson, so tall and robust, could be diagnosed with lymphoma.
“Dad, Raymond, what are you talking about? What’s wrong? What consultation? What happened to Gabriel?” Katherine asked, utterly bewildered by the conversation.
“It’s just mid-stage lymphoma, not something that can’t be cured,” Gabriel said nonchalantly as he lifted his son off his shoulders and placed her on the couch.
“Lymph... lymphoma?!” Katherine gasped, frozen with shock. After a brief moment, she urgently inquired, “What are you saying? Who has lymphoma?”
“Gabriel has mid-stage lymphoma,” Mason replied with a heavy heart as he took a deep breath before giving Katherine the stark news.
“What?! Son, you... you...” Katherine’s eyes immediately welled up with tears.
“Mom!” Teresa quickly went to her side, supporting her. “Mom, the doctor said it’s curable. Don’t worry too much.”
“What’s wrong?” Michael, with his big, glossy eyes, sensed the tension and asked in a gentle voice.
“Nothing’s the matter. Come here, Michael, let’s go eat,” Mason beckoned the kid over with his hand.
“Okay!” The little one chirped agreeably, leaping off the sofa and scampering over to Mason.
“Son, how are you feeling right now? Is this disease really curable?” Katherine implored, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Gabriel.
“Mom, of course, it can be cured. Don’t worry.” Gabriel wrapped an arm around Katherine’s shoulder with reassurance.
“My boy, you’re definitely going to beat this,” replied Katherine.
Gabriel hugged her, smiling. “That’s the spirit. Now, let’s have dinner.”
“Yeah, okay.” Katherine sniffed back her tears, nodded, and everyone proceeded to the dining room together.
...
That evening, at Liam’s villa.
After many conversations, Liam invited Tessa to stay in one of his villas. Conveniently located just a half-hour drive from the Language Academy, it made their commutes and meet-ups much easier.
After schmoozing at the social event, Liam arrived back at his villa. Following another passionate encounter with Tessa, he leaned back against the headboard, rummaged through the nightstand drawer, and pulled out a cigarette and lighter. With a flick, he lit the cigarette and took a heavy drag.
Tessa snuggled into his embrace, her fingers playfully drawing circles on his chest as she looked up at him with her bright eyes and asked, “Liam, why do I get the feeling you’re not happy today?”
Liam tapped away the ash and took another long drag before exhaling a stream of smoke. Looking down at Tessa nestling against him, he cracked a half-smile and said, “I had Diana ask today, but the watch you like is out of stock. How about choosing a different one?”
“Out of stock, huh?” Tessa pouted her red lips, hesitated for a moment, but then quickly grinned, “Then I don’t want it. It’s too expensive anyway, and since I can’t wear it, it’d just sit in my drawer.”
Liam smirked, narrow-eyed, and continued to smoke, “Why can’t you wear it? I thought you liked it?”
“I’m still a student. It’s not fitting to wear something so lavish. And you know, Teresa is so modest. She never flaunts expensive jewelry or dresses lavishly at school. I ought to learn from her,” Tessa said, admiration and adoration shining in her clear eyes.
Liam chuckled again, cupping her chin in his hand and peering into her eyes. He asked earnestly, “Tessa, this eagerness of yours, is it for me, my wealth, or for something else?”
“You’re Liam, the heir to the Evans Group. Tall, handsome, loaded, a true gentleman with a masculine charm, and then some...” Tessa gazed at Liam, her eyes filled with respect and fondness, and she broke into a wide grin, “I like everything about you.”
He smirked at her and said nothing more, just pinched out the half-smoked cigarette and then tossed back the covers to get out of bed and dress.
“Liam, aren’t you staying the night? It’s so late. Where will you go?” she asked, wide-eyed as she climbed out of bed.
With his back to her, Liam didn’t immediately respond but continued to dress.
Finally dressed, he picked up his wristwatch from the nightstand. He glanced at Tessa, who awaited his answer with anticipation, and said with a neutral expression, “The watch you like will be delivered to you tomorrow. And after that, you won’t need to see me again.”
“Why’s that, Liam?” Tessa batted her large eyes, not a trace of abandonment or sorrow found within them—simply curiosity.
Liam adjusted his watch, threw her a cool glance, and, without another word, strode out the door.
...
