Chapter 274 He Protected the Person He Wanted to Protect
Hayden let out a helpless sigh.
How did Charles usually react to criticism? He always seemed to dodge it by changing the subject.
Hayden set the newspaper on the table, stood up, and said, "I'll go cut some fruit for you."
"Get out," Marcus snapped.
Hayden grabbed his phone and stepped outside.
In the yard, he called Daphne, his voice calm and steady. "Daphne, I'm alone right now. Laura's not with me." He always spoke kindly to her.
Daphne had a lot to say, but she couldn't find the courage.
Hayden and Laura were good people. Bringing them bad news felt too cruel.
"What's wrong?" Hayden's voice came through the phone again.
"Can I meet with you?" Daphne struggled to speak. "I can't explain this over the phone."
Hayden was sharp. From her tone, he guessed, "Did something happen to Charles?"
Daphne's nose tingled with emotion.
She didn't even know why his question hit her so hard.
She fought to control herself and barely managed to say, "Yes."
"Where are you?" Hayden asked.
"Ivrea City," Daphne replied.
"Send me the address. I'll come over," Hayden said.
"Okay," Daphne agreed.
After hanging up, Daphne sent him the address.
Hayden stood there for a moment before heading back inside. He went to the kitchen, cut up some fruit, and brought it to them as if nothing had happened.
Marcus was never satisfied. "Find somewhere else to be; don't get in our way."
"I have something to take care of." Hayden, looking as handsome as ever, handed Laura a piece of fruit. "Are you coming with me or staying to play chess with Marcus?"
"You go ahead," Laura said. She usually didn't interfere with his matters.
Hayden didn't mind Marcus being there. As usual, he gave Laura a goodbye kiss on the cheek and then left.
Laura, used to it, continued playing chess.
Marcus shot Hayden a disdainful look and kept playing.
They didn't notice anything unusual.
Hayden went to the garage, took a car, and drove to the address Daphne had sent. He didn't call for a driver.
They had arranged to meet at a business café.
Daphne arrived first. She looked at the items in her hand, feeling anxious. Though she appeared calm, her heart was racing.
About twenty minutes later, Hayden arrived. He wore a mid-length black coat, his hair slightly short. He had a tall, slender build, exuding a mature and steady charm.
The moment he entered, he saw Daphne sitting in a corner, looking a bit haggard.
Seeing her like this, Hayden guessed the situation might be worse than he had imagined.
When Daphne looked up, she saw Hayden walking towards her.
She stood up, wanting to call his name, but couldn't bring herself to speak.
"Sit," Hayden said as he sat down across from her.
Daphne pressed her lips together and, as she sat down, finally said, "Hayden."
"Don't be so nervous," Hayden said, trying to comfort her like an older brother. "What happened to Charles?"
Daphne wanted to explain but handed over the medical report she got from Brian first. "Take a look at this. He just had surgery and is still in a coma. His condition isn't good."
Hayden felt uneasy, but his hand and expression stayed steady as he took the report. He remained calm throughout.
"So, you're saying he might be paralyzed or suffer cognitive impairment when he wakes up?" Hayden's eyes flickered as he read part of the report, but he quickly adjusted and asked jokingly.
Daphne didn't hide anything. "Yes."
Hayden continued reading. The more he read, the heavier his heart felt.
However, he didn't show it, flipping through the pages like he was reading work documents.
Seeing Hayden reach the last page, Daphne said, "I'm sorry."
Hayden asked, "What for?"
"Charles got hurt protecting me from a bullet." Daphne didn't hide the situation. "It's my fault."
Hayden paused, finally showing a bit of genuine emotion. "A bullet?"
Daphne recounted the entire incident.
From Michael's setup to Charles getting shot while protecting her, she explained the key points.
Brian had shown her Charles's gunshot wound. Given the location and timing, if Charles hadn't shielded her, there was a 90% chance she would have been hit.
Thinking back, Michael's shot was likely aimed at her. He wanted Charles to suffer as he did.
Hayden listened quietly. When Daphne finished, he smiled gently as usual. "Don't take all the blame on yourself. He protected the person he wanted to protect. I should be happy for him."
"Hayden..." Daphne felt guilty.
"Is this for me to sign?" Hayden noticed the family consent form.
Daphne, distracted by the change of topic, handed it over. "Yes."
Hayden took it, glanced through it, and asked the café owner for a pen. He then smoothly signed his name.
He handed the consent form back to Daphne, his tone unchanged. "Take good care of him. I'll find an excuse to keep this from his mom and grandpa."
"Okay." Daphne felt even more burdened.
"Daphne," Hayden called her.
Daphne, filled with complexity and guilt, looked over.
Hayden smiled reassuringly. "Don't feel guilty. This isn't your fault or your responsibility. If you're well, he'll be well."
"Hayden..." Daphne had countless words stuck in her throat.
"You should go back." Hayden placed the consent form in her hand. "Don't waste any time."
Daphne agreed. She and Hayden left the café together.
As Hayden was getting into his car, Daphne finally mustered the courage to bow and apologize, filled with guilt and remorse. "Hayden, I'm sorry."
Hayden, ever the kind elder, said, "You don't need to apologize. Charles's greatest wish is for you to be well. I should thank you for keeping this from Laura and Marcus."
They loved Charles dearly. If they knew something this serious had happened to him, they might get overly emotional, and something unexpected could happen.
"By the way, don't tell Rex either," Hayden reminded her before leaving.
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