Chapter 959 Austin Apologizes to Charles
Austin and Charles bailed out of the exam room and hit the hallway.
Austin slumped against the wall, head down, not saying a peep, just picking at the wall like it was his job.
Charles, looking all annoyed, snapped, "You got something to say or what? If not, I'm heading back in."
Austin finally looked up, like he had to dig deep for it, and said, "I'm sorry."
Charles looked like he just saw a ghost.
Austin's fists were clenched so tight his knuckles were white, his face turning red, lips pressed into a thin line.
After a beat, he locked eyes with Charles and said, "Charles, I messed up. Big time. I know it, and I swear I won't pull that crap again."
Charles shot back, "You don't owe me an apology."
Austin's fists tightened even more, like he was bracing for a punch.
But then Charles said, "Everyone's gotta own up to their actions. Lose your humanity, and you're just an animal."
Austin's face went dark.
Charles kept going, "Yeah, I might be harsh, and you can hate me all you want. I don't care. But you're Carter's only kid. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be wasting my breath on you. So, take care of yourself."
Austin nodded. "Thanks for not telling my dad."
Charles cut in, "I didn't keep it from Carter for you. I did it because I don't want him to know he raised a cruel son. Carter's been a stand-up guy his whole life. I don't want him thinking he failed as a dad. If you care about him at all, change your ways. Stop making him sad and disappointed."
Austin kept nodding. "I get it. I'll change. I was lost and hurt you. I'm really sorry."
Seeing Austin's genuine look, Charles let it go.
He knew he had some blame in this mess too.
"Alright, it's done. Let's not drag it up again. Being with Hannah hurt you, so let's call it even." Charles paused, then added, "But just 'cause it's in the past doesn't mean I forgive you. We can't go back to how things were. In front of the elders, we'll play nice. But privately, we're strangers."
Austin pressed his lips together, like he wanted to say something but didn't.
Charles said, "Hannah mixed up love and gratitude, thinking she loved you when she was just grateful. It caused a lot of mess. I apologize for her and thank you for looking out for her. From now on, I'll take care of her."
With that, Charles walked back into the exam room without a backward glance.
Watching him go, Austin's fists clenched tighter, veins popping, nails digging into his palms.
Carter, waiting outside, saw Charles come in and smiled, saying, "First time I've seen Austin make a move to talk to you. He's shy and keeps to himself. Seeing him reach out makes me happy."
Charles, all cool, said, "We're seven years apart. We got nothing in common."
Translation: He and Austin would never be tight.
Carter wasn't dumb; he got the hint. He knew that even though they didn't throw punches, Charles and Austin never really clicked.
For some reason, Charles had a soft spot for Violet but always kept his distance from Austin.
In the whole Watson clan, only Fannie could hold a decent convo with Austin.
Maybe it was just Austin's vibe!
Austin was pretty cold when it came to family stuff.
Besides caring about Violet, Carter hadn't seen Austin give a damn about anyone else.
Maybe Austin just sucked at showing his feelings or being social. Either way, Carter hadn't seen him get hyped about anything.
Carter said, "Alright! If you guys can't get along, I won't push it! Austin's been doing his own thing since high school, and even when he's in a jam, he doesn't come to us. If he needs something and you can help, I'd appreciate it."
Charles knew Carter asking for help was a big deal.
To ease his mind, Charles nodded. "I got it!"
Once they started chatting, the vibe outside wasn't as tense.
After a bit, Austin came back in, eyes all red like he'd been crying.
Charles gave him a cold glance but didn't say a word.
When Violet finished her treatment and came out, another half hour had ticked by.
Usually, Angela came out looking stressed, but today she had a big smile, clearly in a good mood.
Angela said, "Ms. Moore was in great shape today, and the treatment went super smooth. If this keeps up, her condition will keep getting better, and those lost memories will start coming back."
Hearing that, Lassie grabbed Angela's hand, all excited, "Thank you so much! Without you, we'd be lost!"
No matter how many times she said it, it never felt like enough.
Angela was a young doc, barely in her twenties.
Not a knockout and not very tall, but a total genius. She got into D University at fourteen and had her PhD by eighteen.
She spent three years making a name for herself and racking up global awards.
People like her were rare, let alone getting them to treat you.
They lucked out 'cause Angela wanted a break and opened a clinic, and they found her.
Otherwise, Violet might never have gotten better.
Angela smiled and shook her head. "No need to thank me! Treating patients is my job. Today's session went great, so make sure to come back on time tomorrow. Skipping treatments won't help and will just make things worse."
Lassie kept nodding. "Got it! If there's nothing else, we'll head out!"
Angela said, "Go ahead!"
Violet smiled and tried to link arms with Charles, but he dodged.
Her face fell.
Charles, worried her mood might mess with her condition, thought for a sec and then grabbed her wrist.
Violet's smile came back instantly.
Carter and Lassie exchanged relieved looks.
Austin trailed behind, and as he stepped out of the clinic, he stopped and looked back, accidentally locking eyes with Angela.
Angela gave him a gentle smile.
Austin's eyes darkened, and he turned back, stepping over the threshold and leaving.
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