Chapter 190 You Really Are a Jerk
Stuart asked Andrew, but Andrew didn't have much to say either.
In the past, Andrew would've chewed him out.
Andrew yelled, "You drove Josephine away and now you're asking what to do? You deserve this!"
But seeing Stuart so down, Andrew couldn't stay mad.
After all, Stuart was his grandson, the only heir to the Haustia family.
Andrew felt a mix of anger and pity looking at Stuart.
Andrew sighed. "What to do? Life goes on. Stuart, you're grown up. You should know actions have consequences. If you can't find Josephine, is your life over? Learn to love, but don't be selfish. Think about your family and me too."
"Grandpa..." Stuart choked up, covering his face.
Andrew said, "Even if you want to find Josephine, it won't help if you're falling apart. I believe you won't give up easily."
Stuart stayed in the hospital for three days and was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer.
It was due to irregular routines, drinking, staying up late, and maybe some hereditary factors.
Elbert also had a duodenal ulcer and his stomach hurt when he was hungry.
As a researcher, Elbert often worked day and night, so he still needed medication frequently.
Andrew brought Stuart back to the old house and made two phone calls.
Stuart didn't ask who he called, but hearing Andrew's stern tone, he guessed it was his father, Elbert.
Sure enough, the next day, Elbert came back.
Back then, Elbert was so into his research that he was almost thirty and still not thinking about marriage.
Andrew got anxious. "If you don't want to go into business, at least give me a grandson to inherit the family business!"
Elbert obeyed; he got married and had a grandson for Andrew the next year.
But neither he nor his wife focused on family life, and when Stuart was just a few months old, they both went back to the lab.
If it weren't for a later incident that almost led to their divorce, they could've been considered a loving couple in the research community.
When Elbert came back, he first went to see the sick Stuart in his second-floor bedroom.
To be honest, he hadn't been back for over a year.
The research institute didn't care about holidays; when busy, they might not leave for all 365 days of the year.
After Stuart and Josephine got married, Josephine could count on one hand the number of times she saw Elbert and Carol.
Even though Andrew was old, it was clear he had been a handsome young man.
Stuart's looks stood out in the Hustalia wealthy circle.
Elbert naturally looked good. He was over fifty but looked like he was in his early forties, elegant and steady, exuding mature charm.
Because of his long-term research work, he had a scholarly and cool demeanor. Even now, he could still attract young women.
Elbert and Stuart weren't close, which might sound like a joke, but it was true.
In just a few minutes, Elbert came downstairs.
Andrew looked at him. "Your room is ready."
"Dad," Elbert said, "I need to go back to the research institute."
Andrew got mad. "Can't you hear me? You've never been there for Stuart. Now he's sick and struggling, and you can't even comfort him?"
Elbert asked, "Do you know what he just said to me?"
Andrew frowned. "What did he say?"
"He called me a cheating scumbag and said I have no right to comment on his feelings," Elbert replied coldly. "Dad, you raised a good grandson."
Andrew snapped, "Did Stuart say anything wrong?"
Elbert felt wronged. "So why did you call me back? I told you it wasn't my fault."
Andrew's cane almost poked his face. "Elbert! Be a man! Even if you messed up, own it! You slept with someone and now say it wasn't your fault?"
Elbert said, "I told you; it was a misunderstanding."
"I think Stuart's right; you are a scumbag," Andrew said. "With that attitude, don't expect forgiveness."
Elbert frowned. "Dad, it's all in the past; let it go."
Andrew said, "Since Stuart's in a bad mood, stay and comfort him."
Elbert blurted out, "He's too old for that!"
Andrew was furious. "Get out of my sight!"
And Elbert really left.
Seeing him comply, Andrew got even angrier.
Then he saw Stuart at the top of the stairs.
Andrew was stunned, not knowing what to say.
Stuart came down. "Mom still hasn't forgiven him for what happened. Grandpa, I swear I didn't do what he did, so why won't Josephine forgive me?"
Stuart looked fragile, both physically and mentally.
Andrew said, "Your mom can't tolerate mistakes. But I know your dad loves her deeply. That incident might have been an accident. I don't believe he forced his assistant, but at the time..."
At the time, Elbert admitted his mistake to Melissa.
Andrew was afraid Carol would go crazy, so Andrew sent Melissa, abroad.
Now Elbert claimed it was a misunderstanding, but no one believed him.
Stuart used to defend Elbert sometimes, but he still saw him as a scumbag.
Stuart always thought he wouldn't be like Elbert. But to Josephine, he was also a scumbag.
Now, he couldn't even find Josephine to apologize. He felt empty inside.
Stuart forced himself not to think about her.
He said, "Grandpa, let's not talk about that. Did Dad know about William's incident last time?"
Andrew gritted his teeth. "Of course, I told him."
Stuart asked, "What did he say?"
Andrew said, "Don't worry. I only recognize you as the child of the Haustia family. As for your dad, you're right; he is a scumbag. He knows he has another son and doesn't care."
Stuart said, "He's indifferent to me too."
Andrew said, "Not entirely. He always felt guilty towards your mom. Over ten years ago, he made a will, leaving all his assets to you."
Stuart said, "Now I understand what it means that untimely affection is useless."
Andrew sighed. "First, take care of your health. We'll talk about other things later."
Stuart looked at him. "Grandpa, please help me contact Liam. Josephine may not care about my feelings, but she won't refuse you."
