Chapter 242 My Younger Sister?

Chapter 242: Chapter 242 My Younger Sister?

Alexander stood outside Grandpa Wayne’s ward for several moments before entering. Through the narrow glass panel, he could see his grandfather lying motionless beneath the blanket, surrounded by medical equipment. Although Raphael had assured him that the old man’s condition was improving, seeing him so helpless made Alexander’s chest tighten.

He had always known Grandpa Wayne as a formidable man, someone whose decisions could silence an entire room. Even when they disagreed, Alexander had never doubted his grandfather’s strength. Now the man who had held the Wayne family together for decades looked painfully fragile.

I was so occupied with the fortress that I didn’t even know how badly things had deteriorated here. Grandpa nearly died, Tina was injured, and Laurel had to return to save everyone.

The guilt he felt was difficult to swallow.

Alexander entered quietly and approached the bed. He hesitated before reaching for his grandfather’s hand, suddenly reminded of his childhood, when those same hands had rested firmly on his shoulders after his parents died. Grandpa had told him that the Wayne family could not afford to fall apart, that he needed to become strong enough to protect what remained.

At the time, Alexander had been too young to understand why grief had to be accompanied by responsibility.

"Grandpa," he murmured, sitting beside him, "Laurel says you’re going to recover. You should listen to her this time. She’s usually right about these things."

A faint, humorless smile curved his lips. He wanted to tell Grandpa about the monster attack, about Tina’s courage, and about how close they had come to losing the western defenses. But beneath those worries lay another question he couldn’t bring himself to ask aloud.

Did Aunt Margaret really do this to you?

He remembered his aunt comforting him after his parents’ deaths, reminding him that the family needed to remain united. She had always been proud, sometimes overbearing, and frequently resentful when her opinions were dismissed. Yet Alexander had never imagined she might harm her own father.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. Laurel entered with a medical folder in her hand. She paused when she saw Alexander holding Grandpa’s hand, and something in his expression made her reluctant to enter.

"How is he?" Alexander asked, rising immediately.

"His condition is stable," Laurel answered, approaching the bed slowly to examine the monitoring equipment. "The poison has been removed, but his heart needs time to recover. He may remain unconscious for a while longer."

Alexander nodded, watching her work. He noticed the exhaustion in her face and the slight stiffness in her movements, but before he could ask whether she had rested, Laurel closed the folder and turned towards him.

"Mr. Wayne, there’s something we need to discuss about Margaret."

His expression grew serious. "Raphael mentioned the investigation. And just call me Alexander, that isn’t too much is it? I know you don’t like me, but please don’t treat me like a stranger." His voice cracked at the end.

Laurel paused. Seeing those raw emotions in his eyes made her clear her throat before continuing.

"Vera has confessed that Margaret proposed making Grandpa unconscious so she could take control of the fortress," Laurel explained. "Felicia was present during that conversation, and Vera eventually agreed to cooperate. We don’t yet have proof identifying who administered the poison, but the medical records show that Margaret restricted Grandpa’s treatment after he collapsed."

Alexander stared at her, struggling to believe her words. "Aunt Margaret planned this beforehand? And my own younger sister also took part in this?"

"According to Vera’s statement, yes."

Alexander’s eyes darkened. He knew human nature was unpredictable, but never in his life did he believe his sister would partake in this. Yes she was spoilt, but she was also loyal. The bitter taste of disappointment pooled in his chest.

His jaws clenched so much that the gritting of his teeth could be seen.

For a moment, Alexander looked towards his grandfather as though hoping the old man might wake and contradict everything.

His hands curled into fists. "Where is Vera now?" he asked.

"Under guard, for her protection and to ensure she remains available for questioning," Laurel replied. "I want Felicia questioned separately. We also need to trace the tea Grandpa drank before collapsing."

Alexander nodded slowly, his expression becoming increasingly troubled. "Then I want to be present when Margaret is confronted," he said. "Whatever she’s done, she’s my aunt. I need to hear her answers myself."

Laurel studied him for a moment. She could see the disappointment beneath his expression, and although their relationship remained complicated, she understood how painful this must be.

"You should be there," she agreed.

Alexander looked at her, remembering how readily he had once believed terrible things about her without giving her an opportunity to defend herself. The memory made his face tighten.

"Good," he replied quietly.

.....

Elsewhere in the medical sector, Stefan sat beside Ida’s bed, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest. The doctors had assured him that the surgery had been successful, yet he found himself checking the monitoring equipment whenever its rhythm changed even slightly.

He had seen her covered in blood when he returned to the forest, surrounded by monsters. That image refused to leave his mind.

If I’d returned a little later, she might have died out there. And the last thing I would have remembered was telling her to wait for me.

Ida’s body moved faintly, drawing his attention. Her eyelids fluttered before opening just enough for her to recognize him.

"Stefan?" she whispered, her voice weak and dry.

He leaned forward immediately. "I’m here. Don’t try to move. You’ve had surgery."

Her expression became worried as her memories returned. "The children..."

"They’re safe," Stefan assured her. "Tina is recovering, and Jack has been treated. Laurel brought everyone back."

Ida closed her eyes, and tears slipped quietly down her cheeks. She had fought so desperately to keep the children alive that hearing they were safe felt almost impossible to believe.

"Thank goodness," she murmured.

Stefan reached for a cloth and gently wiped her tears, his movements awkward despite his care. He had never been particularly comfortable expressing tenderness, and he suddenly became conscious of how closely he was sitting beside her.

Ida noticed his exhausted face and the shadows beneath his eyes. "Have you been here the whole time?" she asked weakly.

Stefan hesitated. "Someone needed to make sure you didn’t wake up and immediately start worrying about everyone else."

A faint smile appeared on her lips. "Thank you. I really appreciate your kind thoughts," she whispered.

Stefan looked away, his ears turning red. Her small smile relieved him more than he wanted to admit, and he remained beside her until she drifted back to sleep.