After Natasha had finished the soup in the afternoon, Terence said, “It's getting late, so I'm going to go pick up Denise. Sit tight and rest up. I'd be right back.”
Natasha nodded. “Be careful on the road, Grandpa.”
“Will do,” Terence replied.
Just as he was about to make his way out, the door was pushed in from the opposite direction. In came Liam, striding in in a boisterous fashion.
“Where's Nat? Let me have a look at her.”
The presence of the man who just entered drew a frown from Terence. “What are you doing here, Liam?”
It became clear then what was going on once he spotted Kenneth tailgating close behind. This rascal is definitely doing this on purpose!
He then shot Kenneth a look of disapproval.
Liam regarded Terence. “You're too much, old man. How could you not inform me when something this major happened to Nat?”
Before Terence could respond, Liam had already swept past him to approach Natasha who was sitting on the bed. “How are you doing, Nat? Are you feeling better?”
When Natasha saw Liam, her attention was naturally fixated upon Kenneth behind him.
Needless to say, Kenneth was absolutely doing that on purpose, and he met her gaze as though to convey exactly that.
Rolling her eyes at him, Natasha then regarded Liam smilingly. “I'm okay, Old Mr. Hamilton.”
“You're not fooling me. Just look at your face, your body, and how badly banged up you are. It must have been very painful...” The more Liam looked at her physical state, the more his heart ached for her. He then turned to regard Terence. “Heck of a job you were doing caring for Nat. How
could you let her get hurt to this extent?”
Hearing that, Terence responded, “You are one to say. How would there have been an accident if you had not insisted on getting her a car? Nat usually grabs a ride after work and would be able to nap the rest of the way home. It was you being so adamant about gifting her a car that had brought about this accident!”
At first eager to retort, Liam subsequently lowered his eyes sheepishly when he considered how probable a cause that might have been. “I-I'm not going to get into that with you.”
Reflecting on it, he then turned his attention back to Natasha. “I really meant well, Nat, and I didn't expect that things would turn out this way... Are you mad at me?
Natasha shook her head. “Of course not. You were only being thoughtful, and the traffic accident itself was just pure happenstance. I wouldn't lump them together and say that they could be connected in any way.”
Hearing that helped set Liam's mind at ease. “You're so much more understanding, unlike some dumb old man!”
Terence was flabbergasted.
How dare you take potshots at me, you old b*stard?
“Rest assured that although I did not mean for any of this to happen, I acknowledge the role that I played. As such, I will definitely take responsibility for it,” said Liam to her.
“Take responsibility? How do you expect to do that, mm?” asked Terence as he approached.
“I... will cover all of Nat's medical expenses, and I'll also ensure that she'd be well-nourished and in a much better shape than ever before,” replied Liam in a huff
“You might as well save yourself the trouble because no one cares for it!” Terence said.
“I'd be thankful enough if you Hamiltons would just stay far, far away from my Nat!” “You... That's too much from you, Terence!” Liam howled, sounding quite aggrieved.
“Too much?” Terence retorted. “Have I misspoken? The pair of you Hamilton boys must have been sent by the heavens to bring my Nat to ruin.”
“I-I...”
“What? Was I wrong to say that?” Terence retorted.
The sight of the two of them starting their bickering again led Natasha to rub her own temples.
In reaction to the situation unfolding before him, Kenneth approached to offer up a reminder. “We are in a hospital, Grandpa.”
Liam was in a right fit, and it was only when he turned and saw Natasha massaging her own head in vexation that he tried to rein himself in. Then, he said to Terence, “Fine. It is whatever you say. I'm not going to fight with you today.”
With a cold snort, Terence looked away and said no more.
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