The Returning EX (John and Sophia) novel Chapter 1686

Chapter 1686 Visiting Bryce

Ian knew Bryce’s room number at the hospital, so he led the way to the room while Cindy followed behind him. There were two people standing guard outside Bryce’s room. Ian didn’t know if it was Bryce or Sean who had hired the security staff, nor did he know who they were guarding against.

When Ian walked over, both the security guards froze for a moment before they stepped forward to stop him. “You’re not allowed to enter. Who are you? Are you a family member?”

Ian had no desire to say that he was Bryce’s son, so he came up with a lengthier explanation. “I called earlier, and I said that I would come around this time. You can go in and ask if he wants to see me.”

The guards exchanged glances before one of them turned and walked into the room. A few seconds later, the guard came back out and nodded to his partner. They stepped aside to make way for the guests. “Y-You can go in now.”

Ian reached out and held Cindy’s hand before he pushed the door to let them in. Bryce was sitting on the bed and scrolling through his phone with a pair of glasses on his nose. Although he was wearing a hospital gown, he didn’t look ill at all. When Bryce realized that Ian and Cindy had arrived, he continued scrolling his phone without looking away from his screen. “I heard that you’ve been back for a while now. How has your stay been? Have you met all your friends around here?”

It was Cindy’s first time meeting Bryce in person. She had seen him on the news and a few pictures of him online, but most of them were pictures of him when he was younger. The man in front of her—an old man in a hospital gown with gray hair—was nothing like the person she had seen in pictures.

“I’ve seen them all. You’re the only person I haven’t met, so I thought I’d pay you a visit,” Ian replied. Bryce chuckled before he lowered his phone. When he looked up to examine Ian, his sharp gaze stood out in comparison to his old and frail body. His body might belong to an old man who had gone through hardships in life, but his gaze looked like one that belonged to a healthy and vigorous young man.

Cindy frowned as she recalled what she had heard about Bryce and Aurora. I finally understand why Aurora was so mesmerized by a married man back when she was still a famous celebrity. Judging by how Bryce looks right now, I’m sure he was extremely attractive when he was younger.

After taking a look at Ian, Bryce shifted his gaze to Cindy. His gaze softened as he gave her a smile. “I’ve read about you in the news,” he uttered.

Cindy’s lips were pressed together tightly, and she hesitated for what felt like hours before she let out a croak. “Hello, sir.” She realized how she was subconsciously wary of Bryce, probably because she was closer to Aurora.

After giving Cindy a nod, Bryce turned back to Ian. “I heard that your mother came over with you this time.”

“Yeah,” Ian replied. After a short pause, he asked, “Do you want to see her?”

Bryce chuckled as he took his glasses off. “Does she want to see me?” he asked in return. Ian didn’t know what to say to this, so he replied with another question. “How have you been lately?”

Bryce contemplated the question for a moment before he nodded. “Not too bad.”

“In that case, my mom doesn’t want to see you,” Ian replied. Bryce let out a hearty laugh when he realized how Ian had revealed his mother’s true attitude without any hesitation. When Bryce finally stopped laughing, he shook his head in a rather exasperated manner. “You’re just like your mother. In terms of the way you talk and the way you work… You’re nothing like me at all.”

Bryce no longer had the domineering and powerful image that was often portrayed on the Internet. Although his gaze was sharp, he seemed especially warm and kind when he laughed. With his gaze, he indicated for his guests to take a seat on the couch beside him. “Sit down.”

Ian held onto Cindy’s hand as they sat down on the couch. “I saw all the articles about you online. In the end, it was us, the older generation, who caused trouble for you. I bet you’re here to resolve this matter, right?” Bryce asked.

Ian wasn’t sure what Sean had told Bryce, so he decided to be completely transparent with Bryce. “That’s right. My company will issue a public statement once I come over to visit you. I’ve spoken to Sean about this and he agreed to work with me.”