Chapter 16

Bernice was out drinking with her clients when she received a call from Darlene. After hearing about what happened, she dropped everything and rushed over to the hospital immediately. As she drove, her thoughts churned with a mix of emotions. Why was it always Andrew? Why did he keep meddling in her life? Bernice became even more furious after seeing Favian's battered condition. Thanks to Darlene's distorted truth, Andrew was painted as the monster who had viciously attacked them. Yet, amidst her anger, Bernice remained rational. "Mom, why did all of you look for Andrew at this late?" Knowing her mother, Bernice felt that some information had been left out. Darlene's eyes showed a hint of guilt before she quickly diverted the conversation. "That's beside the point. What matters is that we were brutally assaulted. Didn't I warn you about Andrew? "Andrew's an ingrate who would repay kindness with evil. All these years, we've treated him well. But look at what he's done since the two of you divorced." Darlene's words planted seeds of doubt in Bernice's mind. Perhaps Andrew truly was the villain her mother portrayed him to be. "Mom, don't worry about it. I'll meet Andrew tomorrow and get him to explain everything." After watching over Favian for the night, Bernice went to Starlight Grove immediately after breakfast. It was 7:30 am, and Andrew was having breakfast with Raymond at a stone table in the park. Through their conversation, Raymond gleaned insights into Andrew's relationship with the Collins family. Raymond didn't offer any relationship advice. He merely suggested, "As a man, you should be self-reliant. Whether through physical strength to protect your loved ones and country or the ability to earn a living, hard work is essential to earning respect." He then proposed a change in Andrew's routine. "I suggest you forego your workouts and instead join me in practicing ancient martial arts." Impressed by Andrew's self-discipline, Raymond believed that despite his current physical condition, he had the potential to excel with cultivation. "I'll think about it," Andrew casually responded. He was still not well acquainted with Raymond, so he saw no need to elaborate further. Suddenly, Andrew's phone buzzed in his pocket, surprising him. Who would be calling so early in the morning? The caller was none other than Bernice's grandfather, Edward Collins. Andrew picked up the call. "Grandpa Ed!" "I see that you still remember me. I haven't seen you in ages. Did something happen?" Despite the hint of reprimand in his voice directed at Andrew, his words were laden with genuine concern, wrapping Andrew in warmth. "I've been busy, but I'll visit you in two days," Andrew replied, intending to make an excuse to delay the visit. However, Ed saw through his attempt. "Stop hiding from me. Elise wouldn't have come all this way if it weren't important. Come over today!" Edward had barely finished speaking when Elise's voice could be heard from the other end, grumbling, "Couldn't I have come to visit you because I wanted to?" Listening to the bickering on the phone, Andrew couldn't help but smile. After a gentle sigh, he agreed to go. As Andrew left Starlight Grove, Bernice drove over, narrowly missing each other. … The Collins residence was usually quiet, inhabited only by Edward and the housekeeper. "Grandpa, have some grapes," Elise offered, placing the fruit into Edward's mouth with care, embodying the role of a dutiful granddaughter. Relishing the attention, Edward relaxed in his rocking chair, fanning himself as he inquired, "Elise, how's the job hunt? Still adamant about not joining your sister's company?" "I'll never work for her. Several companies have contacted me with their offers, but I haven't decided yet." Even though Elise and Bernice were twins, they took on different paths in life. Not long after Bernice graduated, she married Andrew and founded her own company. She placed all her energy on making money. On the other hand, Elise pursued academia and had a PhD in scientific research. It was very easy for her to look for a job. It was precisely because of this reason that there was a huge personality gap between the two sisters. Moreover, Bernice's treatment of Andrew during the past three years caused Elise to hold a grudge against her sister. "Grandpa, what do you think about me starting my own company?" Elise suddenly came up with an idea. Edward chuckled when he heard this, saying, "Are you planning to compete with your sister? Unfortunately, you're too pure for this world. You'll get hurt easily if you step out into society." Running a business would be vastly different from being an employee. One would need to meet all sorts of people. One wrong step, and it would be a free fall into a situation where there was no return. "If I can't do it myself, I can ask Andy to help me. I'm sure he'll do it well," Elise said jokingly. Edward gave it serious consideration and nodded. "Indeed, Andy's competent. He takes his job seriously and has a better vision than you and Bernice. He is capable of achieving great success. But Andy's got all his focus on Bernice. He might not agree to help you." Having reached a senior age, he had a better judgment of character than others. Even though Andrew had never mentioned it before, Edward had a hunch that Andrew played a part in Bernice's success. Elise scoffed. "Bernice would beg to differ. In her eyes, Andy is mediocre and incompetent." Before she could continue, she felt a fan smack her head. Edward scolded, "Cut it with the nonsense." The aggrieved Elise pouted. Edward soon fell asleep while basking in the morning sunlight. Half an hour later, Andrew arrived at the courtyard. "Andy, you're here!" After not seeing Andrew for a few days, Elise looked at him with vivid emotions. Andrew forced out a smile and nodded slightly before going over to Edward. "Grandpa has just fallen asleep. Let me get you a glass of water. Please, take a seat," Elise whispered. But Andrew waved off her offer, his expression grave as he noticed Edward's sweating forehead in the gentle morning light. Elise had just noticed the change in Edward's condition. She looked at Andrew with a worried expression on her face. Upon sensing someone next to him, Edward opened his eyes. He coughed briefly before murmuring, "Andy, you're here." He wanted to sit up, but his weak body made him sink back down into the chair. "Just lie down and don't move," Andrew exhorted. Then, he began checking Edward's pulse. After a while, Andrew looked at Edward with a somber and helpless expression. "You haven't been taking your medicine regularly for the past two days, have you? Didn't I say before that you shouldn't stop taking your medicine? Otherwise, it would be hard for your body to recover." Elise, who was standing at the side, seemed to recall something. She frowned and said, "I knew I missed something. When I came over yesterday, I noticed the medicine box was empty." "Maybe Bernice hasn't been sending the medications over?" The day Bernice learned about Andrew bringing Edward to the doctor, she refrained from commenting, assuming it was his duty as her husband. After that, Bernice took over the job of preparing his medication. She had always made sure to check the medicine to ensure that there was no problem before having people send it over. Without fail, every three days, the doses arrived without interruption. When Andrew was about to ask about it, Bernice appeared at the door. Bernice froze the moment she saw Andrew. Then, she scolded, "Andrew, how dare you come back here!"