Chapter 204: Chapter 212

“What?” Angeline’s eyes filled with disbelief as she stumbled, almost falling from the shock. Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach.

Previously, Evander had hired a professional caregiver to look after Wilfred. Angeline had been occupied in recent days and didn’t have the opportunity to visit him.

She assumed there was still time and that she could take care of Wilfred when her work ended. Only then did she realize how fleeting life can be.

He could pass away anytime.

Without further delay, Angeline headed for Wilfred’s ward. Suddenly, someone gripped the corner of her clothes.

“Angel, did something happen to Old Mr. Sorelle? Can I visit him with you?”

“Sure.”

Angeline swiftly made up her mind. Grandpa adored Floretta when they last met, so of course, he will want to see her one last time before he passes away.

Concerned about leaving Sebastian behind, she took his hand, and the three of them went to Wilfred’s ward together.

As they approached the door, they saw rows of bodyguards standing outside who were most likely sent by Joseline.

“I’m sorry.” The bodyguards stopped them and said icily, “Mrs. Yiurk left orders that no one is to visit this ward.”

Hearing that, Angeline scoffed coldly. Joseline is quite clever, isn’t she? She never took care of Grandpa, yet here she is, putting on a show. Does she think everyone else is as morally bankrupt as she is?

Angeline scowled and announced haughtily, “I am a member of the Sorelle family. Do I need your permission to visit my grandpa? If you insist on blocking my way on Joseline’s behalf, we will settle it in court and see who is in the right.”

As she refused to back down, the bodyguards chickened out. They shared a look and turned a blind eye to her arrival by allowing her entry.

Angeline pushed the door open to see the female caregiver wetting a cotton bud to dampen Wilfred’s lips carefully.

Thanks to her assistance, Wilfred’s ward was much more pristine and brighter. There was no longer any odd odor lingering in the air.

“Ms. Sorelle, hello.” The caregiver stood up politely when she spotted Angeline.

The latter hummed in response. Glancing at the caregiver, she lowered her voice purposely to ask, “How is Grandpa doing?”

The caregiver shook her head sadly, her expression full of sorrow. “Ms. Sorelle, I’m afraid he doesn’t have much time left. He’s only awake for a few minutes each day, and he keeps calling out your name.”

Angeline’s heart skipped a beat as she asked, “He called out for me?” Her voice sounded choked.

“Yes,” the caregiver replied honestly, “Old Mr. Sorelle has something he wants to tell you. I wanted to call you earlier, but he didn’t want to disturb you at work and asked me not to.”

Angeline felt a lump in her throat as she gazed at Wilfred, his frail body lying in bed. Her reluctance to accept his situation was evident in her expression.

“Ms. Sorelle, now that you’re here, I should wake Old Mr. Sorelle.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Angeline interrupted. “I’ll handle it from here, so you may leave for now.”

“Sure.” The caregiver nodded. She cleared the mess on the table and exited the ward.

After she left and closed the door behind her, Angeline brought the kids to Wilfred’s bed.

The sight of Wilfred’s gaunt cheeks caused Angeline’s heart to ache. She couldn’t hold back anymore, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Angel, what’s wrong? Is Old Mr. Sorelle going to leave us?” Floretta asked in a trembling voice as she hid behind Angeline fearfully.

Angeline reached out to hug Floretta. Her voice was firm as she said, “No. He’ll always be with us.

Come, take a good look at him.”

Under Angeline’s encouragement, Floretta hesitantly raised her hand to touch Wilfred’s face. She then quickly retracted her hand.

“It looks like Old Mr. Sorelle has lost a lot of weight.” She pouted unhappily and continued, “Angel, has he starved for a long time? Should we go out and buy some snacks for him?”

Angeline’s heart was overwhelmed with a tumult of emotions after she heard the little girl’s innocent words. Tears stung her eyes again.

I can’t believe Grandpa’s condition has worsened so quickly.

A wave of guilt washed over her as she berated herself for not arriving sooner to care for him.

Right then, Wilfred stirred in his bed. He opened his unfocused eyes and stared at the ceiling.

He extended his fingers and rasped, “Angeline? Is that you?”

Angeline had to press her ear to his lips to hear what he said clearly. She immediately held his hand and choked out, “It’s me, Grandpa. Do you want some water?”

“Okay.” Wilfred’s lips curved as he forced out a smile.

Angeline quickly filled a cup with warm water and brought it to Wilfred. She carefully helped him sit up in bed and then held the cup to his lips, encouraging him to drink it slowly.

Wilfred felt much better after sipping on some water. He smiled weakly and asked, “Where is Floretta?

Didn’t she come with you?” There was a hint of disappointment in his voice.

“Old Mr. Sorelle, I’m here!” Floretta replied hastily. She rubbed her eyes and said tearfully, “Why did you change so much? Please, get up from the bed. I want you to tell me stories and arrange toy blocks with me.”

“My dear child.” Wilfred fumbled about until he found Floretta and ruffled her hair weakly. “I’m going to leave soon, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to arrange toy blocks with you anymore. My energy is running low.”

“Why?” Floretta pouted as confusion filled her eyes. “Where are you going, Old Mr. Sorelle?”

Wilfred was taken aback by her question. A while later, he flashed a gentle smile. “I’m going somewhere beautiful where I can protect you and Angeline.”

Tears were edging past Angeline’s lashes. Her shoulders shook as she covered her mouth and nose, afraid she would cry out loud.

“Angeline.” Wilfred coughed deeply, but he seemed calm. Chuckling, he said, “Be honest with me. Do you really not hate me anymore?”

Angeline placed a hand on his arm and replied with a solemn tone, “I can honestly say that I no longer hate you, Grandpa.”

It wasn’t until Wilfred’s health began to deteriorate that Angeline realized that her hatred for him had dissipated.

She was grateful for how he had helped her grow and improve through his stern guidance and his constant concern for her well-being.