All Lucindaâs brothers were present, making the gathering feel like a lively party.
Each one embraced Destinee, reluctant to release her from their hugs.
Destinee appeared completely at ease, her smile bright and welcoming, radiating a warm, outgoing charm.
From his wheelchair, Norton observed the somber expressions on Lucindaâs and Nathanâs faces from afar.
Kern gently moved the wheelchair forward as Norton, with a voice both deep and aged, asked, âNathan, why is only Destinee here? Where is Colby?â
A look of discomfort crossed Lucindaâs face.
Back then, the entire Payne family had concealed from Norton the fact that Nathan was suffering from the $404 Virus, fearing it would cause him undue worry.
Unbeknownst to Norton, Nathanâs daily bouts of vomiting blood since his return from Forden were due to his infection.
Sonny, the most informed among the Payne family, lost his smile and adopted a grave expression.
He subtly watched Nathanâs reactions.
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While Lucindaâs brothers were aware of the virus, they were unaware that it could affect Colby, too.
Prompted by Nortonâs query, they turned their gazes toward Lucinda and Nathan.
Nathan maintained a calm demeanor, explaining, âThe weather has shifted recently.
Colby caught a cold and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital, so he couldnât make it back.
â
Nortonâs worry deepened.
âToday is also Colbyâs first birthday.
How could you let him stay in the hospital receiving treatment alone? Which hospital is he at? Iâll arrange for someone to bring him back immediately.
After all, we have expert medical staff at N&L Fairy Land.
Colby could be treated at home instead of at a hospital.
â
Upon hearing Nortonâs questions, Lucinda averted her gaze and bit her lip, looking somewhat sad.
Nathan remained composed and succinctly added, âKyson is at the hospital with him.
As Colbyâs godfather, heâll ensure Colby is well cared for.
â
Lucinda nodded and said, âNathan and I planned to stay at the hospital, but we had to return because Destinee was hungry and needed to eat.
â
In their responses, the couple tactfully avoided addressing Nortonâs initial question about why Colby was in the hospital.
Since Nathan had clarified that Colby was just dealing with a cold and everything was under control, there was nothing more for anyone else to add.
Norton was particularly focused on Nathanâs demeanor earlier.
Nathan replied with a distant and courteous tone.
With a sigh, Norton said, âNathan, join me.
I need to speak with you privately.
â
Nathan gave no response.
Taking the initiative, Norton began to wheel himself out of the villa, adding, âCome with me.
â
Silently, Nathan followed.
Noticing Norton struggling slightly with the wheelchair, Nathan quickly stepped forward to assist his grandfather in navigating out of the living room.
Lucinda watched them leave until Luisaâs voice brought her back to reality.