That evening, Wyatt was admitted to a VIP ward at the Thompson family's hospital in Hatchbay. When Bella and Justin brought
him in, Asher and Arnold were already waiting.
It had only been a few days, but Bella noticed that Arnold looked much thinner and visibly exhausted, as if he had just recovered
from a serious illness. There was no time for small talk. As the medical staff wheeled Wyatt into the examination room, Arnold
followed them immediately.
Before entering, Arnold glanced back at Asher, his lips parting slightly as he mouthed, "Don't worry, I'm here."
As the door closed, everyone's hearts sank. Asher stared fixedly at the door. His breathing stifled as he felt an intense pang of
anxiety. He was worried about his father's condition and about Arnold's health. That morning, Arnold mentioned that his back
wound was still aching. Asher had wanted him to rest more, but upon hearing about Wyatt's situation, Arnold had jumped up as if
invigorated, insisting on returning to Hatchbay.
During the trip back, Asher gripped the steering wheel with one hand while Arnold played with his other hand. The little fox would
squeeze and rub it, not wanting to let go.
Asher said, "Your body is barely recovered, and now you are taking on such intense work. You can't handle it."
"I'm a man. I'm not as fragile as you think. Don't worry," Arnold replied, emphasizing his manhood, as if afraid that Asher was
bewitched by his overly beautiful face and would abandon him after the passion faded, just as he had done before.
"I know you're a man," Asher responded while staring ahead, his voice slightly hoarse. "I know what I'm doing. There has never
been a moment when I was clearer than when I was with you that night." Arnold had gazed longingly at Asher's handsome
profile, not hiding his burning desire. The next second, he leaned over and planted a deeply affectionate kiss on Asher's cheek.
Asher's deep eyes were filled with hidden emotion. The hand that Arnold tightly held finally squeezed back.
"From now on, I will take care of Dad's illness. Don't think about finding another doctor for him. You can only rely on me," Arnold
said as he lifted his chin proudly. This time, when Arnold called Wyatt, "Dad", it was loud and clear, without hesitation.
Asher did not show much reaction, but there was a slight quiver in his throat. A feeling of warmth spread through his heart.
"Ash, after things went so badly last time, how did you get Arnold to come back from the Larson family?" Bella was naturally
curious and asked about everything.
Asher's heart pounded violently, guilt and bitterness filling his chest. That night, he had indeed gone to the Larson family and
waited outside for a long time. But in the end, he left. Asher did not know that Arnold had endured family punishment, was
imprisoned, and had stood by the window as he left.
When Yuri examined Arnold's injuries, he found not only bruises but also multiple abrasions and cuts, as if Arnold had fought his
way out of a battlefield. Asher dared think deeply about how much effort Arnold had expended to escape that cage and come to
him that night.
"If only I had waited for him a little longer that day..." Asher murmured, his voice hoarse.
"Ash, what did you say?" Bella did not hear clearly.
"Bella, let me ask you a question."
Asher slowly turned his handsome, pale face towards her, his eyes dark and heavy as he met her gaze.
"If one day you found out that I've done many things beyond your comprehension, things you couldn't possibly accept, or if you
discovered that I'm not as good as you thought and that I'm not even a decent person by common standards, what Would you
do?"