fool

Chapter 173

The bookmark lay in a wooden box. After accepting it, Finn hesitated before opening it. His fingers lingered on the box as if the contents were something immensely precious. Finally, he opened it with reverence and, as he saw what was inside, couldn’t help but smile faintly.

“Ella, you’ve finally made up for what you owed me. How many years have passed? You little liar,” he murmured to himself. “One hundred years… I almost believed it.”

His smile gradually turned bitter. Memories from the past flooded his mind -the little girl trailing behind him, calling his name with every step. “Finn, I learned a new papercraft. I’ll make you a bookmark. What do you think I should do in the future! I like drawing. How about I become a designer? Whether it’s jewelry or fashion design, I’ll dedicate my first collection to you!

“Shall we fly a kite! Will you stay with me for a long time? Let’s make a pinky promise–one hundred years, no backing out Two fingers tightly interlocked, sealing a promise of a hundred years. But in the end, the forgot, and he broke the promise.

Finn smiled wryly and slowly rose. He went to his car and instructed the driver to stay at the airport

“Mrs. Santino asked me to follow you, the driver said respectfully.

Finn’s eyes turned cold, “What? Have they sent you to spy on met I know what I’m doing. I’ll fulfill my promise to her. Don’t annoy me and get out of my sight

The driver immediately lowered his head and dared not say more. Fin drove to the sanatorium alone. He bypassed the front desk and headed straight to the ward as if traversing an uninhabited land. When Cullen opened the door, he was startled to see Finn.

“What are you doing here? Security Cullen exclaimed

“Cullen, I asked him to come. You can leave. I need to speak with him privately.” Devin said.

“But..” Cullen was still uneasy.

“He’s already here. If he means to harm me, what can you do about it? Go on, I’ll be fine. Don’t tell Ella about this. You snitch Devin urged, his tone tinged with slight annoyance.

“Fine… Call me if you need anything. Tll be right outside. Reluctantly, Cullen left.

Once the door was closed, Finn bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Grandpa.”

Trii hadn’t been for that incident, you would’ve married Ella by now, wouldn’t you?” Devin said wistfully.

“Grandpa, isn’t it too late to mention this now! Finn raised an eyebrow

“Are you still angry?”

“Do you really think I care about the Willow Group? IT I warned it to go bankrupt, it wouldn’t have lasted until Jaden showed up Finn said an

angrily.

Devin said in a solemn tone, “I know you hate us, but you also care about Ella, so you’re torn. You’ve watched the Willow family fall from greatness to ruin. It seems like a storm is brewing, but as long as you’re here, the Willow Group stands, and Ella’s security is guaranteed.

“You claim to hate Ella and want to destroy her, yet when she is in danger, you’ll still send people to save her, I have done nothing about Ella’s situation because I believe that you wouldn’t truly push things to the extreme.

“Grandpa, are you mocking me for not being ruthless enought Bearing the grudge of my parents but being hindered by personal feelings? Finn clenched his fists tightly, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at Devin.

“If you must, kill me. Consider it repaying the debt,” Devin said grimly

“Do you think I wouldn’t dare? Fuming, Finn advanced aggressively, pressing his hand against Devin’s neck.

Devin offered no resistance, closing his eyes instead. Tve left a will. Cullen is an obedient child and he will abide by it. When the time comes, it will be just a natural passing. If my death can settle your hatred, then do what you must.”

Finn was choked with rage, his fingers tightened, his temples throbbing. He was on the verge of strangling the old man. Yet if Devin died, he and Ella would truly be doomed! The enmity he felt toward the man who harmed his parents was insurmountable. However, Finn abruptly withdrew his hand and staggered back, collapsing against the wall to stop himself. He breathed heavily, glaring at Devin with reddened eyes

“Child… Devin spoke softly.

“Shut up. I have no ties to the Willow family. My surname is Santinol Finn spat.

With that, Finn stumbled out, barely able to maintain his balance. Cullen saw his disheveled state and looked away, his gaze evasive. Finns was like a stray dog in a storm-

n–menacing yet somehow pitiable, Cullen hurriedly checked on Devin’s condition

Chapter 173

“Mr. Willow, are you alright?” Cullen asked with concem.

Devin shook his heard slightly, letting out a deep sigh.

Perplexed, Cullen asked. “Mr. Willow, may I ask why you still tolerate Finn despite his many offenses against Ella and the Willow group! He’s so dangerous, and yet you see him alone? Do you know how worried I was for you? If something happens to you, how will I face Ella

“Finn isn’t truly a bad kid. He won’t do us any real harm, Devin said reassuringly,

“You speak as if you know him well

“Because I do. He’s like family”

Devin mumbled to himself. Cullen couldn’t make out his words clearly but saw the sadness in Devin’s eyes as he looked toward the door.

Finn ran through the night until exhaustion overcame him. His footing faltered, and he fell onto the lawn. He sprawled out, gasping for air, his chest heaving rapidly. He wanted to cry but could only manage a hoarse sound from his throat. Choking on his overwhelming anger and sadness, he was unable to cry or laugh, only able to cough violently. It felt as though he might cough out his very soul. He curled up with his hands around his abdomen, tears of frustration rolling down his cheeks and his eyes burning red.

Eventually, he was utterly spent. “Ella, what am I supposed to do with you? What am I supposed to do!”

Throughout the night. Ella anxiously waited for the surgery to be over. This surgery took longer than expected, lasting a full six hours. When the team came out, they were exhausted and drenched in sweat. Dr. Edward, aged and having performed such a lengthy surgery, could barely stand and needed support to walk

“Dr. Edward, thank you for your hard work. How is she?” Ella asked nervously.

Dr. Edward too weary to speak, could only nod.

Ella nearly burst into tears of relief. She immediately arranged for the doctors and nurses to rest. She followed Yolanda to the ward, where Yolanda had finally been moved from the intensive care unit to a general ward.

Yolanda looked pale, wearing an oxygen mask and oversized hospital gown. In just two days, she had lost so much weight, she seemed almost unrecognizable. Ella stroked her head, noting how her once glossy hair had become dull.

Yolanda, you must get better soon. Do you hear me? I need you to help me keep track of things. Without you as the finance manager, I’ve lost a crucial support…” Ella’s voice trailed off. Exhausted, she collapsed beside the bed and fell into a deep sleep. She slept soundly, unaware of being lifted and placed gently onto the bed by a tall man.

As Hank pushed the door open, he was overcome with emotion at the sight of the man.

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