Chapter 168
Chapter 168: He had never questioned the paternity of the child. What was this scandal erupting online? Cathy’s voice carried a note of worry. “Kristopher, what’s wrong?”’ She had noticed Kristopher gazing vacantly at his phone, and she leaned in closer, as if she wanted to catch a glimpse of the screen. Snapping back to reality, Kristopher realized Cathy was almost embracing him. He instinctively stepped back, putting some space between them. Although Cathy missed the chance to lean into his arms, she did see the headline on the screen. Her eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with her hands. “Is this true? Miss Nelson’s baby”¦ it wasn’t yours, Kristopher?”’ She exhaled softly, sadness lacing her words. “No wonder she wanted to end the pregnancy”¦ Considering her kindness and gentleness, she must have felt truly cornered to make such a heartbreaking choice.”’ “Don’t believe everything you read online,”’ Kristopher interrupted sharply, his brow furrowed. He passed the phone back to Allen. “How’s my grandfather now?”’ Taking the phone, Allen’s voice was rough with emotion. “It’s not looking good. He was already in the ICU when I went to fetch you.”’ Kristopher’s frown deepened as he placed the bowl of oatmeal on the nearby table and stood up quickly. “Cathy, I need to go check on my grandfather. The oatmeal has cooled down, and you can eat it.”’ Without waiting for a response, he turned to leave with Allen. “I’ll come with you, Kristopher,”’ Cathy said, her voice hesitant as she struggled to rise from the bed. “Forget it,”’ Allen snapped, giving her a scornful glance. “Kristopher can manage on his own. Bringing you would only slow us down, and this is urgent; we can’t afford any delays.”’ Cathy stopped, her expression turning pale. She clenched her teeth, her voice quivering. “I can move faster. I care about Anthony too”¦”’ takes you on a journey “You shouldn’t come,”’ Allen cut her off sharply. “Anthony’s condition is fragile. Your presence might just make things worse.”’ He then looked at Kristopher. “Let’s go, now.”’ Kristopher paused, casting a long, contemplative look at Cathy. “Rest well. I’ll return once my grandfather’s condition stabilizes.”’ Without awaiting her reply, he swiftly walked toward the elevator, his strides quick and decisive. Cathy reclined on the bed again, her ears catching the faint sound of the elevator doors as they opened and closed. She picked up the bowl of oatmeal and stirred it gently, a sly grin curling her lips. On the top floor, outside the ICU, Kristopher and Allen found Belinda pacing nervously, her gaze locked on the “In Surgery”’ sign above the door. Upon hearing their approach, she spun around. “Allen, you”¦”’ she started, but her voice trailed off when she noticed Kristopher. Her expression changed as her eyes met his, the sparkle dimming slightly. Kristopher caught the subtle shift. After a brief pause, she turned back to Allen with a frown. “Why is Anthony undergoing surgery again?”’ “It’s the online news,”’ Allen began, echoing his earlier explanation to Kristopher. He let out a heavy sigh. “Anthony had hoped the incident yesterday would end without further troubles. Yet, this morning, he switched on his computer and read about your miscarriage. The news was too much for him to bear”¦”’…