Chapter 22
“For the next 30 years, I can kill one person and save one person for the Skye family.”
After securing their agreement, Nash hung up the phone.
Hera had mentioned that there was only one 7nm lithography machine in the entire country, which meant the Skyes weren’t lying to him. Lithography machines were costly, so offering his services in exchange for one didn’t seem like a bad deal.
The next morning, before dawn, Harrison knocked on Nash’s door.
Nash groggily opened it to find Harrison looking troubled. “Nashy, my father has woken up…”
Concern flickered in Nash’s eyes. “How is the old man?”
Harrison’s face grew somber. “He seems… He seems to have lost some of his memories.”
Nash sighed, rubbing his temples. “The cancer had spread severely, and some of it affected his brain. The removal of the cancer could have damaged some of the brain’s nerves. Memory loss is normal, but he should recover over time. It’s not a serious issue.”
Just then, Hera emerged from the next room, her eyes still heavy with sleep. “Grandpa’s awake?”
Harrison nodded. “Go freshen up first. You can see him afterward.”
Fifteen minutes later, Nash and Hera stood by Herman’s bed. Herman was propped up against the headboard, his expression unreadable.
“Grandpa, do you really not remember Nash?” Hera asked softly.
“I don’t,” Herman replied, his gaze flicking over to Nash again. His eyes squinted, as though trying to dredge up something from the past. But a sharp pain shot through his head, and his face tightened in discomfort. Bloodshot eyes and a grimace followed.
Nash stepped forward, his tone soothing. “There’s no need to force yourself to remember. Pushing too hard could damage your brain further.”
Herman exhaled slowly, then looked at Harrison. “You said I had late-stage cancer, and this kid cured me?”
Harrison nodded quickly, his voice earnest. “Yes, Dad. You lost part of your memory because Nash treated you.”
Herman scoffed, shaking his head. “Nonsense. I had a physical just last year. How could I have cancer this year?”
He frowned deeply, thinking hard. His eyes narrowed suspiciously as he looked at the three of them. “Are you all trying to kill me off and fight for the family assets?”
The room fell silent. The accusation hung heavy in the air.
Nash remained calm, though the situation was growing more complicated by the minute. He had already done what he could. Now it was up to the family to figure out their own dynamics.