Chapter 5
The villas in Royal Bay were no small investment, starting at a minimum of 1,000 square meters. Given the area’s prices, a property there could easily cost 50 million dollars.
Helena assumed that since Grandpa had bought the villa for her, she would have it without question. But Herman’s response was cold and dismissive.
“I’ve made it clear,” he said, his voice hard. “This house is for Nash and his wife. Since you don’t want to marry Nash, it has nothing to do with you.”
Helena was stunned, her grandfather’s sudden shift in attitude catching her off guard. She quickly moved closer to him, trying to soften his resolve. “Grandpa, the people in Royal Bay are all influential. If I live there, I can strengthen our family’s connections, don’t you think?”
While that reasoning was secondary, Helena also knew that the Watson family had bought a villa there. If her parents lived in the same area, it would solidify their relationship with the Watsons.
Herman shook off her hand firmly. “I’ve made my decision. There’s nothing more to discuss.”
Helena’s eyes welled up with tears. She had always been able to win Grandpa over with her acts of sweetness, but now, it seemed, that approach was no longer working.
“Mr. Zoel, take care of the paperwork immediately,” Herman ordered, his tone final.
“I understand, Mr. Lewis,” the lawyer responded, gathering his briefcase before leaving.
Helena stood motionless, her anger growing as she glared at Hera and Nash. She couldn’t comprehend why her grandfather valued this country bumpkin so much.
Hubert, standing off to the side, clenched his fists in frustration. His eyes darkened, and for a moment, a dangerous glint flickered in them. Nash, however, subtly glanced at him, having caught the brief moment of surprise earlier when Hubert had seen Hera.
Nash had already made his deduction: the mastermind behind those assassins was someone close to the family.
Hera clutched her mother’s arm tightly, looking up at her with a mixture of pride and disbelief. “Mom, I was right. Grandpa values Nash, not Helena!”
The fact that Herman had given away the Royal Bay villa so easily proved just how important Nash was to him. Hera had once fantasized about running the company well enough to buy her parents a villa there, but the harsh reality was that the company was facing bankruptcy within two years. Now, with Nash as her fiancé and Grandpa clearly favoring him, she felt certain they would be the ones to turn things around.
“My daughter has truly struck gold! Unlike some people who can’t do a thing and lack vision!” Lauren Mare glanced at Nash from across the room, finding him increasingly appealing.
Meanwhile, Harrison stood on the side, his mouth twitching as he muttered under his breath, “Just spit it out, why don’t you? No need to sugarcoat it.”
At the dining table, Herman had already poured three rounds of drinks with Nash. After just three glasses, the elderly man’s face flushed, and his speech became slurred.
“Nashy, I owe you and your master an apology for the engagement matter,” Herman said, his voice thick with regret.
“You’re being too harsh on yourself, Grandpa,” Nash replied with a smile. “Marriage isn’t something that can be forced, and compared to Helena, I think Hera is more outstanding. I should thank you for choosing such a good match for me.”
“Hahaha… You truly know how to turn a fault into praise. You’re indeed worthy of being Master Calcraft’s disciple. Hera is lucky to marry you!” Herman laughed heartily, his wrinkles softening slightly. “Come, let’s toast again! I’ll drink to my grandson-in-law!”
“Dad, you’ve had enough,” Harrison interjected, rushing to take the glass from Herman.
But Herman was in high spirits. “I’m feeling good today. What’s wrong with a few more drinks?”
Nash observed Herman carefully, noting his yellowish complexion and lifeless eyes. The signs of poor health were unmistakable—his swollen eyes and pale lips told the story of someone suffering from severe gastrointestinal issues.
“Your health is more important, Grandpa,” Nash said with a concerned smile. “We can drink next time. If you trust me, let me take your pulse.”
Harrison’s eyes widened. “You practice medicine too?”
Herman shot Harrison a sharp look. “Nashy is Master Calcraft’s disciple. Why are you so surprised by his skills?”
Harrison felt a pang of embarrassment. He had heard his father speak of Master Calcraft often, but the mention of such a powerful figure made him wonder why his disciple still dressed so plainly.
“It’s just an old health problem of mine,” Herman waved him off. “I’ll take some medicine. No need to worry.”
But Nash’s gaze sharpened as he watched Herman. He already knew what the issue was: a stomach tumor, and a malignant one at that. Had the Lewises not noticed? Was Herman hiding it from everyone?
“Hahaha… Definitely, definitely,” Herman laughed off the conversation. “Let’s eat before the food gets cold!”
Nash didn’t press the issue further. He smiled, but the brief flash of concern never left his eyes. He had seen through Herman’s health situation, and it troubled him deeply.
The meal continued, and it was clear that Herman was in no condition to drink much more. After three rounds, the meal wound down, and Hera’s family began to leave the villa with Nash.
Herman followed them out, offering a parting word. “You two should get married and get your certificate as soon as possible.”