Chapter 78
Hubert and Rooney might be willing to discard their dignity, but Helena cared deeply about her reputation and image. She had no intention of admitting defeat easily.
With a flushed face, she gritted her teeth and said, “Mom, let’s just admit we lost.”
“No way!” Lauren snapped. “We’re talking about 1.5 million here—that’s several years’ worth of our expenses!”
Herman slammed his palm onto the table, his voice cold and commanding. “You’re making a spectacle of yourselves!”
It had been Helena’s family that proposed the bet, but now they were the ones trying to back out.
Money could be earned again, but losing dignity would only bring shame.
Seeing Herman’s anger, Rooney reluctantly handed over the bank card.
Skadi pulled out her phone, opened the banking app, and had Helena transfer the money directly.
Helena transferred the 1.5 million to Skadi, wincing at the sting it caused her.
Skadi, unfazed, transferred 1.2 million to Hera.
With wide eyes, Hera exclaimed, “Skadi, why are you giving me so much? We only put up 220 grand!”
Skadi giggled. “We’re besties, no need to make it complicated. I’m just happy to have made 300 grand!”
Hera knew Skadi well enough to understand that once her friend was set on something, there was no point in resisting.
She silently promised herself that she’d ask Skadi for the guy’s phone number later.
The birthday banquet continued for another two hours.
After Joseph gave his closing speech, the time had come for guests to depart.
Outside the mansion, the warden crouched beside his wheelchair, bidding farewell to his master.
Mr. Lee embraced the warden, tears welling up in his eyes.
The warden, unable to hold back, also had tears forming as they parted.
Now that they had said their goodbyes, he feared that the next time he returned, it would be for his master’s funeral.
Stellar leaned closer to Nash. “Can Mr. Lee’s illness be cured?”
Nash shook his head. “It’s just aging—the natural cycle of life.”
Dementia in old age is caused by the degeneration of the brain’s nerves.
Parkinson’s disease is also a result of neurodegenerative disorders.
Divine Needling combined with some traditional medicine can delay these diseases, but it cannot cure them completely.
“Nashy, how much longer can my grandfather live?” Theo asked, his hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on the old man in the wheelchair.
Upon hearing Theo’s endearing nickname for the masked man, Olivia’s breath caught.
Could this be the same person Theo had mentioned before?
Lauren, having just returned from the restroom, overheard Theo’s words and paused for a moment. Then, she quickly continued walking away.
Nash contemplated for a moment before responding. “If you take good care of him, he probably has about three years left.”
Theo forced a smile. “83 years old—that’s a ripe old age.”
Upon hearing Nash’s words, the warden stood up and bowed deeply at Mr. Lee.
He then addressed Joseph, “Take good care of your father. I’ll visit him when I have the chance.”
Joseph nodded seriously. “Rest assured, Warden. I’ll stay by my father’s side and look after him attentively for these three years.”
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the warden, accompanied by Stellar and Nash, left under the escort of Henderson’s inspection team.
Meanwhile, Hera squatted down for a long while, but the opportunity never came.
Skadi sighed. “Forget it. I’ll just admire him from afar. I have to accept that I can’t be with him.”
Hera giggled. “I didn’t expect you to have feelings for a man. I’ll take you to a bar another day…”
“Forget it. I’ve invited you countless times before, but you never showed up!”
“I’ll definitely go next time!”
“Alright then. I’m heading back now. Remember to go shopping with me tonight!”
“Okay, pick me up from the office after work!”
After bidding farewell, the two went their separate ways.
After sending the warden into the car, Nash turned to Stellar. “My task is complete. Take care, Warden!”
Stellar appeared a bit dazed. “The warden’s illness…”
“Come pick me up at eight o’clock tomorrow night!” Nash said, before vanishing into the night.