Chapter 2238
Gregory and Nigel were both stunned.
Bella was no less surprised than them.
In fact, her dark and shiny eyes held a touch of scrutiny and doubt.
"Old Master Nigel, Chairman Salvador, let me explain." Clarice stood behind Grant, her long eyelashes lowered and a worried frown on her face.
"Eighteen years ago, Young Master Grant suffered severe abuse during the kidnapping incident, which resulted in organ failure, nerve paralysis, and a range of other symptoms. Over the years, he endured a lot in Meridan, trying various treatments to stabilize his condition. He had to rely on numerous medications daily just to maintain a normal life."
Hearing this, Gregory was overwhelmed with sorrow. He sighed softly.
"My child, you've endured so much..."
Grant responded with a gentle, calm smile, shaking his head.
Clarice's face showed signs of sympathy. "Back then, the nerve paralysis made it impossible for Young Master Grant to control his legs like an ordinary person. The damage to his organs also significantly weakened him, which is why he's relied on a wheelchair for so many years..."
Bella's deep gaze stayed fixed on Grant's straight, sturdy legs, her emotions hard to read.
Gregory quickly stepped forward, his voice filled with concern. "Grant, how do you feel now?"
"Dad, I'm much better now. As you saw, I'm able to stand up now."
Grant put on a faint smile. "I just can't run or jump like others. But I can manage my daily life like others."
"That's great! Truly wonderful!" Gregory was overjoyed.
With his younger son still unconscious, the return of his eldest son to the Salvador family at this crucial time, along with his improved health, reignited a sense of hope in Gregory.
The heavy gloom that had weighed on him finally began to lift.
"Grant, you traveled such a long way for Justin, enduring a tough journey. It must have been hard on you."
Nigel, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Your medical team is at in Meridan. Even though you're better, your treatment shouldn't be interrupted. How long do you plan to stay in Savrow this time?" "Hmm..." Grant narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled. "I suppose I'll stay here for good and never leave again. After all, this is where I belong."
Nigel's pupils contracted sharply.
Bella maintained a calm expression, but her pale hand at her side slowly clenched, the faint blue veins becoming more obvious.
"Grandpa, Dad, do you know how much I missed you during all those years alone in Meridan? Do you know how hard I worked to heal this broken body, just so I could stand before you like a person again?" Grant's words, though filled with accusations, were softened by the slight smile at the corners of his eyes. His voice was soothing, making him seem more composed than anyone else.
"I endured and sacrificed so much just to come home. Grandpa, it seems you're not too pleased to have me back."
"That's not true. Of course, I'm happy that you're home and that our family is reunited." Nigel steadied himself and forced a smile. "No matter what, you're still my grandson. I care for all of you equally."
Bella, who had spent so much time by Nigel's side, understood him deeply. It was almost as if she could read his mind.
At this moment, his tone and expression made it clear that his words were insincere. He was merely being polite.
From the beginning, Bella had
noticed Nigel's cold and somewhat dismissive attitude toward Grant, his eldest grandson from Gregory's first marriage.
Despite being raised under Nigel's
care and possessing looks and talent that matched, if not
surpassed, those of his half-brother Justin who was once considered an illegitimate child, Grant had always been kept at a distance.
Nigel had always been so supportive of Justin despite his lower-status birth, even grooming Justin to be the heir of the Salvador family and business.
She could not understand why Nigel would treat Grant, his eldest om grandson who shared the same bloodline, with such coldness and distance.