Chapter 10 Grandpa's Last Wish

• Under the support of his eldest son Austin, Caleb slowly approached Gale.
• A deep sigh escaped him, laden with profound resignation.
• "Gale, since you insist on calling off the engagement, I can no longer intervene.
• "This is the marriage agreement.
• "But I still hope you'll stay for a meal at home. You saved my life, and your master is a benefactor to my family. Please allow us this courtesy!" he pleaded.
• "Okay then."
• Gale accepted the marriage agreement with a nod of agreement.
• Around the dining table, Austin and the others raised their glasses to Gale in succession.
• Gale reciprocated without hesitation.
• He suspected that the Wheeler family's gesture of toasting him was merely to get him drunk and take advantage of him.
• To be honest, he harboured some slight anticipation.
• With his tolerance for alcohol, even if all these people were to get drunk, he would be fine.
• But if the Wheeler family had such intentions, he didn't mind playing along.
• After all, he had already called off the marriage.
• The Wheeler family wouldn't really try to take advantage of me, would they?
• But then again, what Second Mistress said before leaving makes sense.
• Nora does have an amazing figure!
• "Nora, come with me for a moment."
• Caleb beckoned, leading her to the garden outside the villa, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
• His appearance had aged considerably.
• "Nora, I asked you to come out here because there's something I want to talk to you about.
• "A while back, I went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor told me my time was running short. Could be a year, could be as short as three months. At the end of it all, there's one thing I want to ask of you."
• Nora's mind went blank in an instant.
• Time is running short?
• But Grandpa's health seemed so robust!
• Though he has coronary heart disease, with proper care, he should have several more years ahead of him.
• "I wish to see you and Gale together in these final days of my life," Caleb continued softly.
• "It's okay if you don't want to agree.
• "It's just that Grandpa would have regrets otherwise."
• "Grandpa, I ... "
• As Nora looked at her grandfather's current state, a mix of emotions surged within her.
• In front of others, she projected the image of an aloof CEO, but deep down, she was just an ordinary girl, harbouring fantasies of her dream prince.
• Her ideal partner was tall and handsome—a strong and reassuring harbour in times of escape from everything.
• But what about Gale?
• Just his frivolous demeanour in the hospital was enough for her to find him unacceptable.
• "Nora, this is my last wish," Caleb pleaded.
• "Grandpa, I understand."
• Nora sighed bitterly, her expression filled with deep resignation.
• At this point, Gale had already called off the engagement.
• If she wanted to keep him around, unless ...
• Back at the villa, Nora gritted her teeth and sat beside Gale.
• She lifted her glass and toasted him with determination.
• One glass after another!
• Her tolerance was only up to three bottles of red wine.
• Yet, in less than half an hour, five empty bottles piled up beside her. Her delicate face flushed with a faint pink hue, accentuating her beauty even more.
• She buried the bitterness deep in her heart.
• As she neared her limit, she leaned close to Gale's ear, exhaling a warm breath.
• "Don't leave tonight ... okay?" she whispered.
• "Are you sure?"
• Gale chuckled, looking at her amusedly.
• Hold me and take me upstairs ... " she murmured.
• "First room on the right, second floor," she added before a fragrant breeze enveloped them.
• Nora, under the influence of alcohol, completely softened in Gale's embrace.
• "Sure!"
• Gale lifted her with one hand under her pert bottom, letting her head rest against his collarbone as he stood up.
• Caleb looked concerned.
• "Gale, you've had over ten bottles already. Be careful not to stumble! Let me have someone help you both upstairs," he offered.
• Gale waved his hand dismissively.
• "Just a bit of alcohol, nothing serious. Old Mr. Wheeler, please enjoy your drinks. We'll head upstairs."
• Despite having consumed quite a bit, Gale's steps remained steady.
• Steady as a mountain.
• Not a hint of sway.
• Watching his departing figure, Austin couldn't shake off his worry. In the end, he sighed deeply.
• "Gale, I hope you'll treat my daughter well.
• "Dad, what exactly is his background?
• "Can you tell me now?"