Chapter 250

Benjamin Nash silently took out the silver needles, his fingertips pressing gently against Susan Thompson's pale skin. Alexander Grant's knuckles turned white as his fists clenched, his voice trembling with unprecedented panic. "Grandfather, what's wrong with her?"

"Terminal stomach cancer."

The words pierced Alexander's heart like a blade. His tall frame swayed before he steadied himself against the bed.

"No!" His bloodshot eyes burned with denial. "But she was already—"

Benjamin sighed, the cold glint of the needle reflecting in his fingers. "Life and death are beyond our control. I spent a month stabilizing her condition—she should have had at least a year." He paused. "But her emotional turmoil accelerated the disease."

Alexander dropped to one knee beside the bed, his trembling hand brushing Susan's icy cheek. Memories flooded back—the grand funeral that shook the city, Andrew Lucas burying her with a widow's rites, Vincent King and Ethan Sullivan carrying her casket. He thought rebirth meant a fresh start, but fate had other plans.

"How long?" His voice was hoarse.

"That depends." Benjamin tucked the needle away. "Catherine Capra was in worse condition, yet she survived. If Susan can hold on until I finish the new treatment—"

Alexander suddenly gripped the old man's hand. "Grandfather, I'm going to marry her."

Benjamin froze, seeing the unshakable determination in his grandson's eyes. Finally, he sighed. "Do as you wish. But what about Daniel—"

"I'll raise him as my own."

The evening light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the hospital bed. Susan's lashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes. The sterile scent of disinfectant left her disoriented, unsure of the time or place.

"Awake?"

The deep voice startled her. Alexander stood silhouetted against the light, his violet eyes unfathomable.

"Mr. Grant?" She tried to sit up, but his bandaged hand gently pressed her back.

"Don't move." His warmth seeped through the thin blanket. "Does your stomach still hurt?"

She shook her head, her gaze lingering on the bloodstained gauze. "Your injury—"

"Just a scratch." He withdrew his hand, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Susan, stop wasting your heart on those who don't deserve it."

Her breath hitched. That name was a dagger—one touch sent pain radiating through her chest.

"Thank you for today—"

"No thanks between us." Alexander cut her off, pulling a velvet box from his inner pocket. "I saw your promotional video."

The lid snapped open, the diamond ring glittering in the sunset.

"You belong in the spotlight." He knelt, his violet eyes stormy with emotion. "Susan, marry me."