The Royal Contract

Chapter 761

Chapter 761: Better to have a family than an enemy

He had been busy the whole day at the office, especially now that Gerald had declared a war against the company. Gerald might not have said those words, but he hinted at it in his last visit.

Besides, he was not the only one. Many were circling, waiting for an opportunity to attack the company. But as long as he was there, he would defend what Ethan had worked hard to build.

“Hi, Mom.” Alex greeted Laura, who was sitting next to her sleeping husband.

Laura looked at him with a tight smile. He could tell that she was trying her best to look ok, but deep inside, she was dying of waiting for her husband to wake up.

“Alex, did you come by to take Dani home?” Laura asked, still concerned for her daughter’s sake instead of worrying about her condition.

She looked so fragile that he was afraid that she might be next to lie on that bed. But he could do nothing but show his support to these two women that had become a significant part of his life.

“Yes, but I hope you had a good rest and a decent meal at the hotel before returning here,” Alex said, learning what Dani did for her mother.

.....

He immediately stood by Ethan’s side and tapped him on his hands, hoping that the simple gesture would tell Ethan that he was not alone in this fight.

“I did, but I could not stay away from Ethan. He might need me, and I don’t want him to wake up without me at his side.” Laura said in her sweet voice as she leaned forward to the bed and touched her husband’s hands.

He could only tell that this must be hard for Laura and Dani. He could not imagine the pain they must be feeling. But he knew that losing Dani would be worse than death, so he could only empathize with their situation.

They had a few more minutes of conversation until Laura pushed them out the door, telling them they should go home and rest. She insisted that she wanted to be alone with her husband.

“How is your Dad?” Alex asked Dani as they sat inside the car on their way home.

So far, Alex only knew that his condition had not changed after the operation. It had not worsened, but he had not gotten better either. The doctors could not give them any conclusive diagnosis unless Ethan showed signs of improvement.

He pulled Dani into his arms, seeing the heavy burden she was carrying on her shoulders. He had no idea how to lose a parent, but he could remember how hard it was to accept losing his grandparents. But he was still young then.

“I am afraid he may not make it this time.” Dani finally admitted to him what she had always feared.

He understood her fear, seeing that it might not be easy for her to see her mother in that condition. Usually, Laura was her source of strength, but today, her Mom could not even help herself.

“I could not promise you that Ethan would get better. I wish I have that power, but I don’t. But what I can promise is to be here for you.” It was the only thing he could say to her.

He could only hope it was enough as he tightened his hold on her, kissing her on the top of her head as they allowed silence to comfort them.

Soon, they were back in their apartment. Instead of cooking tonight, Dani suggested ordering out. He agreed since he was tired himself. He believed he was ready to hit the hay soon.

As they busied themselves inside their room after eating dinner and preparing for bed, Dani suddenly turned to him. “How is the company?”

He was surprised that she was interested to hear about his day. He thought she was too wrapped up with her father’s condition that she would not like to talk about anything else.

“As expected, many wanted to take it down into pieces.” Alex disclosed to her what was happening in the company.

Technically, if Ethan died, Dani and her Mom combined would have the majority of the ownership of the company. She had every right to know what was happening to it.

“Yeah, I already thought of that. But I trust you and Marcus are handling it well.” Dani concluded, always giving him the benefit of the doubt.

“We are trying our best. You are also welcome to join us if you want.” He knew it could help her divert her attention from her father’s situation. But as usual, she declined.

“What about Lance? Any news from your family.” Dani asked him again. “I hope he is doing well compared to my father. After all, he is still young.”

It was terrible timing that Lance had to undergo several surgeries just like Ethan. He never thought Lance would ever get involved in a motor vehicle accident.

But accidents were unavoidable, reminding him of when Dani went through the same experience. However, Lance’s condition was worse. “But fortunately, the doctors assured us that he would recover soon. But they had placed him in an induced coma to expedite the healing process.”

“That is at least one good news I like to hear.” Dani smiled, probably thinking of his cousin, who also had been a good friend to her. “What about my brother? What is he doing now?”

He was surprised by that question, not expecting that she would ask him about Gerald. But like in the past, he would never hide anything from her, not deliberately if possible.

“I believe he wants the company for himself. He is now pursuing his initial plans of taking over the company.” Alex told her, where Dani only nodded in agreement.

“I never suspected that he could be my brother. I wish I could understand what he had gone through, but I never believed in using the past as an excuse for what would happen in the future.” Dani said as they finally lay down on the bed, ready to sleep.

“I agree with you on that. Gerald could not keep blaming Ethan for what happened, nor you.” Alex said, pulling her to his side so he could wrap her in his arms.

“But I still hope he would soon realize that it is better to have a family than an enemy.” Dani looked up into his eyes before planting a single kiss on his lips.