The Secret Heir Return To Wealth And Love

Jacob noticed the troubled look in Rosalynn's eyes and quickly set down his wine glass. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern knitting his brows. "Did he ever mention anything else to you?" Rosalynn inquired, her gaze locked on Jacob. "About Wayne's uncle or that secret, after that day?"

Jacob pondered for a moment then shook his head. "Not a word. After that day, Wayne's uncle became a taboo subject around here." Rosalynn's hands clenched into fists. A wave of intense hatred surged within her, yet she couldn't pinpoint who deserved her wrath.

Natalie was gone...

"What on earth happened?" Jacob's expression grew stern. "Where's Wayne? I heard he hasn't shown up at Bane Corporation for months, and now you're running the company!"d2

"Wayne is sick," Rosalynn said, her voice heavy with an exhaustion that couldn't be dissolved. "The same illness that Wayne's uncle had."

Jacob's eyes widened in disbelief. "How is that possible?"

"It's a genetic flaw from the Stein bloodline," Rosalynn said, her eyes downcast. "From what you mentioned that day, Wayne's mental state was already deteriorating. It's only now that it's come to a head."

"Where is he now? Can I... can I see him?"

"Give it some time," Rosalynn downed her glass of wine in one gulp. "Right now, he wouldn't want anyone to see him in this state."

Jacob fell silent. Wayne had always been so proud and dignified. To be afflicted with such an illness, the treatment alone, not to mention the antipsychotic medication, must be killing him.

"I heard there's also physical therapy," Jacob murmured. "Saw it on a documentary once... it can be pretty brutal."

Physical therapy often meant things like electroshock. Rosalynn didn't respond.

Silence fell between them, and Jacob couldn't fathom that Wayne's absence was due to this reason.

Eventually, they tacitly changed the subject.

"What's your next move? Sanderson doesn't seem like the type to let things go. He hates you and your father. There's a good chance this won't end until he goes down with you," Rosalynn said. Jacob snorted. "He might be on a self-destructive path, but he has no way to take us down with him."

"As long as you have a plan," Rosalynn nodded.

"Don't worry," Jacob topped off Rosalynn's glass. "I've known since I was eighteen that Sanderson wasn't a good guy. I've kept an eye on him all these years. He thinks his moves are secret, but I'm always one step ahead."

"Then here's to your success," Rosalynn raised her glass.

Jacob clinked his glass against hers. "Rosalynn, even with the Carter family's lofty status, look at our families-life's full of bumps and bruises. If Erica ever faces trouble, remember to call me."

"How did you manage to circle back to that?" Rosalynn sighed, exasperated.

"It's just something I can't shake. Consider it a favor for your daughter's knight in shining armor," Jacob said with a wry smile.

"Understood," Rosalynn nodded. "How's your mother these days?"

"Same as I told you," Jacob rolled his neck, trying to relieve some tension.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"The Jared Group and the Silverman Group have great hospitals with top-notch doctors. If you need anything, just ask," Rosalynn offered.

Jacob hesitated, wanting to ask if Larkin offered him some help, but he stopped himself.

"What about your secretary? What's her story? She's been giving you attitude all morning."

"She's the daughter of the sister of Wayne's uncle's fiancée."

Jacob blinked. "What?"

"Natalie raised her. She used to work with Wayne's current attending physician. I didn't think her presence was appropriate around Wayne, so I brought her back here forcibly."

"Hold on!" Jacob leaned in closer to Rosalynn. "There's a rumor-and you may not have heard it-that Ayden Silverman's fiancée was killed by him. Is there any truth to that?" There had been whispers about that incident, but nothing concrete had ever come to light.