Chapter 184: Are You Going to Hold a Grudge Against Me for a Lifetime Over a Woman?
Galatea stood outside the intensive care unit, her heart heavy. Cormac had been alone at the hospital today, so she had come directly. In just a few days, the toll of the situation was evident on him. As a doctor, Galatea didn’t need to ask about Ravenna’s condition; she could tell from Cormac’s exhausted appearance that things weren’t going well.
“Cormac, you trusted me to treat Ravenna Nash,” Galatea said softly, “and I’m sorry that the outcome hasn’t been better.”
There was a note of helplessness in her voice. Despite the treatment being pro bono, the Nash family should have been grateful to her. But after she left Ravenna, things had spiraled, leaving her with a bitter aftertaste.
“It’s my fault,” Cormac replied, his voice tinged with regret. “I initially asked you to treat my mother because of your skills, without considering everything else. Seeing her like this… I’m sure it makes you uncomfortable. I didn’t handle things well.”
Galatea sighed, gazing at the ward but saying nothing.
What Cormac said was true. Despite the accusations from Griffon and Orion that Galatea had caused Ravenna’s condition, Cormac had never believed them. He trusted her, but he couldn’t help but wonder what had really transpired.
“Galatea,” Cormac suddenly spoke up, his eyes searching hers. “Last time, when Alaric came to the Nash family with you—what happened there?”
It was a question Cormac had been wanting to ask for a while, but Griffon had always been evasive. Now, with Galatea there, he had to ask her directly.
“I actually don’t know,” Galatea answered honestly. “When we arrived at the Nash family, I went upstairs to treat Ravenna. Alaric stayed on the first floor, and I’m not sure what they discussed. But when I came down, the atmosphere had completely shifted. Griffon was furious and told me they’d be changing Ravenna’s doctor, that I was no longer needed. So, I left.”
Cormac nodded, clearly processing the information. What had Alaric and Griffon argued about? The financial matters had been settled, so what could have worsened their already tense relationship?
But with Ravenna’s condition worsening, Cormac didn’t have the energy to dwell on it.
“Big Brother Cormac,” Galatea said gently, noticing the worry in his eyes, “Ravenna Nash is lucky to have you. Don’t worry too much.”
Cormac forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks for saying that, Galatea. But you’re still recovering yourself. You shouldn’t stay in the hospital for too long. Let me escort you out.”
Galatea nodded in understanding. When she first met Cormac, she thought him unreliable, but after spending more time with him, her opinion had changed. Cormac was kind-hearted and genuinely caring.
He escorted her out of the hospital ward, and as they stepped outside, Galatea saw Griffon approaching. The moment she saw his angry expression, she knew things were about to take a turn.
“I’ve told you before,” Griffon snapped, his voice harsh, “the Nash family can’t afford to associate with your Knight family. Don’t come here again.”
Galatea felt a flicker of irritation but held her tongue. Instead of engaging with Griffon, she looked at Cormac and said, “Goodbye. Take care of yourself.”
Cormac, standing up for her, immediately countered, “Galatea is my friend. I asked her to come because I needed her.”
He turned to Galatea, giving her a polite nod. “Thank you for coming today. Please head back now.”
“Okay,” Galatea replied, giving him a small smile before turning to walk away briskly, leaving the tension between her and Griffon unresolved.
As she walked away, she could hear Griffon’s muttered frustration behind her. He was clearly upset, but Galatea didn’t care to listen.
Once she was out of earshot, Griffon sighed deeply, his anger bubbling over. He turned to Cormac, his tone sharp. “That woman is responsible for your mother’s condition. Yet you still associate with her? Even if you refuse to admit it, you’re still a part of the Nash family. We’ve severed all ties with the Knight family. I’m telling you for your own good—stay away from them. Otherwise, you’ll end up losing everything.”
“It’s not that the Nash family has fallen out with the Knight family,” Cormac shot back, his voice growing colder. “It’s just you and Alaric who’ve had a falling out. Don’t lump me in with you.”
Cormac was exhausted, his mind clouded with fatigue. He hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in days, and he needed rest. As he moved to leave, Griffon’s angry voice called out to him.
“Cormac, are you planning to hold a grudge against me for a lifetime because of Rowena Blaire?” Griffon spat, furious. “I’m your father! You have blood ties to the Nash family. Are you going to leave us all because of a girl who’s just trying to climb the social ladder?”
“I’ll say it again,” Cormac’s voice was firm and unwavering. “She’s not a ‘girl trying to climb the ladder.’ How dare you speak about her like that? You’re an elder, yet you show no respect. Don’t you think that’s beneath you?”
Griffon’s face twisted with rage. Without warning, he raised his hand and slapped Cormac across the face.
“Who gave you the right to speak to me like that?” Griffon yelled. “You don’t know how to respect your elders!”
Cormac stood still, the sting of the slap burning his cheek, but his expression remained cold and indifferent. He wasn’t surprised. Violence was Griffon’s go-to response when things didn’t go his way.
“Look at you, Cormac,” Griffon continued, his voice dripping with disdain. “You were supposed to be the heir to the Nash family. You were meant to inherit the family business, continue its legacy. And yet you’ve chosen to become a damn psychologist. You’ve brought shame to the Nash name.”
“If I’ve brought shame to the Nash family, then disown me,” Cormac shot back, his voice thick with anger. “I don’t care about being your son or being part of your family. You can sever ties with me if that’s what you want.”
Without another word, Cormac turned on his heel and walked away, his steps quick and determined. His words had struck a nerve, and Griffon’s furious shouts echoed behind him.
“Cormac, damn you! If you want to cut ties, then never set foot in the Nash family again!” Griffon’s voice cracked with rage.
But Cormac didn’t hear him anymore. His thoughts were clouded with frustration, and the last thing he needed was his father’s hollow threats.
As Galatea left the hospital, a sense of unease lingered. She understood Cormac’s feelings all too well. He had been away for years, and now, with his mother’s condition deteriorating, he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. It was the same regret she felt for not staying with her parents when she had the chance.
Her thoughts then turned to Brennan, Harry, and Elisa. It had been far too long since she’d seen them, and she felt a pang of guilt for neglecting them. She picked up her phone and dialed Harry’s number.
At that moment, Harry and Elisa were facing trouble of their own. A luxury car was parked at the school gate, and four bodyguards stood in two rows, blocking the entrance. Marigold was in front, smiling widely, and Caspian, who had never seen her smile before, felt a twinge of nervousness.
“My mom is calling,” Caspian said, showing Marigold the caller ID on his phone. “If you don’t leave now, I’ll tell her.”