Chapter 3 Visiting Grandpa at the Hospital

Since the local tyrant had just hit his head due to the actions of what he thought were some lackeys, he figured that they had no right to order him around. Besides, he was involved in shady dealings, so gang fights weren’t out of the norm. So, he assumed that he could be considered an experienced fighter. Therefore, he immediately blew his top and yelled, “F*ck you! You’re asking for it!” The tyrant and his men hopped out of the minivan and wanted to teach the men in suits a lesson. Unfortunately for them, they were defeated almost the moment they threw their fists. It was obvious that they were utterly outclassed by their opponents. Sure enough, Celeste saw them getting their faces one-sidedly beaten minutes into Beatdown Boulevard. Toward the end, the pathetic tyrant and his men were laying weakly on the ground as they clutched their bodies, crying in pain and begging for mercy. “Ouch… Please let us go, gentlemen. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Have mercy.” The door of the minivan was still open, and Celeste watched the scene unfold in front of her in stunned silence. Yet, she didn’t let her guard down for a second. Instead, her body stiffened further at the terrifying sight. Who are these men now? Am I falling into the tiger’s den before I have even stepped foot into the wolf’s? A man took off his sunglasses and bowed to her politely. “Madam, you may come out now.” She blinked as she tried to wring her frayed nerves together. Then, she tilted her head at him cautiously, wondering whether she had heard him right. “We came here on Mr. Meister’s orders. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this because we were late,” the man explained gently. Celeste finally registered his words and decided to bite the bullet. So, she hesitantly climbed out of the minivan with a jittery heart, but she instantly caught sight of the cars parked nearby, and one of them was the Lamborghini that drove away from the city hall. Is it really him? she wondered hopefully, and her eyes drifted to the despicable thugs next to her feet when she heard the wails of pain ringing across the surprisingly desolate road. “Rest assured, Madam. We’ll let the police take over from here,” The man’s voice was polite, clearly trying to calm her and gain her trust. Then, he gestured toward a very specific car, saying, “Mr. Meister is waiting for you in that car.” “Thank you.” Even though she was undoubtedly still in shock, she hadn’t forgotten her manners. Once that was done, she ambled forward and came to a stop next to the Lamborghini. The vehicle’s door was slightly ajar. So, she instantly caught sight of the gorgeous profile of the man seated inside. His appearance was simply too timely to be considered a coincidence. “Who exactly are you?” Celeste asked with knitted brows. Although she wasn’t sure of his identity, she reckoned that he had sky-high abilities. He turned to look at her with his handsome face. “I’m your husband.” His emotionless, mesmerizing almond eyes gave her a once-over. “Hop in. We’re visiting Grandpa.” “Will you please do me another favor?” Celeste’s eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment before she raised her head and met his gaze. Finally, she bowed and said humbly, “Please save my mother.” Her eyes were brimming with worried tears, but the man showed her no pity. “First, come with me to the hospital to visit Grandpa.” Julian lifted his arm and checked the time on his wristwatch. He had no time to lose because Edmond had called to urge him to get on with it just a few minutes ago. She knew that she was in no position to talk terms with him, and even though she couldn’t see any anger on his face, it still made her hands and feet cold when his deep-set eyes never looked away from her the whole time. So, all she could do was climb into the car and sit next to him obediently. The moment the door of the Lamborghini clicked shut, the car started driving toward the hospital. The atmosphere in the car was grim throughout the entire journey. Mainly because Julian didn’t see a need to say a word, and neither did she have the nerve to strike up a conversation. Plus, Celeste’s mind was filled with worries for Rochelle because of Philip, the mean abusive gambler. When the car arrived at their destination, Julian finally deigned to say, “If you make Grandpa happy, then I’ll save your mother.” She jerked her head and gawked at his handsome profile. It was right then and there that she reckoned that he had investigated her family background thoroughly. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have appeared so promptly. Although he carried the calmness of a mature adult, he was also unpredictable like the ocean. “Thank you, Mr. Meister.” She was genuinely thankful for his help from the bottom of her heart. However, when she saw the annoyed frown on his face, she hurriedly changed her form of address, “Thank you, Julian.” “Grandpa.” Ten minutes later in the hospital ward, Edmond, who was merely suffering from a cold, broke into a bright smile when he saw his most beloved granddaughter-in-law walking through the door holding his precious grandson’s arm like a perfect couple. “This is amazing! You’re married just as I wished! Hurry and show me the marriage certificate!” “Why are you still doubting me, Grandpa?” Julian did a complete 180° as he donned a gentle expression. He was even patiently handing over the certificate without another word of protest. Celeste knew that it was also her queue to show him her copy. The old gentleman took the certificate from Julian and read it through carefully. In contrast to Edmond’s happiness, Julian seemed very composed. Unless it’s Natalia, it doesn’t make a difference whom I marry, he thought. A delighted Edmond returned the certificate and pictures. Then, he picked up the youngsters’ hands and placed Celeste’s hand into Julian’s. Julian instinctively wanted to pull his hand away, but he forced himself to squash his urge. So, he was forced to hold Celeste’s hand. Meanwhile, Celeste was a little nervous because she had never had any intimate contact with a man before. There was some unease in her heart as she sneaked a glance at him shyly. There was no doubt that the other party was a gorgeous specimen. But he also exuded an aloof arrogance that set him apart from others. As far as she could remember, he never looked at her. Instead, he had only given her a cursory glance before ignoring her unless necessary. The warmth from their palms traveled through their hands, and Edmond held their hands together as he advised sincerely, “Since you’re married, you two are now family and have to support each other.”