Chapter 717 - 716

717 Chapter 716

Lewis’s face stiffened.

He glanced over at old Mrs. Horton, but she was focused on Nathan and Oliver, not sparing him even a glance.

Lewis clenched his jaw and tightened his fists, then cautiously called out, “Grandma…”

Still, no response from her.

It was Oliver who finally spoke up. “Lewis, Grandma might not remember you right now. It’s crowded in here, and the air’s a little stale. You should step outside for a bit.”

Keira frowned at those words, clearly wanting to say something. But when she glanced at old Mrs. Horton, she held back.

Lewis had already turned and was striding out of the room.

Keira understood. He didn’t want to argue with them in front of his grandma, so she immediately followed him.

Before leaving, she turned to look back.

Old Mrs. Horton was happily chatting with Nathan and Oliver, holding Nathan’s hand, seemingly unaware that Lewis and Keira had left.

Keira let out a deep breath and walked out the door, only to see Lewis standing on the balcony.

She quickly joined him, watching as he reached into his pocket, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it.

Keira was taken aback. Since she’d known him, Lewis rarely smoked.

Had things really gotten so bad?

She walked up beside him.

The moment she did, Lewis stubbed out the cigarette and took a deep breath. “Grandma used to dote on me. She always said I was her only grandson and didn’t acknowledge anyone else.”

Keira paused for a moment.

Lewis let out a small, bitter laugh. “I never understood why. I mean, Oliver is her grandson too. Why didn’t she acknowledge him? Did he do something unforgivable? It wasn’t until later that I realized—she didn’t reject him… she just didn’t dare acknowledge him. She was afraid that if she gave him too much love, there wouldn’t be enough left for me.”

Keira clenched her jaw.

Suddenly, laughter erupted from inside the room.

Then, Oliver’s exaggerated voice followed. “Grandma, you remember me now? And do you know who this is? This is my wife, Marisa… and this is your great-granddaughter, Selena!”

Old Mrs. Horton responded with an enthusiastic, “Oh, my granddaughter-in-law!”

Marisa quickly chimed in, “I’m here, Grandma…”

Nathan laughed. “Mom, make sure you remember this time—this is your grandson. Don’t let anyone else take up all the space in your heart!”

Anyone else…

To Nathan, his own son Lewis was just “anyone else.”

How ridiculous.

At that moment, Keira couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Lewis. She reached out and held his hand.

As soon as she did, Lewis squeezed her hand tightly, managing a small smile. “Did you see? In this family… well, when I was younger, I really only had one person.”

Only his grandma was ever good to him.

Keira leaned her head on his shoulder and softly said, “Well, now you’ve got me.”

Lewis didn’t say anything for a while.

The two of them just stood there by the window, silently watching the view of the Horton estate, seeing the staff moving back and forth outside.

It was unclear how much time passed before the noise inside the room finally settled.

Nathan and Oliver stepped out of old Mrs. Horton’s room. Oliver spotted Lewis right away and, turning to Marisa and Selena, said, “You two stay here and watch over her. Don’t let any unwanted visitors or strangers she doesn’t want to see in.

Marisa was exhausted from spending the entire day with old Mrs. Horton and was dizzy with fatigue. But despite how she felt, she managed a smile and replied, “Okay.”

Only then did Oliver give Lewis a mocking look and walk over.

With a smirk, Oliver said, “Lewis, you’re not jealous, are you? Grandma’s had you all to herself for over twenty years. It’s only fair we get a turn to show her some love now.”

At that, Nathan snorted. “What’s there for him to be jealous of? He’s hardly ever around, and now she doesn’t even remember him! If he has anyone to blame, it’s himself for not being around enough. She hasn’t forgotten anyone else… just him!”

Nathan’s words made Oliver jump in, “Dad, maybe it’s time we updated the will. Grandma’s condition is serious…”

Before Oliver could finish, Lewis was on him, grabbing him by the collar. “What did you just say about the will?! Grandma’s fine!”

Startled, Oliver stammered, “Let go of me!”

Nathan was outraged and yelled, “Lewis, what’s your problem? What, are you scared? Scared that Grandma might leave us some shares? Well, let me tell you, that’s how it should be! I’m her only son! You, as a grandson, have no inheritance rights! I’m the sole heir!”

Lewis narrowed his eyes, then scoffed, finally releasing Oliver.

He turned to Nathan, his voice calm but sharp. “Do what you want with her shares. But I’m warning you—don’t do anything to upset Grandma.”

Rattled by his son’s intensity, Nathan huffed. “Quit pretending to be the devoted grandson. Even if you act all sweet, what’s the point? She doesn’t recognize you anymore! She only knows me! Don’t forget—if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be here! You think Grandma loved you just for you? No, it’s because you’re my son! So, stop acting like you’re something special!”

With that, Nathan strolled away, hands behind his back.

Oliver stood there, glaring at Lewis, feeling humiliated. After all, he was twelve years older than Lewis, yet he’d just been put in his place in front of Keira and Marisa. Frustrated, he wanted to save face.

He sneered, “Lewis, I get how you feel, but there’s nothing you can do. Grandma only recognizes us now. Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of her. As for you… well, aren’t you busy? Maybe you should stay away from here in the future.”

With that, Oliver turned and left.

Once he was gone, Lewis took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger building inside him.

Keira looked at him, her voice soft but firm. “Don’t be upset.”

“I’m not upset,” Lewis replied, his tone flat.

But Keira continued, “She cares about you. Maybe she’s like this for a reason… Maybe she’s trying to make sure you’re not too sad when she’s gone…”

Lewis lowered his head, his arms hanging at his sides, looking lost and unsure of what to do.

He looked like a puppy that had been abandoned.

Keira couldn’t stand seeing him like that. She stepped forward, grabbing his hand. “Lewis, there’s something I think you should know… Actually, your grandma…”