Jessie happened to witness this scene upon her emerging from Jeslyn's room, casting an awkward pall over the atmosphere.

The nurse saw the caregiving as routine, yet for Albert, the situation was laced with discomfort.

Feeling his dignity compromised, Albert waited for the nurse to exit before addressing Jessie, who seemed lost in thought. His irritation was palpable. "How much longer will you stand there gawking?"

Jessie, sensing his discomfort, didn't avert her gaze.

Instead, she offered a sharp retort, “Considering the possibility of facing similar situations in the near future, especially with partial paralysis, it might be wise to acclimate sooner rather than later."

Her words were a veiled jibe at his age.

Albert's response was laced with sarcasm. “It appears I was too lenient with you previously. Bravado serves no purpose. Once I'm healed, you'll see firsthand whether age has taken its toll on me."

“What a tough guy you are, huh? But seriously, when will you release me? My responsibilities demand attention; I can't linger here indefinitely."

Albert's tone softened as he reclined against his pillow. "I have no intention of letting you go."

His desire to keep her close was twofold: a mix of personal longing and concern for her safety.

Their conversation was interrupted by a disturbance at the door.

A hesitant bodyguard entered. "Mr. Waston, a couple insists on seeing you. They've threatened drastic measures if denied entry.”

Albert exchanged a glance with Jessie, whose complexion drained of color.

With a gentle grasp of her hand, he reassured, "Go stay with Jeslyn. Don't emerge."

Jessie, though on the verge of protest, complied with his directive, sensing the gravity of the situation.

The moment Jessie retreated, a distraught middle-aged couple entered, their faces etched with exhaustion, likely from days without proper rest. They were Axell's parents, intellectuals brought to desperation, who immediately knelt before Albert in a plea for empathy.

“Mr. Waston, we acknowledge Axell's mistake and extend our apologies on his behalf. We humbly ask for your forgiveness, hoping you'll Look past his error. His accomplishments weren't easily achieved; his future shouldn't be tarnished."

Albert, donning a blue hospital gown, observed the couple with an icy demeanor.

He articulated with deliberate pace, "The issue now lies with the public prosecutor, who's preparing to charge Axell with multiple crimes. This is beyond my capacity to forgive. Furthermore, Axell should have considered the repercussions when he abducted my daughter."

Monica was visibly shaken.