SWNOVELS Chapter 154
- Stay Alert
“Okay,” Frank sighed in resignation, “you can keep your job as my assistant. But I will increase your salary tenfold and you can take leave at any time.”
Jeremy’s chin pressed against his lips. “I like that idea.”
‘And you can’t think of me as your boss anymore. We are equal- professional colleagues.”
Jeremy nodded. “Does it mean you won’t scold me anymore? Tsk, I think I’m going to miss your nagging.”
“I never scold or nag you, just reprimand and that’s a form of firmness,
Frank argued, pointing his finger.
“You always nag after scolding,” Jeremy muttered with a teasing expression.
“That’s grumbling, not nagging. Can’t you distinguish them well? Nagging is … women’s thing. I am a man.”
Seeing the disturbed Frank, Jeremy finally let out a laugh. “Okay, keep going like this, Frank. Don’t think that I’m special or I’ll feel awkward later.”
“Who else thinks you’re special? I’m just trying to respect my el brother. I’m in the process of learning to be the ideal man for Ka you know?”
Frank leaned back. His expression looked disgusted. But in his heart, he felt warm. He just got another new lesson. Apparently, there was an apology that didn’t need to be expressed. Let the eyes reflect regret, the heart would understand unconditionally.
“By the way, Frank, what will your grandfather do next? I don’t like to
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copy, on picus just give me a marcu.
In an instant, Frank’s blinking turned tense. After a brief moment of contemplation, he sighed, “I don’t know either. No one knows whether Rowan Harper has a heart or not. But, judging from his reaction last night, he seemed devastated.”
“Could it be that his heart was awakened by that fact? The son he was always proud of also had a dark secret.”
Frank raised his eyebrows. “Let’s not get our hopes up. Stay alert. We’ll move after knowing his reaction.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Frank spontaneously pursed his lips. His finger bobbed in warning.
“Come on….” Jeremy tilted his head. “That’s easier to say. More efficient.”
Taking a breath, Frank got up from his chair. “Okay, whatever. Now let’s get back to work.”
“Should I report the progress of the medical project?” Jeremy followed.
“Yeah, do it.”
While the two men return to their normal lives, Rowan Harper w trapped in a photo in his hand.
“Norman ….”
Rowan stroked the portrait of his only son. His chin twitched and h eyes filled with tears. “Is what Vivian said true? During your life, yo were always depressed and suffering?”
Through long sighs, the old man tried to release the heat from his lungs. Unfortunately, it actually became more congested. Tears rushed out of bounds.
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“You always smiled and looked enthusiastic. You always fulfilled my orders perfectly. No one would think that you were forced to do all that, My Son.”
Suddenly, Rowan looked up. His gaze turned dreamy. “But now that I
remember again, you never voiced your wishes or feelings. Your always agreed to my orders and carried them out.”
When he looked down again, a single tear fell on the photo frame.
“Did I already rob you of your happiness? But I only wanted the best for you, just like how I hope for Frank, your son.”
Rowan’s lips trembled even harder and so did his shoulders. “Is it true that you secretly had a relationship with Vivian? You have a son besides Frank?”
He swallowed hard. “Sorry, Norman… Sorry if I separated you two. Sorry if I was the reason you became a cruel father. I even almost made my grandson repeat your fate.
Closing his eyes, Rowan tried to suppress his regret. His chest felt- painful. Not because of his heart, but because of the past. The memories he thought were beautiful turned out to be nothing more than a play. His son’s perfection was not real.
When Rowan was almost completely lost in sadness, Sean pulle
into the real world. “Sorry, Sir. We have a guest.”
Rowan opened his eyes and asked without looking, “Who?”
“Vivian Bell.”
The old man closed his mouth tightly, preventing it from trembling harder. “What is she doing here?” he asked after controlling his emotions.
“She said she has something for you, Sir.”
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Rowan’s eyes widened slightly. After keeping silent for a moment, he whispered, “Let her in, in five minutes.” He handed over the photo frame in his hand.
Sean nodded. After placing the frame back on the shelf, he sent the words to the gatekeeper. Exactly 300 seconds later, Vivian’s car was allowed to enter.
“Good morning, Mr. Harper,” the woman said as she saw Rowan’s back. Her voice was steady, unlike the old man’s heart which was still a little shaky.
“What are you doing here?” Rowan didn’t look back. He simply lifted the cup of tea and took a small sip, hoping the warmth would calm him down.
“If you expect me to apologize, no. I don’t want to regret it in front of you, because I myself have already received the punishment. Jeremy hates me now.”
The sound of heels hitting the floor was heard. After a few knocks,
Vivian arrived at Rowan’s side.
“I actually hoped he would inherit Norman’s trait of putting his parents first. Unfortunately, he copied my trait. He only cares ab one person. In his case, it’s his little brother.”
Furrowing his brows, the old man glanced slightly. “What are you trying to explain? Don’t beat around the bush.”
“Jeremy is only loyal to Frank. Maybe because I didn’t leave an impression on his memories, he doesn’t care about me. It seems lik he’s repaying me for not caring about him while being too fixated on Norman.”
“It’s your own fault. Who told you not to move on and continue with your own life?” Rowan cursed curtly.
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Vivian smiled sadly. “I’ve tried, but….”
She took a step forward and placed a stack of envelopes beside the cup. “He kept sending me these. How could I forget him?”
Rowan took a glance. Seeing his son’s handwriting on the top.
envelope, his eyes widened. His breath started to rumble. Vivian smiled at that response.
“Open it from above. You will know Norman’s true heart.”
For five seconds, the old man remained silent. Not wanting to wait for a response, Vivian turned to leave.
“Sean,” Rowan whispered when his ears didn’t catch the sound of heels anymore. His hands trembled towards the table.
Without waiting for clearer instruction, Sean opened the top envelope and handed it over along with a reading glasses.
‘Dear Vivian,
I heard you’re not staying in the apartment I prepared. Why?
After all, your child is my responsibility too. He deserves comfort both in your stomach and after birth.
I know you hate me. But please, don’t sacrifice that innocent
Move into the apartment and live well.
Greetings, NH.’
Rowan sighed in disbelief. With teary eyes, he reached out his h again. Sean handed him the second letter.
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