How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

Ryan knew Orson was one of Stuart's guys. The reason was simple: the guy had a way of speaking that rubbed people the wrong way, and Ryan had heard Oswald, the family's strict but fair head, give Orson a good earful more than once.

"So, with Stuart and your sister-in-law gone, what are you still doing hanging around?" Ryan asked.

Puffing out his chest with a smirk, Orson replied, "I've got an important job. Mrs. Hetfield tasked me with keeping an eye on Norbert. If anything's off, I'm to report straight back to her."

Ryan paused before asking, "Off? How?"

Shaking his head, Orson said, "Not sure exactly. Just gotta make sure he's not sneaking any booze or check if his health's getting any better. Norbert's not in great shape, and I've got to make sure he's taking his meds."

"You don't know how he's doing?"

"What's there to know?"

"Nothing, just that he's not doing so great because of his age."

The state of Grandpa's health was common knowledge in the family, except to the sister-in-law. Even Orson, who was often by her side, seemed oblivious, something Ryan found curious. It dawned on Ryan that everyone was deliberately keeping the sister-in-law in the dark. Since it was Grandpa's wish, Ryan bit his tongue and didn't say anything more.

Noticing Ryan's glum expression, Orson felt a twinge of pity. "In my family, the brothers and sister are all close. But the young master here looks like he's got no one. Doesn't play with his siblings, and always looks so down, even in sixth grade."

After a moment's hesitation, Orson offered, "Hey, cheer up. How about you play with my slingshot for a bit? It was a gift from Mrs. Hetfield, but don't you go breaking it on me."

Ryan was speechless. When had he ever expressed an interest in playing with a slingshot?

Nevertheless, Orson took out the slingshot and aimed at a target they'd set up, launching a peanut straight at the bullseye. Ryan's eyes widened in amazement. Orson, basking in his moment of glory, boasted, "Pretty cool, huh? Told you I was good."

Having found someone to impress, Orson dragged Ryan along to play with the slingshot. Ryan's mood lightened a bit, at least until a thunderstorm rolled in, forcing him and Orson back to the mansion. Once inside, Orson turned serious again, "Young master, I'll let you play with the slingshot anytime, but you gotta promise to tell me if you notice anything wrong with Norbert."

"Okay..."

Upstairs, Norbert suddenly began vomiting blood, with Keegan and the family doctor rushing to his side. The doctor, hands covered in blood, was frantically trying to stabilize him, administering transfusions. Keegan, fists clenched, waited anxiously for an update.

After a tense period, Norbert's condition finally stabilized. "How is he?" Keegan asked, fraught with concern.

The doctor replied gravely, "He's had a variceal hemorrhage. We need to perform an endoscopy and possibly banding to prevent further bleeding."

Lying weakly in bed, Norbert waved off the suggestion, "No need. I know my body. Why go through surgery when I'm already on my way out?"

The doctor hesitated, knowing Norbert's grim assessment was accurate. Even if they stopped the bleeding, Norbert's health was failing.

As the rain outside grew heavier, accompanied by thunder and lightning, the atmosphere turned somber. Norbert, looking out the window, murmured, "It's raining. I wonder if Wenna made it back to school okay."

Meanwhile, Morwenna was on her way back to school, grateful for Stuart's ride, especially given the late hour and the stormy weather, which meant fewer prying eyes.