How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

Morwenna understood the grim implication of "in a few days" - they were waiting for Norbert to pass away.

With a slightly darkened expression, Morwenna said, "Phineas, if Lorna doesn't go back, the Lamonts will definitely come knocking, and I don't think you'd want them to see all this."

"It's school hours now. I'll call the school and get you both excused," Phineas replied calmly.

Morwenna's face shifted through several emotions. They had sneaked out, and during school hours, the Lamonts wouldn't know that Lorna had returned.

Phineas was adamant about not letting Lorna leave, unwilling to risk any mishaps at this critical moment.

At this time, the Hetfield residence was tightly guarded, sealed off from the outside world.

Morwenna felt guilty for dragging Lorna into this mess. Apology filled her eyes, but Lorna seemed carefree as she said, "It's alright. A few days of fun won't hurt. Go on with your stuff, Morwenna. Is there a gaming room? I'm off to play some video games." A maid immediately took Lorna to the gaming room.

Morwenna's heart ached.

She prided herself on her clear sense of right and wrong, never intending to harm or burden others.

Yet, this time, she had inadvertently hurt Ryan and dragged Lorna into this situation.

Ryan faced the consequences without regret, and Lorna pretended to be light-hearted about going to play video games.

But Morwenna had no time to dwell on her sorrow. With Norbert Hetfield's fate hanging in the balance, she needed to see him first.

Approaching Norbert Hetfield's room, she released Ryan and whispered an apology before pushing the door open.

The moment she entered, Morwenna's breath caught in her throat.

Norbert Hetfield, who had been well just a few days ago, now lay on the bed with a respirator, his once healthy frame dramatically withered to bones.

He lay there quietly, like an old lion whose teeth had fallen out and claws dulled, barely clinging to life while the scavengers waited to divide his remains.

Panic surged through Morwenna as she rushed over, softly calling out, "Grandpa, it's me, Wenna. I'm back."

Norbert's eyelids fluttered, and he struggled to open his eyes.

He seemed to try to sit up, but his attempts were futile, leaving him gasping for air, unable to even sit up.

Morwenna quickly moved closer, taking Norbert's hand, "Grandpa, don't move. Just rest. Whatever you want to say, take your time. I'm here for you." Norbert let out a long sigh, his voice barely audible, "Wenna, why come back? Go to school. I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me." Sitting by the bed, Morwenna held Norbert's hand, sorrow filling her voice, "Norbert Hetfield, even now, you're still keeping things from me?" She didn't cry, as if her sorrow was too deep for tears.

The approach of death was unmistakable.

She had seen it before, when Melvin had died. Back then, she was too young, powerless, and could only watch as tragedy struck, unable to do anything. But even after striving for so many years, she found herself in the same helpless situation, watching another vital person in her life succumb to illness. What was she supposed to do?

The true despair wasn't in losing a loved one, but in helplessly watching them slip away, unable to stop it.

Norbert struggled to speak, "Wenna, don't be afraid. It's just the natural cycle of life and death, don't be afraid."

Unable to hold back any longer, Morwenna's eyes reddened, "Grandpa, I just want you to live well. You're all I have left, please don't leave me..." She couldn't bear the thought of being an orphan again.

She didn't want to be alone anymore.