The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress

Grayson POV

Charlotte is her usual stubborn self as Johnathon drags her away so that Grandfather and I can talk properly. I was worried the whole way here, and if it hadn't been for my wife, I might not have been able to hold myself together or compose myself as much as I had been. Flair holds my hand and I sit on the chair next to the old man who smiles at me, his eyes twinkling. Somehow I'm not surprised to see that Grandfather is alive and kicking, too stubborn to visit the ferryman and go to the underworld just yet. "You had me worried old man" I admit in a hoarse voice, as he chuckles at me.

"I'm not ready to die just yet."

"I'm glad that you are okay Mr Deluca" Flair says in a soft voice and my grandfather turns to her with a wide smile.

"Thank you, Flair, it's lovely to see you again," he says and then scowls at his food "I'm supposed to eat that" he mutters looking frustrated.

To my surprise, Flair slides into the chair beside me, which is closer to my grandfather, and picks up the spoon, "May I?" she asks and then deftly helps him begin to eat.

I wait for my Grandfather to object, to push her hand away, to yell out that he's not an invalid but to my shock he lets her help. Is he sicker than I thought?

"How are you feeling?" Flair asks him "Are you hurt? Do you need us to get you anything?" she continues to ask, her voice genuinely concerned, while she spoons more of the broth into his mouth.

Grandfather finished the broth and picked up a slice of bread, gently nibbling on it while Flair leaned back against her chair looking satisfied. It's genuinely touching to see them both get along so well. "It's just so boring being in a hospital" Grandfather complained. Enjoy this chapter for free and stay updated with the latest version on Job nib.c om. Don't miss out, visit it now.

"I know, they are so cold and sterile" Flair agreed and then leaned in conspirational "There's a cafeteria downstairs, want me to sneak down and get you a coffee or something to drink?"

Grandfather's eyes sparkle "Grab me a coffee" he requests with a grin "None of this instant crap either," he says wrinkling his nose as Flair laughs in amusement.

She looks at me but I shake my head. She gets to her feet "I'll be right back" she promises and slips from the room. "She's a diamond," Grandfather says looking at me closely.

There's a knowing expression on his face. Does he know her true identity? I've been careful not to let it slip. Or is he referring to her personality? "I'm truly lucky to have her as my wife" I agree blandly.

He looks thoughtful "Are you? So you and Flair are getting along well in this marriage?" he asked.

I hesitate "We have our ups and downs," I say not elaborating "but for the most part, yes we do. She's not like any other woman I've met" I confess and the old man looks pleased.

"At least you're not like your father" he comments and I fight the urge to flinch, smiling blankly and nodding.

I have no desire to think about my father at this moment. My grandfather chuckles "If you're doing so well, am I going to have a great-grandchild anytime soon?" he asks bluntly. "Flair's not pregnant yet," I said coolly "and please don't mention that to her, it's a sore subject for both of us."

He raises a brow but changes the subject "I hear your law firm is doing well."

"Why am I not surprised you are keeping tabs on me?" I ask evenly.

He looks affronted "Is it a crime to want to keep an interest in my grandson's life? Especially since I don't see him very often?" he asks, trying to guilt me.

"I'm sorry that you feel that way grandfather," I said smoothly "but it's difficult for me to want to visit when you live with Karen and Charlotte" I added as he sighed. "I understand."

He sounded so forlorn though that I felt a spark of guilt. I hadn't visited him as often as I should have and I was using Karen and Charlotte as an excuse.

Flair came walking back in with a large cup of coffee, handing it to a delighted Grandfather. "I better not get in trouble for this" she teased him as he laughed out loud. "Don't worry, I'll tell them I got it myself" he grinned "That will make them even angrier."

"What is the plan Grandfather?" Flair asked, perching on her seat "When are they going to discharge you? Do you need a nurse to help look after you?" she asked and I glanced at the man.

That thought had not occurred to me, but if he had been looking after his health in the first place, he would not have been in the hospital having suffered a heart attack.

He scowled "I don't want a nurse hovering over me, telling me what to do and what not to do" he complained out loud "It's embarrassing at this age. I just want to be free to live my life like I want."

I rubbed my forehead "But you need somebody to remind you to eat well and drink. I'll have to speak to the doctor but I don't think they'll discharge you today" I added as he frowned at me, looking like a petulant child "And the nurse thing is not a bad idea." "I don't want one" grandfather insisted petulantly.

Flair shot me a concerned glance. "Well perhaps there is another alternative," she told him quietly "We can discuss it and then get back to you."

He looked intrigued. I wasn't sure what my wife would be up to but I kept my tongue. She would tell me soon enough. "This coffee is good" Grandfather commented, sipping at it and sighing. his body relaxed now.

"I took a guess on what you would like," Flair said with a giggle "You struck me as a cappuccino guy."

He winked "It's the chocolate powder," he said.

The doctor came walking back in "You ate" she said looking at the tray of food pleased "which means that you listened to me."

She pointedly ignored the presence of the coffee cup in Grandfather's hand. She began to check his vitals again. "Miss," I asked calmly and she glanced at me, holding a clipboard in her hand "When do you think my grandfather might be able to be discharged?" She frowned "At this moment we need to keep him in for a few days to keep him under observation and ensure he's not going to suffer another heart attack" She stared at Grandfather pointedly as he harrumphed "And then there's the discussion of his aftercare as well." "Aftercare?" I enquired quietly.

"When we release your Grandfather, we feel it would be best if there was some sort of plan in place between your family that includes the treatment of your grandfather's recovery in such a way that it will be advantageous in preventing another heart attack. With his age, the likelihood of another one is quite high" the doctor advised as my grandfather began to sulk "and while there are many options including a nurse at home, the patient's comfort needs to be a priority when it comes to the treatment as well." "I see," I said evenly, watching my wife nod thoughtfully.

My grandfather was dismissive "We all have to die eventually" he said as the doctor sighed in resignation "If I go, I go with a smile on my face and the knowledge I've done everything I've wanted in life bar one thing" he fixed his eyes on me and Flair "I have yet to hold a great-grandchild in my arms."

Flair flinched. I glared at him for bringing it up. Damnit old man, I wanted to swear, I told you to leave that subject alone. "Well if you don't listen to my advice, you won't live long enough to do that either" the doctor growled.

My grandfather scowled at her in response. Flair reached over and took my grandfather's hand "Please listen to the doctor Grandfather. We want you around for as long as possible" she told him sincerely.

My grandfather looked at her as though she was an angel. It was unnerving. He actually liked Flair. He spoke to her like she was human. Flair just seemed to have a way with her that my grandfather responded to.

"Only because you're asking me nicely" he grumbled to Flair who smiled brightly at him, causing my grandfather to give a small smile in return.

It was magic. It was like Flair had created or woven a spell around him. The doctor smiled at them both. "Your granddaughter is lovely" she commented, nodding as Grandfather looked at her "You listen to her," she said sagely, before leaving again.

Flair giggled. Grandfather chuckled. "Old man, you are going to be the death of me one of these days. I have work to get back to" I said rising from the chair as my grandfather gave a sigh of disappointment "and I suspect there's going to be a long discussion about your future amongst the lot of us as well."

I was not looking forward to it. Flair let go of the old man's hand and stood up, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek. "You get well soon Grandfather and we'll visit again tomorrow" she promised as his eyes lit up.

I reached over and hugged the old man surprising him. "Rest up Grandfather, you don't want to die just yet," I told him sincerely "and for heavens sake don't give the doctors or nurses too much grief."

He grunted in response. It was the best I was going to get from him. "Send Charlotte back in please," he asked, looking resigned.

We nodded. Flair waved goodbye as we stepped out, worry still written all over her face. "Do you think he's going to be okay?" she asked as we went in search of my wayward sister.

"That man is going to live to eternity at this rate" I laughed, feeling relieved "he's too stubborn to die of one heart attack."