The Secret Heir Return To Wealth And Love

Wayne always knew, deep down, that Cory held a grudge against him.

It was only his mother's choice that brought about a reluctant acceptance. Cory wanted nothing more than to see his mom happy, and if that meant welcoming Wayne into their lives because she chose him, then so be it.

So, Wayne braced himself for the scolding and criticism he was sure would come from Cory's lips. But what he never expected was...

"I've crunched numbers and studied physics, a staunch materialist, but... this time, I'm hoping for something different. I'm hoping for a miracle."

The usually stoic kid, rarely showing a hint of emotion, suddenly had misty eyes, tears threatening to spill over as he fought to keep them at bay.

"You've done a lot of wrong, bullying Mom, nearly killing me and my sister, using Uncle Noah Holland and Great-Grandma as leverage against my mom... I really hated your presence.d2

But things are different now. I've come to accept you as my dad. Mom needs you, my sister needs you... I need you too. So, can you come back?"

Wayne had no idea that both Ivy and Cory had found out about that time he doubted Rosalynn was carrying his child and had vehemently demanded she get an abortion.

Hearing both Cory and Ivy mention this shook him to his core, filled with shock and panic.

He had never imagined that after learning about it, the kids would choose to forgive him. Wayne had even concocted several plans in his head to make things right with the kids. That day, Wayne did nothing else.

He repeatedly listened to and watched the messages from his wife and kids, neglecting to eat.

Penn had instructed the caregivers not to disturb him.

Immersed in his family's words, time slipped away until his phone died. Looking out the window, he realized night had fallen.

Turning his gaze back to the powered-down phone, he pressed the call button.

Penn entered from outside, "Talk about timing, I was just coming to check on you."

Wayne removed his earbuds, "My phone's dead."

"I'll charge it in a bit. You've skipped two meals, aren't you hungry?"

"Now that you mention it, kinda." Wayne looked a bit disheveled, with reddened eyes and a slightly pink nose.

Penn immediately had Wayne's nutritional meal brought in and sat with him in the hospital room to eat, "You need your sedative tonight?" Wayne paused, spoon in hand, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw a shadowy mist cling to the windowpane, "I think I'll be fine."

Penn raised an eyebrow, "Looks like Ms. Jared brought you a better remedy?"

"Mhm." With a short reply, Wayne didn't elaborate much further to Penn.

After dinner.

Penn made his usual inquiries about Wayne's day before standing up to leave the room.

On his way out, Penn glanced back at Wayne instinctively.

For a fleeting moment, he felt as though something had changed in Wayne, something indescribable had been added to his demeanor.

The door closed behind him, and silence enveloped the room once more.