---- Chapter 68 Wendy stepped out of the bathroom and spotted the two people standing beside the hospital bed. Her expression was calm and unreadable. Without acknowledging either of them, she walked over to Robert's bedside, carrying a cup. "What are you doing here?" James was visibly startled. A flicker of guilt passed through his expression. Had she heard what he said just now? Wendy didn't answer him.

Instead, she turned to Robert and said, "Grandpa, the cup's been thoroughly cleaned, but Istill don't recommend using it." The cup had belonged to James' late grandmother-a treasured keepsake Robert valued more than gold. Unfortunately , one of the nurses had unknowingly used it to mix medicine , damaging the already worn insulation layer. Robert sighed. "That cup's been with me for decades.

And now, at the end of my life, even it's lost its use." Wendy frowned, about to respond, when Jenna suddenly cut in, "Don't say that, Mr. Frank Senior. You're going to get better. Everything will be fine." "I know exactly how my body feels," Robert shot back. "What Idon't want is to see you here, running your mouth when you clearly know nothing. I may be old, but I'm not senile!" He wasn't even trying to spare Jenna's feelings anymore-his ---- irritation was out in the open.

Jenna dropped her gaze and leaned closer to James, saying nothing more. "James!" Robert snapped when it looked like his grandson was about to speak. "Why'd you even bring her here? I don't ever want to see her again. Get her out of my room." Tears instantly welled up in Jenna's eyes and began to fall. "Mr. Frank Senior, if I've done something wrong, just tell me, please, don't blame James. It's all my-" "Enough!" Robert barked, cutting her off. "Don't think I don't know what you've done.

Get out." He erupted into a fit of coughing before he even finished. Wendy immediately stepped forward and began patting his back, her brows furrowed. She looked up at James. "Take her out. Now." There was no room for argument in her voice -just irritation and finality. Whether that frustration was directed at Jenna or James was unclear. James clenched his jaw. He hated seeing Jenna so humiliated, but he was more afraid of the toll this stress was taking on Robert's health.

"Go home for now," he said quietly . "I'll have Freddy drive you." Jenna nodded, sniffled , and mumbled, "I'll come visit again ---- next time..." "Don't bother ," Robert said with a fake smile. "Every time you show up, I feel like I lose another day of my life." James's patience finally snapped. "You don't need to talk to her like that just to protect Wendy." Robert grunted.

"And you don't get to defend a stranger in front of Wendy." Jenna had already been led toward the door, but she heard every word. She couldn't help turning back. Inher mind, winning over James was enough. That was all that mattered. But then, she saw the way Robert looked at Wendy. The soft smile on his wrinkled, aged face lit up like sunlight through storm clouds. And just like that, her heart boiled with jealousy and rage. Why did Wendy get everyone's affection without even trying?

Why was it that no matter how hard she worked, it was never enough? "Don't get worked up," Wendy's gentle voice rang out. "It's not good for your health. You wanted to be discharged soon, right?" Robert's gruffness melted away, replaced with warmth. His voice softened as he relented , "Alright , alright . I'll behave. But between us, I was just pretending . I'm not dumb enough ---- to get worked up over someone like that. Wendy, my girl... His voice trailed off into the background.

Even after leaving the ward, Jenna could still picture Robert's smiling face, every wrinkle glowing with affection. Why did Wendy get to be the one he doted on? It was too distasteful for Jenna.