The Secret Heir Return To Wealth And Love

Cory, typically the epitome of calm and collected, suddenly abandoned his tablet and dashed upstairs. Took a quick shower and a change into fresh clothes later, he ran back down the stairs, the urgency of the moment etched in his every step.

"Cory's here!"

Ivy, always effervescent in her brother's presence, leaped to her feet and turned to Baillie Scott, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Uncle Baillie, can we do the video call now? Is it time?"

Baillie, ever so gentle and patient, replied, "Let me check, sweetheart."

Moments later, the call was placed.

Ivy and Cory sat side by side, the screen flickering to life to reveal the face they had both been longing to see. Ivy's lips quivered, and tears threatened to spill over, but she remembered her mom's words and fought to hold them back, her voice soft and sweet as she greeted, "Daddy!"d2

Wayne had cleaned himself up for this call.

He took off the usual hospital garb, changed into a crisp white shirt and a lightweight cardigan. His eyes momentarily searched the space around his children.

Penn had made it clear that today was just for the kids, she wouldn't be there. Although Wayne knew this, the absence of her image made his heart sink with a sudden, hollow emptiness.

"Cory, Ivy, have you been missing Daddy?" Wayne quickly composed himself, his voice warm with affection. "Daddy misses you both so much."

"Daddy, are you feeling a little better?" Ivy asked, concern lacing her words.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

"Yes, darling, Daddy feels a bit stronger every day," Wayne replied, trying to offer reassurance. "I'm sorry for leaving home so suddenly without telling you."

"It's okay," Ivy's voice wavered. "Just get well soon, Daddy."

"I will," Wayne promised, his gaze shifting to Cory who had been silent so far. "Cory, did you get the results from your competition?"

"Yeah, I came in first," Cory replied, pausing before adding, "I went to Blue Horizon Enterprises today."

"Blue Horizon Enterprises?" Wayne's mind felt muddled.

"Don't worry about the company, I'll help mom as much as I can and take care of Ivy too," Cory said, his young voice trying to sound confident. "Cory, I'm so grateful," Wayne said, his voice thick with emotion. "Just bear with it a little longer. I'll be back with you all as soon as I can."

"Okay," Cory murmured, his eyes downcast. "I'll wait for you."

Their time was limited.

Soon enough, Penn signaled to Wayne that the call needed to end.

Reluctantly, Wayne prepared to say goodbye.

"Daddy, remember to eat lots and sleep well, okay?" Ivy blurted out, clinging to the last moments of the call. "Doctor says that helps with healing too! And dress warm! Listen to what the doctor tell you! I'll miss you so much, and so will Cory and mommy."

With a heavy heart, Wayne ended the call. His heart ached with a pain that was more than physical. He couldn't understand how everything had turned out this way.

He wasn't asking for much, just a peaceful life with his beloved and their children.

Why did such a simple wish seem so out of reach now?

"Are you alright?" Penn approached cautiously.

Wayne, leaning heavily against the edge of a chair, shook his head at Penn without looking up.

Penn stood a few steps away, silently watching over Wayne.

"Dr. Lange," Wayne finally spoke, after a long, heavy silence.

"Yes?" Penn responded, ready to offer whatever support he could.