Chapter 2 : Wrong word

Adrian's loud screams prompted the head butler and several others to rush into the room.

"Quickly, restrain the young master!" Mr. Cole ordered as soon as he entered.

Eliana immediately stepped aside and let the large-built guards do their job. She watched as Adrian continued screaming loudly and struggling violently. Some of the guards were even overwhelmed by the man's fierce resistance.

"I'm sorry, Uncle. I accidentally said one word, and Adrian immediately flew into a rage," Eliana said regretfully.

The head butler did not immediately blame Eliana. He called the Blackwood family's private doctor. "The young master is quite sensitive to certain words. I hope you will keep that in mind, Miss Eliana."

"I'm sorry, Uncle." Eliana nodded as she listened to what the middle-aged man said.

She was genuinely afraid of being fired on the spot. Mr. Cole did not seem to be blaming her, but rather questioning her professionalism. Eliana truly had not meant to say it. She had been overwhelmed by frustration when Adrian pulled her hair so hard that the words had slipped out unintentionally.

Not long afterward, the doctor summoned by Mr. Cole arrived. Seeing that Adrian showed no signs of stopping his roars, he had no other choice. Carefully, he injected something into the man's body.

The injection had a powerful effect. Adrian, who had been full of strength just moments earlier, suddenly lost consciousness. The guards immediately lifted him and laid him on the bed.

"Mr. Adrian appears to be in the same condition as before."

Mr. Cole nodded. "The young master's health has been deteriorating. He refuses to eat and take his medication. Sometimes, we have to force him to take his medicine."

Eliana listened carefully to their conversation. She regretted her actions even more. She had not expected her words to have such a profound effect on the man.

After discussing Adrian's condition, Eliana and the others left the room to let him rest peacefully. A few servants also returned to collect the remaining food in the room.

***

"Father, you're being incredibly biased. The company needs a new leader right now, and Julian is the right choice."

Voices filled the spacious living room as the argument continued. Several people sat around luxurious sofas arranged to face a large fireplace. The crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling cast reflections across the surface of the marble table in the center of the room.

"Who do you think built the company into what it is today, if not Adrian's father?"

The white-haired man, whose body was still upright and sturdy, answered the question firmly.

"And as for Adrian, you should know well enough what his leadership has been like all this time."

Richard fell silent for a moment. "But, Father, you know Adrian is..." He paused briefly. "Father, you know Adrian isn't in a good condition right now."

"Julian is quite capable, too. He's been with the company for a long time. He also understands how to manage the business well."

He continued advocating for his son to take up an important position in the company.

Charles glared angrily at his son, Richard. "My opinion will not change. Adrian is still capable of leading the company."

Just as Robert was about to respond to his father's words, Julian, who had remained silent and listened all this time, finally spoke up.

"It's alright, Father. I trust Grandfather. Adrian's condition will improve, and he'll still be able to lead the company." He tried to reassure his father in front of his grandfather.

"Grandfather... when will you visit Adrian? I'd also like to see how my cousin is doing," Julian said gently to Charles.

"You don't need to come along. The company is quite busy right now," Charles replied before leaving the room, his emotions running high.

Julian forced a smile. "Alright, Grandfather."

His smile disappeared the moment his grandfather left.

He truly hated Adrian and his entire family. Why was that madman still allowed to hold power over the company? He was sick of it.

"Father, it seems Grandfather won't let me take that position."

Richard looked at his son seriously. "That man has become even crazier, Julian. Perhaps he'll end up killing himself one day."

***

Eliana was currently waiting for Adrian to regain consciousness. While she waited, she noticed an unfamiliar man with a worried expression speaking seriously with Uncle Cole.

"This is Eliana, the nurse currently taking care of the young master," Mr. Cole said casually.

Charles nodded. Cole had already told him about the girl who was still willing to stay and care for his grandson.

"I hope what happened earlier hasn't changed your mind."

Charles was already troubled by how many people had quit caring for his grandson. Not many were willing to stay given his grandson's worrying condition.

"I'm Adrian's grandfather."

Eliana immediately greeted the elderly man politely. "Hello, Mr. Charles. I'm sorry. I was the one who caused Mr. Adrian to lose control earlier. Please forgive me," Eliana said, still feeling that she was the reason Adrian had become so uncontrollable.

"It's alright, Eliana. I'm grateful that you're still willing to try to work with my grandson."

Eliana could sense the sincerity in the old man's words. It seemed that Adrian was deeply loved by his grandfather.

"My grandson lost his parents in an accident. Ever since then, his moods began to change. I don't even know when Adrian started behaving this way," he said sadly, remembering that Adrian had once been quite warm toward his family.

Eliana listened carefully to the old man's words. She assumed that Adrian's parents had been very important to him. So when he lost them, he had lost a part of himself as well.

Eliana felt even more guilty. She should have been more careful with her words earlier.

After finishing their conversation about his grandson's condition, Charles entered the room to see his grandson in person.

Seeing how much thinner his grandson had become, Charles felt his heart ache. Adrian had once idolized his father and loved his mother dearly. If only that accident had never happened.

Perhaps because the effects of the medication had worn off, Adrian opened his eyes while they were still in the room.

"How are you feeling?" Charles asked as soon as he saw his grandson regain consciousness.

Adrian remained silent, not answering his grandfather's question. However, at least his gaze was not as sharp when directed at his grandfather. He simply turned his head away.

Realizing that his grandson was rejecting him, Charles could only let out a pained sigh. He had no idea how much longer his grandson would remain in such an uncontrollable state.

Mr. Cole glanced at Eliana, signaling her to bring some food for the young master. His young master had not eaten since last night, and after receiving the injection, the man needed to replenish the nutrients in his body.

Eliana understood and nodded.

"I guess I need to be gentler," Eliana murmured as she walked toward the kitchen.