Chapter 490

"After Dad's surgery, I'll take Oliver to see him," Susan said.

"Oliver, Grandma's sorry," Carol said, feeling guilty. Her sweet granddaughter had grown up without a dad or grandparents' love, and it broke Carol's heart.

Oliver shook her head. "Mom always says you're the gentlest grandma, and I agree. I missed you so much, Grandma. I'm so happy to see you."

Carol's eyes filled with tears. "I missed you too, sweetheart. When Grandpa's out of the hospital, I'll make you lots of yummy food and buy you toys."

She knew she could never make up for lost time, but she wanted to try.

Oliver hugged Carol and smiled. "I don't need food or toys, Grandma. Just being with you makes me happy."

Carol smiled through her tears, feeling touched. "You're such a good kid. You've raised him well, Susan."

"He's just naturally good," Susan said, proud of her son.

Their time together was short, and Carol had to leave, feeling reluctant.

Oliver noticed and said, "Grandma, it's okay. We'll see each other soon."

"Yes, very soon," Carol nodded, still reluctant. After so many years, she finally saw her grandson and had so much to say. Her legs felt glued to the ground.

"Mom, I'll handle the surgery. Don't worry," Susan reassured her.

Carol nodded, feeling a bit relieved. "Okay, I'll leave it to you."

In the afternoon, Caleb arrived at the hospital, looking tired. "Sorry, I had meetings all day. What's up?"

"My dad changed his mind about the surgery," Susan said quickly.

Caleb frowned. "Mr. Wilson doesn't seem like the type to change his mind suddenly."

"Yeah, it's strange. He might have been coerced. My dad cares a lot about his reputation, so it might be related. But it's just a guess."

Caleb said, "I'll find out."

"Please do," Susan sighed. "I'm so glad you're here. I wouldn't know what to do without you."

"Silly, I'm always here for you. Just say the word."

Susan felt emotional. Caleb's help was crucial. "Thank you, Caleb."

"If you want to thank me, have a good dinner tonight."

Susan laughed. "Are you my meal supervisor now? I've gained at least three pounds in the past two days." She pinched her waist, feeling the extra weight.

Caleb chuckled. "I've discovered the joys of raising a pig."

"Go away, you're the pig."

"You're the pig, and I'm the pig-raising expert," Caleb laughed.

Susan decided to let him have his verbal victory, given how much he'd helped her.

"What do you want to eat tonight? I'll order," Susan said, picking up her phone.

"Ms. Wilson is treating?"

"Yeah, you've treated so many times, it's my turn."

"Appreciate it, but my stomach can't handle the nearby takeout."

"You're so picky," Susan rolled her eyes.

"Leave the meals to me. You just need to eat well," Caleb said, tapping her nose. "The caretaker has their job, and the pig has its mission."

"Are you addicted to calling me a pig?" Susan complained. "Why are you so childish?"

She knew young couples often called each other pigs as a nickname. But why did this older man have the same habit?

"When a man acts childish, it means he loves you. What's wrong with being a little childish in front of the woman you love?"

"You're so good with words, you should go into sales."

Caleb played along, saying seriously, "Then I must first sell myself: handsome, gentle, considerate, broad-shouldered, wealthy-the best man in the world is right in front of you. Interested?"

"Shameless," Susan shot back.

Carol had just come downstairs when May intercepted her at the stairway.

Carol felt a bit guilty under May's scrutinizing gaze.

"You went to see Susan?" May asked.

Carol ignored her.

May caught up and asked again, "Did you go see Susan?"

"What kind of tone is that? Are you interrogating a criminal?"

May's face darkened. "Mom, I'm not blaming you, but Dad told you not to go. He even got angry last time because of this. Why do you insist on going against his wishes? Are you trying to upset him?"

"If you don't tell him, he won't know," Carol retorted angrily.

"I'm not tattling, I just can't stand you deceiving Dad."

Carol was so angry at the word "deceiving" that her scalp tingled. "Deceiving? Where are your manners? How dare you talk to me like that."

"The words may be harsh, but I'm telling the truth. You're in the wrong. Dad already has a bad heart; do you want to make it worse?"

"What's wrong with me seeing my daughter?" Carol was furious.

"You only have one daughter, and that's me. Dad said so long ago."

"No, in my heart, Susan will always be my daughter. That's a blood relationship that can never be severed."

"Because I'm not related to you by blood, you don't see me as your daughter, right?" May asked, her eyes sharp.

Carol sensed the true meaning behind her words and felt a chill. "You think I don't consider you my daughter? May, have you forgotten how I've treated you all these years? I've given you the same conditions as Susan. Everything Susan had, you had too. Was I biased?"

"On the surface, you weren't biased, but in your heart, you were. You're just putting on a show for others. You two are praised as great philanthropists, wonderful people who adopted your sister's orphan. If you didn't do everything perfectly, what would others say?"

Carol felt even more heartbroken. She never imagined that her sincere efforts would be seen by May as "acting," and she only realized today that May had always thought this way.

All her efforts, all her love, were in vain.

Carol shook her head in disappointment. "I never thought you saw us this way."