Chapter 227

A hush fell across the grand hall as soon as Vincent's words sank in.

Sharon's lips quivered. She drew in several shaky breaths before rising once more, her posture rigid with determination. "I'll handle the search for a suitable donor for Hannah myself. I'm asking you one last time-are you absolutely certain about donating your retina to her?"

"Yes," Vincent replied with conviction.

"If that's truly your choice." Sharon's composure faltered, and she nearly stumbled-Erica rushed forward, steadying her just in time.

Tears shimmered on Erica's lashes as she pleaded softly, "Vincent, please don't upset your grandma."

Vincent lowered his gaze and turned to leave. Sharon's tone turned cutting as she stared at Vincent's back. "If you insist on donating your retina,I swear I'll go on a hunger strike until you come to your senses. If you lose your vision, I may as well not go on living."

Erica's heart stuttered with a surge of hope. Maybe this was enough to shake Vincent. Vincent always cared about Sharon, and with her saying this, he couldn't possibly stick to his decision.

Vincent cast Sharon a weary sideways look, letting out a faint sigh. "Grandma, you're overthinking it. It's not like I'll be blind forever." He softened his voice,trying to reason with her. "In another three or five years, if the right donor comes along, I can get an operation to restore my sight."

But Sharon wouldn't hear it. The concern gnawed at her-if his father were still alive, maybe the company could withstand Vincent being away for years. But now, with his father gone, how could the company possibly survive such a long absence? She refused to take any chances. Her voice rang with quiet steel. "This is the only time I'll say it-unless you change your mind, I'm refusing to eat."

Vincent's brow creased in frustration. "Grandma,please don't joke about your heath."

Sharon's gaze sharpened. "And you aren't making a mockery of your own?"

He met her eyes, answering with a rare sincerity, "It's not the same."

"Then tell me-how is it any different?" Sharon's challenge lingered between them.

Words failed Vincent. He could only stand there,silent.

Without another word, Sharon turned away and quietly retreated to her room, leaving the air thick with unresolved tension.

By the next morning, Sharon had barricaded herself inside her bedroom, turning away visitors and refusing so much as a sip of water. Vincent, equally resolute, refused all food in a show of defiance. He stood vigil outside Sharon's door,trying every plea and gentle coaxing he could think of, but she didn't respond-her silence was absolute.

Three days passed in this deadlock, and Sharon's frail condition noticeably weakened.

Erica approached Vincent carrying a tray. "Vincent,you haven't eaten in three days," she said softly."Please-have something."

But Vincent refused to leave his post, stubbornly rooted at Sharon's door, his features set in weary defiance.

Erica's concern deepened. "It's already the third day.Even if you can hold out, your grandma's body can't take much more." She paused, weighing her words,and then finally urged, "Vincent, don't be so hardheaded. Her health can't handle this. Just give in, at least this once."

A storm of tension gathered in Vincent's features.His jaw tightened, and a shadow crossed his eyes, a palpable aura warning others to keep their distance."You never should have dragged my grandma into this," he said, his voice edged with frustration, every syllable weighted with accusation.

Erica's shoulders tensed, and she looked away,searching for justification. "I only did it because I can't bear the thought of you losing your sight for someone who isn't even family. It isn't worth the cost."

He refused to answer, holding the silence like a drawn blade. At last, he stepped forward and knocked on Sharon's door, the motion deliberate,his voice smooth but unwavering. "Grandma, I've changed my mind. I won't donate."

Sharon's feeble reply drifted from the other side,trembling with exhaustion. Moments later, the door creaked open, and she appeared, her face drawn and almost ghostly. Her eyes searched Vincent's face."Have you thought it through?" she whispered, each word thin and fragile.

He nodded, his face impassive. "Yes, I'll listen to you. Please-eat something now."

Erica wasted no time summoning the servants, and only then did Sharon finally relent and eat something.

For a fleeting moment, the rigid line of Vincent's mouth softened, and the tension in his jaw eased.

Sharon glanced over her shoulder, her voice low but steady. "I'll keep Hannah's situation in mind. You have my word."

Vincent nodded, all business again. "I have things to handle at the company. I'll be leaving now."

He turned and strode out of the estate without a backward glance.

At the threshold, he nearly collided with Danica, who was just returning from a family visit. He brushed past her without a single word or glance, his expression cold and impenetrable.

Danica froze, her smile faltering. A wave of indignation rose up in her chest as she watched Vincent disappear down the steps, not even acknowledging her presence. Such an ungrateful son!

After stepping inside, Danica listened to Erica recount everything, her resentment for Hannah deepening with every word.

Meanwhile, Vincent skipped the company entirely and headed straight to the villa where Hannah once lived to recover. He felt bone-tired, and it was the one place that offered him any semblance of peace.

On the way, he called Marie, "Reschedule the surgery -move it forward." He'd already decided-he would go through with donation and sort out the aftermath later.

Before Marie could respond, he thought of Hannah's condition and asked, "Is Hannah in a condition to go through the surgery? Any issues?"

"No, none at all. She is doing well."

"Good." He hung up without another word.

For the past three days, he'd been too stretched to check on Hannah, and now he had no idea how she was holding up. Still, if all went as planned, she wouldn't need the round-the-clock doctors and caregivers much longer. Soon, she'd be able to see again.

Exhaustion weighed on him, yet sleep remained elusive. He slumped back in the backseat, closing his eyes,letting the motion of the car offer what little relief it could.

When Vincent finally arrived at the villa, the caregivers were still bustling about their duties.

Without pausing, he made his way to the top floor. As he passed the sunroom, a familiar silhouette caught his eye. Drawn in by instinct, he found himself stepping quietly inside.