Chapter 11 I couldn't ignore the sudden urge to smoke . It wasn't something I had thought about in years , but today , it felt like a need I couldn't shake . The memory of Ingrid's comment from years ago , " Men who smoke are so cool , " resurfaced in my mind . It was a passing remark , nothing more , but somehow it became a trigger for me , turning into an obsession . I endured the discomfort of red rashes , frequent hospital visits , and allergic reactions - all to gain Ingrid's favor . The more I tried to suppress my feelings , the more smoking became my release , my escape from the growing frustration of my relationship with Ingrid . Over time , it turned into an addiction . For years , my health was declining , but everything changed when Suzy entered my life . She worked tirelessly to help me quit smoking , trying every method available to improve my health . In the end , her efforts succeeded . I didn't smoke a cigarette for thirty years . But now , sitting there , I was filled with a familiar craving . The thought gripped me : ' If I smoke again , maybe Suzy will come back . She's always cared about my health . Maybe , just maybe , if I fall back into this old habit , she'll return to take care of me again .' I couldn't ignore the thought . I called a friend and mentioned my allergy to cigarettes , hoping to hint at telling Suzy . I didn't directly ask , but the message was clear . I waited , staring at the phone , hoping for a reply . Hours passed . By 4 AM , my phone was still silent . ' She's probably just angry with me , I thought . But even then , after everything I had said about wanting to remarry , she still hadn't replied . Frustration boiled inside me , and just as I was about to send another message , my assistant called about an urgent matter at the company . Reluctantly , I set my frustrations aside and headed to the office , hoping that by the time I got back , I might have heard from her . After dealing with work matters throughout the day , I was ready to rest when Marian's call came through . " Dad , something's happened ! Tommy's head was injured . He's in the hospital . I've tried Chapter 10 212 33.3 % 23:21 Mon , Aug 11 reaching Andrew , but he's not answering . " My mind raced as I stood up. " Which hospital ? I'm on my way . " Within ten minutes , I arrived at the hospital . As I reached the operating room , Marian was waiting , her eyes swollen from crying . 0 X " Dad , you're finally here . I've already spoken to the teacher , and they said Tommy fell on his own , but I don't believe it . I saw bruises on him . He must've been bullied . You have to get justice for him ! " I placed a hand on her shoulder , trying to calm her . " Don't worry . I'll have someone investigate , but right now , the most important thing is Tommy's condition . " The door to the operating room opened , and the doctor stepped out . " Who's the family member of the patient ? " the doctor asked . Marian and I both stepped forward , concern etched on our faces . The doctor's expression was stern . " How are you taking care of your child ? He's in serious condition . If you'd come any later , he might have … " My heart skipped a beat . " Can you tell me what caused the injury ? " The doctor's face hardened . " It's a knife wound , deep enough to require immediate care . Keep sharp objects away from children , especially in places they can reach . " My stomach dropped . ' A knife wound ? The teacher had said it was an accident . But this ? This was something far more serious . ' I immediately pulled out my phone and contacted my assistant . " Look into this , " I ordered . " Find out who did this to my grandson . " Not long after , my assistant replied , " We've looked into it . A group of teenagers had been bullying your grandson for extorting money . They caused Tommy's injury . But those boys , Sir … they come from powerful families , so the teachers and the board are too scared to confront them and are covering for them . " " Powerful families ? " I scoffed , my jaw tightening . " Get me everything you can on those brats . I want to know exactly who they are . " I didn't care about their status . In Silverstone , no one was more influential than I am . Soon , my assistant provided their details . The boys who harmed my grandson came from well - known families , but they were insignificant compared to the Maxwell family . I didn't believe these young men would dare to bully my grandson , so I instructed my assistant to dig deeper . Chapter 11