Hayden Crawford went to the study, and with a sweep of his hand, he knocked all the documents off the desk onto the floor. He pulled off the tie around his neck and flung it forcefully onto the carpet, then sank into the sofa, his rigid back leaning lazily against it, exuding a dark and violent aura. He closed his eyes briefly and then opened them, his eye sockets filled with bloodshot lines. What was she doing right now? He really was such a bastard, an utter bastard! Hayden Crawford felt his mental state was terrible, with signs of an episode emerging. His toned chest heaved up and down, frighteningly like the panting of a beast. He now wanted to rush back to the bedroom, to her side; his body was feeling uncomfortable, his mind full of images of her in a champagne-colored slip dress. He wanted to go back and press her hard, crush her, so he wouldn’t feel so uncomfortable. Hayden Crawford broke out in a cold sweat at this frightening thought. It seemed like whenever he was on the verge of a breakdown, he wanted to go back to her, to hurt her. Hayden Crawford felt he was losing control of himself. He got up, opened a drawer, and took out a bottle of sleeping pills. He unscrewed the cap, poured three pills into his mouth, and swallowed them dry. Once he took the sleeping pills, he wouldn’t go to her, wouldn’t disturb her. So let it be, let her leave, let her hate him. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn N0v3l.Fiɾe.net As Serena Sterling came downstairs, she saw the elderly Mrs. Crawford. With a loving smile, the old lady said, "Serena, you’re awake... Oh dear, what’s wrong with your eyes, why are they swollen?" Serena Sterling had cried for a long time last night, so her entire eye area was swollen. Even though she had applied a hot towel beforehand, they were still puffy. "Grandma, it’s nothing. I stayed up late writing a paper last night, probably didn’t rest well." Serena Sterling affectionately hooked her arm through the elderly Mrs. Crawford’s, playfully complaining. "What kind of paper requires an all-nighter? You can write it during the day. No more staying up late; it’s bad for your health. Quickly, Beryl, use a warm egg to help Serena with her eyes," the elderly Mrs. Crawford lovingly chided. Serena Sterling didn’t want her grandma to know about the issues between her and Mr. Crawford. Even if he hadn’t warned her last night, she wouldn’t have said anything. At this moment, Ronda ran over. Serena Sterling bent down and picked up Ronda, petting the soft fur. This was a gift Mr. Crawford had brought her from a business trip overseas. Little did she expect that as time passed, all his care and affection for her would turn into indifference and coldness. "By the way, Serena, why hasn’t Hayden gotten up yet? It’s rare for him to wake up this late," the elderly Mrs. Crawford asked. He hasn’t gotten up yet? Putting aside their personal relationship, Serena Sterling was still worried about his condition. She wondered if he was able to sleep through the night. "Grandma, I’ll go check on Mr. Crawford." Serena Sterling carried Ronda upstairs to the study, where she gently knocked on the door with a "knock knock" sound. Hayden Crawford hadn’t woken up yet; the dose of sleeping pills he took last night was a bit much. But hearing the knock on the door, he quickly opened his eyes and woke up. He slept on the sofa last night, and when he sat up, his head felt like it was splitting open. He didn’t even need a mirror to know how horrible he looked. At this moment, the knocking sounded again, and then the door opened, revealing Serena Sterling’s slender figure at the doorway. Her clear, bright eyes glanced over. Hayden Crawford looked up and met her gaze. Today she was wearing a light yellow long dress, her pure black hair tucked behind her earlobes, and Ronda obediently rested in her arms, also gazing at him with wide, round eyes. Their big and small figures looked incredibly adorable. When Hayden Crawford wasn’t prepared, and his head was pounding, they intruded into his line of sight without warning. Serena Sterling stood at the door looking at him, but didn’t come in. "Grandma asked me to wake you up." "Got it." Hayden Crawford lifted the blanket from his body and noticed the sleeping pills were still beside him; he forgot to put them back in the drawer last night. At that moment, Serena Sterling took a couple of steps inside. "Are you...okay? How’s your sleep now? Would you like me to check your pulse?" She was about to come over. Hayden Crawford’s pupils narrowed, and he quickly covered the sleeping pills with the blanket, his gaze cold and stern as he looked over. His thin lips moved, "Get out!" Serena Sterling’s steps froze, holding Ronda, she stood there stiffly. Hayden Crawford didn’t want her to see the sleeping pills, and he didn’t need her to check his pulse or care for him anymore. It would only make him more reluctant. "Can’t you understand human words? Get out!" Hayden Crawford picked up a pillow and threw it at her. Serena Sterling didn’t dodge, and she was really hit by the pillow. Actually, it didn’t hurt at all, but it felt like a bloody crack had opened in her heart, tearing it apart. Her pale eye sockets turned red once again, and she turned and ran out. Hayden Crawford clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked audibly. At that moment, the sound of Ronda’s meowing reached his ears. Hayden Crawford looked down to see Ronda glaring at him with a fiery gaze as if it was ready to pounce and start a fight. This little Ronda seemed to be bought by him, but its heart was entirely devoted to Serena Sterling. Seeing him bully its owner, Ronda became fiercely adorable, just like its owner. Serena Sterling collected herself and went to the hospital to visit Grandpa Sterling. Grandpa Sterling lay in bed, still unconscious. Serena Sterling brought a basin of water, using a warm towel to gently wipe her grandfather’s body. "Grandpa, please wake up soon. If there’s anyone I still have in Bayside, it’s only you." Grandpa Sterling especially doted on Serena Sterling. When she was young, he would hold her and let her ride on his shoulders in play. When he was in charge of the Sterling family, he wouldn’t allow Lillian Sterling into their home, nor would he permit Yasmine to officially join the family. He truly loved her. At that moment, Leah Thorne walked in. "Serena, don’t worry too much. I believe Grandpa will wake up soon." "Mmhmm." Serena Sterling held Leah Thorne’s hand. "Serena, look quickly!" Leah Thorne suddenly exclaimed. Serena Sterling turned her head to look and saw Grandpa Sterling’s fingers twitching, and then he slowly opened his eyes. Grandpa Sterling woke up! Serena Sterling had calculated the days and figured her grandfather would wake up around this time. Even so, when the moment came, she was filled with unexpected joy. "Grandpa, you finally woke up!" Grandpa Sterling had been in a vegetative state for over ten years. His eyes were murky and confused, but when he saw Serena Sterling, they gradually cleared, and in a rough, barely audible voice, he murmured, "Little Miss..." Serena Sterling’s eyes were red with happiness. She held her grandfather’s hand tightly, "Grandpa, I’m not Little Miss. I’m your granddaughter, Serena." Grandpa Sterling held Serena Sterling’s small hand, "Little Miss is Serena, and Serena is my Little Miss."