Chapter 227
“Sir Roberts, are you certain this is a wise decision? I would strongly advise against it.”
Robert Collins shook his head and offered the lawyer a faint smile. “I’m very sure this is a wise decision, okay? I had previously named Spencer as the sole heir, and now I want to include Adir Collins as a beneficiary as well. You can speak to Patrick—he’ll provide you with the adoption papers. Just follow my instructions and make the changes.”
The lawyer hesitated, his brow furrowed as he looked at his client. “Sir Roberts, I must urge you once again to reconsider. Adir Collins is adopted, and still a minor. This decision could raise complications—not only legal but emotional. All his life, Spencer has been known as your heir. This change may not sit well with him.”
Robert Collins’s expression didn’t shift. His voice remained calm but firm. “I’ve already thought this through. Adir may be young, but he’s part of this family now. I will not be revisiting this decision. It’s final. As for Spencer, I will make him understand. Soon, he will have his grandmother’s estate so naturally losing a bit of mine won’t make much of a difference to him.”
The lawyer opened his mouth as if to press further, but at that moment the door opened and Patrick stepped into the room.
Robert turned slightly toward the sound. “That’ll be all, Mr. Darrow. You can leave now.” His tone made it clear the discussion was over.
Mr. Darrow hesitated a beat, then gathered his briefcase with a quiet nod. As he passed Patrick on his way out, he offered a tight-lipped smile and left without a word.
Patrick looked from the door to Robert. “What was that about? Why was the lawyer here?”
Robert leaned back against the back of the bed, waving a hand dismissively. “Just a few updates to the will. Nothing important.”
Patrick raised an eyebrow but didn’t push. Instead, Robert looked around the room, scanning for someone.
“Adir hasn’t come today?”
Patrick shook his head. “I didn’t bring him.”
Robert’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And why not?”
Patrick shifted his weight. “I just thought that since you’ll be coming home soon, it might be better if you spent more time with him there. At home, he will be more comfortable there..”
Robert gave a slow nod, though his face betrayed a flicker of displeasure. “I see.”
He reached for the glass of water on the bedside table but didn’t drink. Instead, he glanced at Patrick again. “What about Spencer? When is he returning? Was he not informed about my health?”
Patrick nodded. “He was told the day you were admitted. I sent him the details myself.”
“And?”
“He hasn’t replied yet,” Patrick said, voice flat.
Sir Robert Collins exhaled quietly through his nose and set the glass down without drinking. “I suppose he’s busy in Maniwa. Must be hard work for him to wind up everything.”
Patrick didn’t comment.
“Patrick,” Robert said after a beat, “about the will…”
“That’s what I wanted to ask you about,” Patrick said quickly, stepping closer. “Why are you changing it now? You know Spencer has always been the heir. Everyone knows that. It’s what he expects. What the family expects.”
Robert looked at him with narrowed eyes, knowing his son had already guessed his intentions. “And?”
“I’ve already made arrangements for Adir. The trust fund, the education account-everything. He’s taken care of. Bringing him into the will like this… it’ll complicate things.”
“Complicate what exactly?” Robert’s voice was still calm, but there was steel underneath it.
Patrick didn’t answer right away. “Spencer’s not going to like it.”
Robert let out a low breath. “Then he doesn’t have to like it. This is my decision. I won’t be dictated to-certainly not by Spencer. And so what if you have already made arrangements? Your arrangements are yours and what I have prepared is mine. When you told me you wanted nothing to do with what I wanted to give you, I accepted and let you go away. But now, I will not be letting you interfere with what I give my other son! Am I clear?”
Patrick studied him, but said nothing. He gave a single nod, subdued, then stepped back.
Robert looked out the window, his jaw set. ” And, if Spencer has a problem with it, he can come here and say so himself. Until then, I’ll do as I see fit. Now, listen to what I have to say. Your health is declining and mine is too. You have to appoints someone as a guardian. Do you have anyone in mind? Because, if not, I will make the arrangements…”
Patrick nodded slowly. “I do have someone in mind. Someone I trust.”
Robert turned his head from the window and looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Who?”
“I’ll share his credentials with you later,” Patrick replied. “You don’t have to worry about it right now. He’s capable, dependable, and discreet.”
Robert studied him for a long moment. “You’re not avoiding the question, are you?”
“No,” Patrick said plainly. “I’m just saying it can wait. You should concentrate on recovering.”
Robert gave a quiet grunt but didn’t argue. He leaned back against the pillows, his face tired, the lines at the corners of his eyes sharper than usual.
“It’s not just about trust,” he said after a pause. “It’s about judgment. I don’t want someone who’s going to buckle when the family starts whispering. This decision—naming Adir, changing the structure—it’s going to raise trouble. The guardian has to know where I stand. And he has to hold that line specifically when it comes to protecting Adir…
Patrick nodded again. “He’ll hold the line. I made sure of that.”
Robert’s gaze lingered on him, and Patrick smiled without giving away anything, though he was tempted to ask if Sir Collins was finally going to regret teaching Spencer to be so ruthless, now that his own son might be caught in the crosshairs?
But, he didn’t ask. Instead he simply took out the medicines on a tray and brought them to him.
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