Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 91

Asher's lips tightened into a straight line, his eyes downcast, his emotions unreadable.

He remained silent, his thoughts his own.

After a pause, the Blackwood patriarch continued gravely: "Asher, remember this well. Such a thing must never happen again. You are the only heir of the Blackwood family. Don't sacrifice yourself for a woman, understood?"

Asher's hands, hanging at his sides, tightened almost imperceptibly. His eyes clouded with something indecipherable as he replied solemnly: "I understand."

The patriarch then addressed Andrew: "From now on, as long as Asher's actions don't violate our family code or the law, don't interfere with him."

Andrew was internally fuming.

He was still in his prime, yet family power and business were being transferred directly from his father to his son Asher, bypassing him entirely.

He might be seething, but he dared not voice any objection in his father's presence.

Besides, the root of this trouble was his own illegitimate son.

If he had controlled his urges back then, none of this would have happened.

He had no right to dispute anything, however displeased or unwilling he might be.

Andrew consoled himself with the thought that at least the power remained with his son, not some outsider.

"I understand," he acknowledged.

...

The cold front arrived.

Temperatures suddenly dropped below freezing, and London experienced its first snowfall of the winter.

Winter days grew dark early, and by the time Gabriella left Sinclair & Klein, night had fully descended.

Snowflakes fell gently, appearing even more romantic under the glow of the city lights.

Gabriella stood at the roadside, extending her hand to catch a few snowflakes.

The biting north wind cut to the bone. Gabriella pulled her scarf tighter, her warm breath turning to white mist in the cold air.

Asher's Maybach was parked by the roadside.

Gabriella walked toward it.

Asher had already stepped out and was walking briskly toward her.

They had arranged to visit Teresa at the hospital together.

As the car door closed, the howling winter wind was shut out.

Asher held Gabriella close in the back seat, taking her hands in his and rubbing them gently.

The young woman's hands were ice-cold.

Asher looked down at them, concerned. "Why on earth aren't you wearing gloves? Your hands are absolutely freezing."

Gabriella sniffled. "It was hardly worth it for such a short walk."

"That's no excuse," Asher said, massaging her hands. "Do remember to wear them next time, won't you?"

Gabriella responded with a soft "Mmm."

In the hospital room.

When Gabriella pushed open the door, Teresa was leaning against her bed, gazing absently at the heavy snow outside.

The young girl was lost in thought, so deeply engrossed that she didn't notice Gabriella and Asher entering.

"Teresa, I've come to see you," Gabriella placed her packages on the small table and greeted her.

Only then did Teresa snap back to reality. She turned to look, her gaze lingering on Asher's face with surprise and curiosity.

Gabriella smiled and introduced them: "Teresa, this is my boyfriend, Asher."

Teresa's expression cleared in understanding, and she greeted him in a sweet, clear voice: "Hello, Asher."

Asher remembered Gabriella's repeated instructions to smile when meeting the young girl, rather than appearing cold and frightening her.

He made an effort to soften his tone, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "Hello there, Teresa."

The young girl pressed her lips together, shyly averting her gaze.

Gabriella approached and sat by Teresa's bedside.

The girl looked increasingly pale and haggard, with sunken eye sockets, dangerously thin.

Gabriella felt a painfully tight sensation in her chest.

Fighting back her distress, she took out a fluffy cream-colored beanie from a gift bag, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "Teresa, this is a gift from me. Do you like it?"

Gabriella's smile deepened after hearing it.

Asher gave them a curious look. "What's so amusing, may I ask?"

Gabriella responded mysteriously: "It's a secret."

Just as Asher was about to say something, his phone rang again.

This time, he didn't step out to answer.

When the call connected, the person on the other end said: "Mr. Blackwood, we've found a compatible bone marrow donor as per your requirements."

Asher instinctively glanced in Gabriella's direction. "Bring the donor in for examination tomorrow."

"Understood."

After hanging up, Asher walked to Gabriella's side and said gently: "Gabby, they've found a compatible bone marrow donor."

Gabriella seemed not to comprehend immediately. "I beg your pardon?"

Asher's expression softened. "I said they've found a compatible bone marrow donor. Teresa's condition can be treated now."

Gabriella's expression transformed as tears sprang to her eyes—tears of joy.

She wiped them away, excitedly grasping Teresa's hand, both crying and laughing as she said: "Teresa, did you hear that? They've found a compatible bone marrow donor. Your illness can be cured!"

Teresa sat stunned, her eyes reddening. "Can my illness really be cured?"

Gabriella's eyes brimmed with tears as she choked out: "Yes, it can! I told you not to give up, didn't I? Your illness will definitely be cured!"

"That's wonderful, that's wonderful..." Teresa's eyes glistened with tears as she murmured, "Now my brother won't have to worry about me anymore..."

This was truly wonderful news.

The gloom that had shadowed Gabriella for days was instantly swept away.

On the journey back, she held Asher's hand, chattering continuously. Even after returning to the apartment, her excitement remained palpable.

Asher, seeing her furrowed brow finally relaxed after days of worry, felt his own spirits lift.

The two of them cuddled on the sofa, and the atmosphere gradually shifted to one of intimacy.

Asher tightened his arm around Gabriella, desire steadily intensifying in his eyes.