Chapter 415: Hurt on Her Behalf
"Father, she’ll understand your intentions one day," Luke said softly, trying to comfort Lucas. "Let’s finish our meal and head home early, okay?"
Lucas looked pale, likely due to his poor sleep over the past few days. He had been worried about Eric’s safety, knowing that if anything happened to him, Ella would be devastated.
Such an outcome would make it even harder to mend the father-daughter relationship. Lucas had gambled—he bet on Eric being strong enough to get out on his own.
Though he outwardly showed disapproval of Eric, deep down, he hoped his daughter’s choice would prove to be the right one.
Lucas had been plagued by sleepless nights, his mind heavy with anxiety. Only Luke, who had been by his side, could truly see how much it affected him.
"Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve had a proper rest," Lucas said with a faint, melancholic smile. "You’ll take care of the company for me, won’t you? Even if Ella acknowledges me as her father someday, she won’t want my things."
Luke lowered his head slightly, his voice a quiet promise. "Father, I’ll manage the company well. And if she ever needs it, I’ll hand it over to her."
Lucas shook his head gently. "She won’t take it... Even though I’ve only met her a few times, I can see that Ella is stubborn. Besides, Eric is capable, and they don’t lack money. Ella also has a good heart. After all these years of you standing by me, how could I leave you with nothing?"
Such an action would only make others accuse Lucas of being heartless, and it wasn’t something he could bring himself to do.
For over twenty years, he and Luke had depended on each other. Even though Luke wasn’t his biological son, he had been a source of support and was no different from family.
Over the next few days, Lucas continued making frequent visits to the hotel. Occasionally, when Ella and Eric dined at the restaurant, they would encounter him.