Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 1083

Patric relentlessly hammered the same narrative into Holden's ears repeatedly.

"Grandpa, your favored grandson was treated like a lab animal, strapped onto an experimental table. He wasn't seen as the golden boy anymore but as a rabbit waiting to be dissected. All because you agreed to let him take on that mission years ago. Grandpa, how come Ian is so lucky? He's now the heir, enjoying your love and protection, while I'm the one facing the brunt of it all. Would I still have to protect him if I weren't his brother?"

Holden, already frail with age, could hardly bear to hear these words.

The mere thought of Eric, such a promising individual, being treated as a lab rat made Holden vomit blood.

In his younger days, Holden was known for his iron will, but now, in his twilight years, family was all that mattered.

His two most cherished grandsons were Ian and Eric.

Over the years, believing that Eric had died, he had peacefully handed over the reins of the Raymond Corporation. But just as he was on the brink of death, he found out that his beloved grandson was used for live experiments.

These experiments must have been excruciating, stripping Eric of his dignity. This was not what Eric should have endured.

Eric, a true gentleman, should not have had to go through such an ordeal.

Patric relayed these stories time and again to Holden. The shock of it all left Holden unconscious for a long time. When he woke, he had lost a significant amount of weight.

Eric couldn't stop Patric. He was feeling increasingly powerless as Patric's influence grew, and he gradually lost control of his body.

This time, Patric had manipulated the older man by exploiting their kinship.

In his lifetime, Holden had always been honorable and upright. Yet, in his final years, he found himself being dragged into a plot against his own flesh and blood.

The way Maja looked at him, her care and concern, they all gnawed at his conscience like poison.

But what really weighed on him was the fact that he had to help Patric carry out this farce.

Patric's demand was simple: he wanted Maja.

He told Holden, "Grandpa, didn't you know? Maja was my first love. My desperation to escape their control was all for Maja. That's why I eagerly agreed to go undercover at the research facility overseas. I brought back crucial research data, all at the expense of my health and dignity. All I want is Maja, so you must help me separate Ian and Maja. During my days at the research facility, subjected to brutal treatment, it was my longing for Maja that kept me going."

Holden was in more pain than anyone, but he couldn't utter a word lying in the ICU.

When Ian received the critical condition notice, he couldn't believe it. The doctors had said that Holden had half a month left, but only two days had passed.

"Mr. Raymond, I'm truly sorry. Your grandfather's will to live is very low, and his vital signs are deteriorating."

The man lying in the ICU had no will to live. Even with the best medical efforts, what good could it do?

Pale as a ghost, Ian donned the protective suit and entered the ICU again.

Holden could no longer speak. He only stared at the ceiling with cloudy eyes.

Ian felt a pang of sadness, remembering how, during his military days, whenever he messed up and was punished, Holden would whip him while his eyes filled with pride.

Holden, skinny as a twig, had gone through a lot during this time. The fact that a mentally strong man like him could lose his will to live indicated a significant amount of psychological torment.