Chapter 3847
Holden brooded with resentment. Although Kathryn was his daughter, she was ungrateful. Despite her inheritance, she barely provided him with enough for a comfortable retirement. Sure, she offered him a villa and a monthly allowance, but he felt that $300,000 a month was reasonable for his needs.
Kathryn interrupted his thoughts, asking, “Auntie, how is my dad doing these past few days?” The caregiver replied honestly, “Mr. Janzen is recovering well, but considering his age, the doctor advised that he stay a few more days before going home.”
Holden added, “The doctor says I should be here for at least another two weeks.” Deep down, he dreaded leaving the hospital. At home, without the dedicated caregiver, he knew he’d be neglected. His sons were absorbed in their own lives, and although his daughter-in-law showed outward respect, she didn’t genuinely care.
Kathryn raised an eyebrow. “The New Year’s coming up, Dad. Are you planning to celebrate here in the hospital?” She gestured for the caregiver to leave before approaching him with a bouquet, replacing the wilted flowers in the vase with the fresh ones she had brought.
Holden’s expression soured. “Why did you bring flowers? They’re useless—they just sit there, wilt, and die. It would be better if you brought food. I’d be much happier with that.”
“Dad, you have enough food,” Kathryn replied, glancing at the untouched fruit basket she had purchased on her last visit.
He scoffed. “Those fruits are bland. I’ve spent most of my life eating imported ones; I can’t stand these basic, seasonal varieties. You should bring me some nutritional supplements instead.”
“I need to rebuild my strength,” Holden said. Kathryn moved a chair closer and sat down, wearing a smile that Holden found infuriating.
“Dad, Mom is gone,” she stated firmly. “She may not have loved you deeply, but she was your wife for decades and gave you children. Thanks to her, you lived a life of luxury, enjoyed good food, and never lacked for anything. With her passing, those days are over. You’ll eat what I bring you. If you keep complaining about the quality, next time, I’ll come empty-handed instead of bringing flowers. We’re family—there’s no need for formalities.”
Holden clenched his jaw, feeling frustrated by his daughter’s lack of filial respect, as she always seemed to provoke him.
“Kathryn, what I said earlier… was just me venting,” he explained.
Kathryn narrowed her eyes playfully. “Oh? What did you say, Dad? I must have missed it. Care to repeat?”
Holden hesitated, his expression tightening. “It was nothing. Forget it.”
She wasn’t going to confess that she had heard him complain, so he chose to let it go. There was no point in repeating himself if she was just pretending not to know.
“Dad, would you like an apple? I can wash one for you,” Kathryn offered. Before he could respond, she washed two apples, handed one to him, and took a bite of her own.
Although Holden disliked apples, he accepted one anyway.
“So, Dad,” Kathryn said between bites, “are you really planning to stay here another two weeks?”
Irritation flickered in Holden’s eyes as he snapped back, “Where else would I go? Once I’m out of the hospital, where am I supposed to stay? Beyond you and Pedro, the rest of us aren’t even allowed in the Farrell mansion anymore.”