novelxo Chapter 435
Maddie remained by Jasper's side, never leaving him for a moment. After Adam obtained what he wanted, he no longer troubled Maddie. Even Chloe and Zoe seemed to get the message and stopped bothering her. The number of guards in the room had significantly decreased, leaving only two behind.
Jasper's spirits were noticeably lifted, and he seemed to be free from pain. He chatted with Maddie, asking for food and juice. Maddie busied herself, preparing meals and juicing fruit, appearing cheerful. However, seeing those untouched meals, Maddie's heart was already shattered. Everyone said it was just a final burst of energy before the end; Jasper Smith's life was nearing its conclusion. Previously lethargic, Jasper seemed unusually alert today, whispering to Maddie.
Maddie couldn't fathom how someone struggling to swallow could speak so gently to her. She sat up straight, listening intently, afraid she might not hear him again. At some point, Jasper Smith's voice grew fainter, and Maddie had to lean in closely to hear him clearly.
Jasper refused to rest and asked Maddie to get him a pillow to prop himself up in bed, watching her with a kind and gentle gaze. It was as if he was bestowing all his life's tenderness upon Maddie. His words flowed, as the day slowly turned to night, with darkness seemingly ready to claim Jasper Smith's life, leading him gently into oblivion.
At that moment, Maddie was calm, a tranquility that came after overwhelming sorrow a silence born of utter desolation.
"Maddie, come closer, I have something to tell you." Jasper's voice was very soft, and Maddie sat by the bed, her ear close to him.
"Maddie, Grandpa can't stay with you any longer. You must take good care of yourself, don't do anything reckless, you hear?" Maddie obediently nodded, showing no signs of collapse or despair. She didn't want Jasper Smith to see her weakness.
"Maddie, whatever happens between
you and Ethan, it's your decision to make. I used to think Ethan was too too deep in trouble and needed saving and selfishly, I kept you with the Smith family. But now, I realize how unfair that was to you-you're a child Who feels pain too."
"Uh-huh, I understand."
"Listen, from now on, don't let yourself be mistreated for anyone's sake, especially not the Smith family. You don't have to accommodate anyone else."
"Okay, I'll remember that."
"Maddie, I've left you a gift for when I'm gone, hoping you'll have a good life. Don't worry, they can't get their hands on it. I didn't keep it in the study's safe. I've entrusted it to someone reliable, who will come to you in time."
"Uh-huh, I'll take good care of whatever Grandpa gives me."
Jasper said, and Maddie agreed to everything. Jasper chuckled softly, "Let me tell you a secret. It's all my shares in the Smith Corporation. Grandpa's leaving them all to you You don't need to keep them safe; whether you want to sell them, join the company, or use the money to help others, it's all up to you. Once I'm gone, Maddie, you must live a happy life."
Maddie was stunned. The Smith Corporation's shares. These were things Adam, Chloe, and others fought tooth and nail for, betraying their own kin. Jasper Smith was giving them to her? Handing them over to her, an outsider. Just like Uncle Melvin before, who didn't use his last savings on treatment but secretly left them to her.