CHAPTER 75: CHAPTER 75: HIS FATE

Erin Bishop went abroad on a business trip the next day. Shannon Quinn wasn’t sure if she really had work to do or if she just wanted to get away for a bit.

These days, she barely went out unless it was to buy groceries.

Landon Sutton almost always had his three meals a day at her place, then went back to his own apartment to rest.

Shannon Quinn didn’t go to the studio, but she didn’t neglect her work either, spending these days revising the collaboration tasks Landon Sutton had previously assigned to her.

Perhaps because she hadn’t been out much, apart from Ronan Rhodes and his brother occasionally visiting Landon Sutton, she hadn’t really seen anyone else.

Simon Rhodes came by to drop off something the day before yesterday and took the opportunity to meet with Landon Sutton, but whatever they talked about, he left shortly after.

She thought to herself how pitiful he was; he seemed so successful in front of others, yet when injured, he didn’t even have anyone by his side to take care of him. Thankfully he had such a beautiful and kind neighbor in her, otherwise, he’d probably have to order takeout every day.

After finishing the revisions, Shannon Quinn put down her pen and stretched, adjusting the glasses on her nose. She leaned her chin on her hand and gazed at the sunshine filtering through the balcony, with the potted plants gently swaying in the breeze.

Standing up, Shannon walked to the balcony. She intended to soak up some sun and breeze but unexpectedly spotted Landon Sutton sitting on a chair on the opposite balcony.

Lying leisurely on the chair, he didn’t seem as bleak and miserable as she had imagined.

Though quite far apart, and with no noticeable noise, Shannon wasn’t sure if one’s gaze truly had an effect on others. Regardless, as she stared at him, Landon suddenly opened his eyes, lazily fixing his gaze on her.

The moment their eyes met, Shannon was taken aback, but she didn’t turn and flee. Instead, she pursed her lips and called out, "Do you have time now?"

"Yes." Whether it was because he had just woken up or due to the distance, his voice was soft, like it was carried over by the wind, but clear enough for her to hear.

"I finished the design draft. I’ll bring it over for you to take a look."

After saying that, Shannon returned indoors, organized the design drafts on the table, and since she knew his leg was not convenient for him, she took the key and went over by herself.

Upon entering, he was still seated in the same position on the balcony chair, though the cat in his arms responded to the noise, running inside and curling around Shannon’s legs, following her to the balcony.

She had assumed that Landon would be idle during his recovery, but to her surprise, the table was piled with documents and a running laptop. Perhaps exhausted from work, he had just lain down on the chair to rest his eyes for a while.

Having spent time with him today, Shannon was less formal than before. She sat directly on the empty chair opposite him, opened the folder, and handed it to him, saying, "Take a look and see if there’s anything that needs modifying."

Landon merely glanced at it without reaching out, calmly saying, "Explain your design concept to me."

Shannon seemed prepared, sliding her chair a little closer to his side, pointing to one of the drawings, and articulately and smoothly explaining each detail on the blueprints and what they represented.

Yet, it seemed Landon’s attention was elsewhere; as she explained, his gaze wasn’t on the paper but on her face, watching her intently as she concentrated, her soft voice brushing something lightly across his heartstrings.

"What do you think? I’ve already revised them a few times before showing you," Shannon asked, raising her head after finishing her explanation.

When she looked up, meeting his gaze startled her, and her expression momentarily paused. Before she could react, Landon casually shifted his gaze to the design drafts in her hands, nodding and saying, "Go ahead with your plan. No need for further changes."

"...Oh, then I’ll get the physical samples ready as soon as possible."

"Okay."

"As for the exhibition... when is it?"

"Saturday."

"Then I’ll make sure to hurry."

"Alright, but make sure you also take care of yourself," Landon said, his glance inadvertently drifting to her stomach, concerned about the child, but unable to mention it.

Shannon nodded and picked up the folder, standing up. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back now."

"Sure."

"Uh... is there anything you’d like to eat tonight?"

Landon, seated in the chair, looked up at her, contemplating for a couple of seconds before saying, "Whatever you make, I’ll eat."

Shannon nodded, and quickly turned and left with the folder.

She felt his gaze was somewhat odd, indescribable, but it made her a bit uneasy about meeting his eyes.

Hearing the door close, Landon took a deep breath, picked up the kitten crouched by the chair, and gently stroked it, just as if he were cherishing the woman in his heart.

The sudden "ding-dong" of the doorbell broke the afternoon’s silence, prompting Landon to open his eyes and look at the empty balcony across from him.

Since Shannon and Ronan both had keys, he already guessed who else it could be coming to find him.

Reaching for the crutches leaning against the wall, he stood up, and the kitten jumped down from his lap, anxiously watching him navigate inside with the crutches.

Landon placed his hand on the door handle, taking a deep breath before opening the door.

Standing outside was a sharp-looking elderly man, leaning on a cane, wearing a suit, and donning a black hat.

"Grandfather."

"You still remember you have a grandfather!"

Landon didn’t respond verbally, just stepped aside to let the old man enter, then closed the door behind them.

Shane Royale stepped inside, glanced at the surroundings, then sat on the sofa, looking at Landon.

With his crutches, Landon waited for his grandfather’s permission before daring to sit down.

Shane observed his leg, speaking tersely, "Do you really intend to cripple yourself? Such a big issue, and you kept it from me? Is it again because of that woman?!"

Landon didn’t say a word, knowing his grandfather’s temper, and understanding that silence was the best option when he was angry.

"When you pleaded with me to marry her, don’t forget the promises you made! How long have you been back, and you already can’t control yourself? Nurturing you for so long wasn’t for you to indulge in romance!"

He was already numb to these words. He had also contemplated if these issues were fair to him, but then he thought, what did fairness matter? This was his fate.

No matter how he changed his name or identity, he couldn’t escape his destiny.