Chapter 292

When Verena lifted her gaze, she caught sight of Joseph standing a short distance away, his eyes red and swollen.

Her lips parted slightly as she whispered,almost like a prayer, "Dad."

Joseph froze, as if struck by lightning, before joy broke through his surprise. A rare light filled his eyes,leaving him flustered and at a loss.

But quickly, his face bloomed into a smile-half wonder,half delight-as he answered with eagerness,"Yes,my dear."

Facing her father's tear-streaked eyes, Verena felt her heart twist painfully, and for a moment, tears threatened to rise again.

She was never one to wear her emotions openly for all to see.

She pressed her lips together, lowered her head, and gathered herself.

A heartbeat later, she lifted her eyes once more,glancing at Luis before resting her gaze on Joseph. "Dad, Luis... all these years, I've made you live with worry and longing. From today onward, I will no longer be the cause of your sleepless nights."

Joseph and Luis leaned forward to speak, but Verena continued firmly, "I carefully studied Mom's condition in the ward just now. Judging from her symptoms, and with the medical knowledge l've acquired, I may attempt a treatment."

Joseph stiffened at her words. Luis, quicker to recover,was the first to break the silence.

His face lit with astonishment and hope as he blurted out, "Verena,do you mean you can treat Mom? Is that true?"

Verena's lips curved in a small, composed smile.Meeting their astonished gazes, she said calmly, "Luis,I believe you've looked into my background thoroughly.I cannot promise a miracle, but I hold at least fifty percent confidence.And now that I am here,the chance of healing her troubled spirit grows even stronger."

At that, Joseph looked upon Verena with eyes full of recognition and pride.

It seemed his daughter had grown into someone far greater than he had expected.

Unable to restrain himself, Joseph's face softened into a smile of deep satisfaction.

"Wonderful! This is wonderful!" His voice trembled with excitement he could not contain.

Turning sharply to Luis, he ordered, "Luis, gather your mother's medical records from the past year and hand them over to Verena."

Luis gave a quick nod, already drawing out his phone as his fingers flew across the screen."Alright,I'll send them right away."

Since Verena stepped out of the ward, Isaac had remained at her side, quiet as a shadow.

Though he said nothing, Verena felt the silent shield of his presence. He was giving her the space to face her family,yet protecting her all the same.

Warmth surged through her chest, and a tender smile tugged at her lips.

She reached for his hand.

Startled, Isaac turned to her, and then quickly clasped her hand tightly, his eyes softening.

Her smile deepened as she faced Joseph and spoke with steady resolve. "Dad, allow me to introduce him.This is Isaac Bennett-my husband." The title struck Isaac like a sudden thunderclap.

His heart skipped, and then pounded so wildly it was as though it echoed in his chest.

Almost instinctively, he straightened his posture, his gaze lowering briefly to his legs. For once, the calm and composed mask he usually wvore gave way to a rare trace of nervousness.

He could not help but wonder whether Verena's father might harbor prejudice against him, or question his strength and ability to stand by her side.

Joseph, despite the years weighing on him, carried himself with elegance and grace. His eyes, though softened by age, were still sharp, expressive, and full of insight.

In truth, he had already sensed the truth before Verena even mentioned Isaac. After all, when two souls are bound in love, their eyes betray the secret long before words do.

Joseph's gaze lingered on Isaac, narrowing slightly as he took in the young man. Even the faint wrinkles at the corners of his eyes seemed to deepen intoa smile of satisfaction.

Isaac, tall and striking in a dark suit, looked every inch the man of stature. Even seated in a wheelchair, he carried a quiet authority that demanded respect, radiating maturity and steadiness with every restrained movement.

Isaac was, without question, worthy of the title given to him-the remarkable young CEO of Bennett Group,who had forged extraordinary success in so short a span of years.

Joseph let his eyes remain on Isaac a moment longer,studying him carefully. Then, after scrutiny,his gaze softened into approval.

He raised a hand and laid it gently on Isaac's shoulder -a gesture heavy with both trust and acceptance."Isaac, I can see in you the mark ofresponsibility.Verena has endured so much in these years, and as her parents, we feel a deep guilt for failing to shield her from life's storms."

Joseph's voice grew husky with affection as he continued, "But now, she has returned to us, and she brings you by her side. That tells me this is her choice,and it is also destiny's arrangement."

He paused, fixing his gaze on Isaac, his eyes sharp. "I hope you can give her enough love and respect, and stand as her pillar when she falters. Do not let her carry burdens alone."

He added, with a quiet edge of warning, "The Sampson family will never permit our precious daughter to suffer even the smallest grievance."

Receiving Joseph's heartfelt words, Isaac nodded firmly. "I take your words to heart. I will treat Verena with unwavering love and care, cherish her every day,and never give you reason to doubt me."

At that moment, Luis returned, his phone in hand,walking quickly toward Verena. "Verena, I've already sent all the medical records to your email. If there's anything missing,just let me know anytime."

Verena nodded in acknowledgment before turning back to Joseph. "Dad, I'd like to return to my hospital as soon as possible to study Mom's condition carefully.I also plan to consult with some doctors who have treated similar cases, hoping to create a plan most suited to her recovery."

Her hands rested gently on Isaac's wheelchair handles as she added, "Isaac and I will take our leave now.Please,you and Luis must care for yourselves as well.We'll stay in touch."

They had already exchanged contact details earlier.

Though Joseph's heart resisted letting her go,he knew her purpose and felt both gratitude and worry.

He nodded, saying, "Good girl. Go now, and take care.

If anything arises, reach out at once." The driver delivered lsaac to his company, while Verena arranged for her own meeting with Luther,providing the address along the way.

When she stepped into the café, she saw Luther already seated,waiting patiently.

She hurried toward him, bowing slightly in apology."I'm so sorry. The traffic held me back. I hope you weren't waiting long."

At her words, Luther looked up, his face brightening into a smile.

He rose at once, pulling out a chair with courtesy,his voice gentle. "No problem. I also just arrived."

As they both sat down, the café was filled with the soothing strains of gentle music.

Verena leaned forward slightly, her tone carrying both urgency and care as she began the conversation. "Dr.Owen,how is my husband's condition now?"

She had been consumed by one unexpected matter after another in recent days,leaving her little chance to properly learn about Isaac's latest state of mental health.