Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1115

Jared and Agnes had only been at the Thomas Mansion for a short while. Alyssa had invited them to stay for dinner, but Jared declined. They mentioned they had to return to Serenity Hall to check on Noc that evening. Alyssa didn't push further.

However, just as Agnes and Jared were about to leave, Alyssa pulled Agnes aside, away from Jared, and asked, "How's your godfather doing?"

Agnes paused for a moment, slightly taken aback. The incident that day had been officially labeled as a terrorist attack by the police, with the people involved being members of Albert's Arms—a name that, to the public eye, was synonymous with controversy and dual identities. To prevent public unrest and thanks to Kearney's negotiations, the media hadn't caught wind of the event. Thus, the majority of the Capital's citizens were oblivious to what had transpired. Agnes was puzzled about how Alyssa had come to know of it.

"My godfather was shot three times, but thankfully, nothing vital was hit. He's been discharged from the hospital and will be resting for a while," Agnes informed.

Alyssa visibly relaxed upon hearing this. "Agnes, Albert's Arms is no safe haven. Stay away from there, and make sure Jared does the same. Don't hold any illusions about that place," Alyssa advised, her tone a mixture of bitterness and guilt.

Agnes felt a similar pang of emotion. Many things were tangled up and hard to explain clearly. Reggie had always treated his foster children as his own, ready to risk his life for Naylor and Nate's safety. Yet, he refused to acknowledge Jared, treating him as a stranger. Jared, on his part, maintained a distance, indifferent and cold, as if he had no relation to Reggie whatsoever. This was perhaps the only aspect of Jared that Agnes couldn't read. On the surface, Jared seemed not to care, harboring no resentment or hostility. Even when Reggie was mentioned, Jared's expression remained unchanged, as though Reggie truly meant nothing to him.

But deep down, Agnes knew Jared cared, and cared deeply. When Reggie was rushed into the emergency room, teetering between life and death, Jared remained close by, visibly shaken and cold to the touch. Upon hearing the doctors announce the need for a blood transfusion, Jared was the first to stand, claiming to be his son. From that moment, Agnes truly saw how Jared viewed Reggie as a father, albeit in an unconventional sense. The exact nature of Reggie's place in Jared's heart was unclear, but it was undoubtedly significant.

The fact that Jared had been the one preparing Reggie's meals during his hospital stay, a task he undertook without any mention, especially struck Agnes. Once, while caring for Reggie, Agnes tasted the soup and immediately recognized it as Jared's cooking. That Jared had personally been catering to Reggie's dietary needs, without ever stepping into his hospital room to speak to him once he awoke, spoke volumes of Jared's character—a man who veiled his warmth with a cold exterior, sparing in expression yet deeply caring.

With a heavy sigh, Agnes said, "I understand, sis."

As Agnes and Jared left the mansion for the hour-long drive back to Serenity Hall, Agnes found herself clinging to Jared's hand. Jared, with a chuckle, asked, "Since when did you become so clingy?"