The Secret Heir's Return to Wealth and Love novel Chapter 2108

Cory, typically the epitome of calm and collected, suddenly abandoned his tablet and dashed upstairs. Took a quick shower and a change into fresh clothes later, he ran back down the stairs, the urgency of the moment etched in his every step.

"Cory’s here!"

Ivy, always effervescent in her brother's presence, leaped to her feet and turned to Baillie Scott, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Uncle Baillie, can we do the video call now? Is it time?"

Baillie, ever so gentle and patient, replied, "Let me check, sweetheart."

Moments later, the call was placed.

Ivy and Cory sat side by side, the screen flickering to life to reveal the face they had both been longing to see. Ivy's lips quivered, and tears threatened to spill over, but she remembered her mom's words and fought to hold them back, her voice soft and sweet as she greeted, "Daddy!"d2

Wayne had cleaned himself up for this call.

He took off the usual hospital garb, changed into a crisp white shirt and a lightweight cardigan. His eyes momentarily searched the space around his children.

Penn had made it clear that today was just for the kids, she wouldn't be there. Although Wayne knew this, the absence of her image made his heart sink with a sudden, hollow emptiness.

"Cory, Ivy, have you been missing Daddy?" Wayne quickly composed himself, his voice warm with affection. "Daddy misses you both so much."

"Daddy, are you feeling a little better?" Ivy asked, concern lacing her words.

"Yes, darling, Daddy feels a bit stronger every day," Wayne replied, trying to offer reassurance. "I'm sorry for leaving home so suddenly without telling you."

"It's okay," Ivy's voice wavered. "Just get well soon, Daddy."

"I will," Wayne promised, his gaze shifting to Cory who had been silent so far. "Cory, did you get the results from your competition?"

"Yeah, I came in first," Cory replied, pausing before adding, "I went to Blue Horizon Enterprises today."