Unexpected Encounter: They Were Meant To Be Together Chapter 868 - Forever grateful

Journeying towards the hospital, Ashton and Yinhai persistently urged him to turn back, a peculiar behavior indeed. Upon arrival, a surprisingly large number of people who came after them queried his presence, deepening the peculiarity and suspicion. An uncomfortable unease settled over him, leaving him feeling sour and irritable.

"We'll discuss that later." Andrew, Zian added, nodding towards the patient, "He's awake and ready to converse now."

Taking a significant breath, Andrew stated, "Let's go speak with him."

...

Inside the hospital room.

As everyone entered, the doctor was meticulously examining Pulos' vital signs. "His condition is stable, but he must remain under observation for at least a week," the physician informed them.

Once the doctor departed, Andrew approached Pulos. "You're fortunate to be alive."

Pulos responded with a slow nod. "I am aware."

"What led you to do that? Why take such drastic measures and leave that note?" Andrew inquired, his tone serious.

"I simply acted on what felt right. I trusted my instincts," Pulos replied.

"Weren't things going well for you? You were aligned with Lawrence, secure, and perhaps even content. So, why did you take such a drastic step?" Zixin questioned him with evident curiosity.

Glancing at Zixin, Pulos let out a wry smile. "Who knows your uncle better than you do? Genuine happiness is unattainable with him."

"If you understood that, then why did you align with him? Why did you protect him? Why did you leave with him?" Zixin pressed further.

Turning his head away, Pulos sighed with a sense of regret. "Because I had no alternative. I was compelled to save Lawrence, as he had once saved my life."

After a brief pause, he elaborated, "When I was young, a tragic plane crash claimed both my parents. Following that, I had no one. I was adrift, alone, despairing, and had nearly surrendered all hope when Lawrence took me under his wing. He provided for me until I was capable of self-sufficiency, after which I departed to forge my own path. Subsequently, I began working for Andrew's father, but his sudden passing deeply affected me as well."

Looking directly at Andrew, he continued, "The thirteen-year-old Andrew, weak, vulnerable, and lost, reminded me of my younger self. That's precisely why I resolved to assist him, just as Lawrence had once assisted me."

"When Zixin launched his attack on Lawrence, he managed to evade capture and contacted me. For the sake of our past connection and everything he had done for me, I didn't hesitate to render aid. However, I failed to recognize that my actions were becoming increasingly compromised. Not only was I assisting him, but I was also executing his every command like a mere puppet," he further explained.

"It was Lawrence's ploy to enlist Andrew's help against all of you, but when he refused to cooperate and instead joined forces with you, I found myself with no choice but to depart with Lawrence." Taking a deep, steadying breath, Pulos closed his eyes. "That was another misstep on my part. Lawrence continually manipulated me into doing his bidding, and I complied, regardless of my own feelings, purely out of gratitude."

"Then, what prompted your change of heart and the decision to take such a significant risk?" Guang inquired.

"His initial objective was straightforward: eliminate his nephew and reclaim his assets. But as time went on, his schemes grew progressively more intricate. I struggled to keep pace with them, yet I continued to acquiesce." Pausing for a moment, Pulos added, "Not long ago, I overheard guards discussing Lawrence's revised plans, and this time, his target was Andrew."

Gazing at Andrew, he exclaimed, "How could I stand by and allow him to harm you? Before I left with Lawrence, I had explicitly warned him against harming you or your sister, but he was intent on proceeding. This is why I resolved to alert you beforehand."

"As direct contact was inadvisable, I opted to convey the warning through your girlfriend. I intentionally employed coded language in that note, knowing you would be the sole recipient capable of deciphering it. However, before I could reach you, Lawrence attacked me," he elucidated.

"Why would he attack you? Did he discover the note?"

Furrowing his brows, Pulos responded, "Perhaps he did, though I cannot be entirely certain."

Drawing a deep breath, Andrew turned to the group gathered. "Gentlemen, could you grant us a moment alone, please?"

Once everyone had departed, he took a step closer to Pulos. "I'm unsure of what to say to you."

"You need not say anything. I deserve whatever animosity you feel."

"I harbor no ill will towards you, Pulos. I could never despise you, regardless of your actions. Just as you remain indebted to Lawrence, I will forever be grateful to you. You will always hold a special place in my heart, preventing me from ever hating you," Andrew conveyed sincerely.

"You no longer need to feel indebted to me. I protected your life then, and you have since protected mine; thus, we are even," Pulos remarked.

Before Andrew could respond, he continued, "You must remain vigilant. With Lawrence still a threat, your life is not secure."

"I am aware of that."

"So, what is your plan?" the other man asked, his curiosity piqued.

After a period of silence, Andrew finally spoke, "I can handle him if you reveal his current location."

.....

Li Base.

"But why? Why am I being forced into this situation?" Guang exclaimed, directing his anger at everyone in the room.

"You are not being forced, Guang. This is simply a collective decision made for your ultimate benefit," Huang clarified.

Guang rose to his feet, a sneer on his face. "And what exactly is beneficial for me?" he retorted sharply, cutting off any response. "So, in your opinion, staying home like a coward is good for me?"

.....