She listened as Dr. He told them about Sayuri being in a coma and that the twin babies were in NICU. He told them to be prepared for the worst.

The words were like a death toll.

Kay held onto Kyle to give him support, trying hard to calm him down by projecting warm feelings. Unfortunately, his pain was too great that it was useless. In fact, she was the one affected by his pain even though she could tell that he was trying to block it.

She felt utterly helpless.

All she could do, was just stay by his side, as he cried and tried hard not to break down. When Kyle left to stay with his children in NICU, everyone else waited in Sayuri's room.

The mood was sombre.

Kay took charge immediately.

"Sam, I'll take over Kyle's position until he's ready to come back. Please get all the files sorted and brief me tomorrow," Kay said as she turned to Sam.

He nodded, pushing his glasses up his nose, "Not a problem. Do you need Beatrice back?"

Kay shook her head, "No, unless she wants to help."

She then turned to her parents, "Mum, Dad, I'm sure Kyle will want to stay here to take care of Sayuri. Could you ask Butler Kim to prepare clothes for Kyle each day?"

They nodded, thinking it was a good idea. As Kay continued giving out orders-slash-request to Sam, while laying out her thoughts and plans to cover Kyle's absence at the company to ensure that Kyle would be able to stay at the hospital, Delilah couldn't help but think that Kay was really suited for this.

Patrick was also observing his daughter and thought that she was a perfect partner for Kyle. Partner, in the sense of working partner. Though Kyle had been the one groomed for the CEO position, it was apparent that Kay was also extremely capable.

Perhaps, not at the level of Kyle, but capable nonetheless.

Perhaps there should be a new position at Smith Industries.

Everyone could see that the company was getting to be better and starting to soar up even more since Kyle took over. Perhaps, just having one person to helm the ship is too much - there ought to be someone else by his side to help ease the burden.

The structure of an organisation at the Smith Industries was a bit unique as compared to other companies. This was mainly due to the manner in which the CEO is appointed i.e. the Smith Heir test.

It had not only served to appoint the best, it also eliminated internal strife.

Of course, this did not mean that it was smooth sailing, as what was indicative of what had happened when they tried to oust Patrick from the CEO post and eliminate Kyle's position. However, by the fact that Kyle had spectacularly defended his position only showed that the Smith Heir Test was impeccable.

Thus, there was only the CEO, or chief executive officer as the top-ranking executive. It was akin to a dictatorship, whereby the CEO had the final say and was the top. There was no president or official deputy.

Patrick was thinking that it was high-time the Smith Industries did have one. Something similar to a chief operating officer (COO) but would have almost the same power as the CEO. Whenever the CEO was not present, the COO would be the top and act as the CEO.

However, for now, it was just a thought. Kyle would not be in any condition to think about it so Patrick shelved the idea for now. It was a huge decision and it would have a big impact on the Smith Industries, so it couldn't be taken lightly nor rushed.

The more he observed his daughter, however, the more he was convinced that it would be a good thing.

While Patrick was deep in thought and Kay continuing to make plans with Sam, Xing Han whispered to Nitocris, "Cookie, any word?"

Nitocris leaned close and replied, "Kyle's Team has it settled. We don't need to do anything."

Xing Han nodded in understanding, though he wished he could do something more. But he knew that it was best Kyle handled it himself for he was the one that has the most rights. Still, for the first time, Xing Han saw Kyle being human.

He had always been the perfect guy that could do anything he set his mind to. He had never seen Kyle cry nor look so broken. It tore up at him.

Nitocris, sensing his puppy's sombre mood, rubbed his puppy's head. He then held him close, letting him lean on him. Seeing his puppy cry just now made his heart ache. An irrational part of him wanted to tear apart the one responsible for making his puppy cry - and that included Kyle!

Though it wasn't his fault.

Nitocris sighed deeply.

He knew he could be irrational whenever his puppy was involved but he couldn't help it. However, at least, he would not act on it and still managed to stop himself from acting stupidly.

Humans feel, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, what makes it not right is when one acts improperly due to those feelings.

Nitocris hugged Xing Han tighter, loving his fluffy puppy. He was just so wonderful to hug and cuddle to.

✿ Author only posts on w.e.b.nove.l. ✿

Kay stood outside Kyle's apartment door, steeling herself for having to be the bearer of bad news. Using the key that Kyle had given her so long ago, she entered with a heavy heart.

Dian already knew the news, but they had not informed Junior yet.

Somehow, telling him over the phone seemed bad.

When she went in, she saw that Junior was in the living room, doing his homework on the coffee table under Dian's supervision. Kyle didn't mind where he did his work, so long as he did it - hence, the living room rather than his own bedroom.

Some studies showed that it was better to have their study separate from the bedroom as well, for this would promote better sleep. The bedroom would be just for rest and sleep, and the brain would not be associating 'work' with it (which would, in turn, disturb sleep).

Of course, not everyone has such luxury to be able to have a study room other than the bedroom. In fact, for most, the bedroom is the quietest place to study as it is their own private space.

As for Junior?

He did prefer the living room as it allowed him to see his foster parents more. With Dian monitoring him, he was more disciplined (and couldn't sneak watching television or always be 'resting').

Junior looked up expectantly but upon seeing Kay, his face fell a bit. He tried to hide it though, for he still gave her a smile.

Kay took a deep breath and came over. Dian told Junior to stop work for a while and he sat there, looking up at Kay curiously.

"Junior," Kay began after clearing her throat. She took his hand and held it firmly, while looking at him in the eye, "I have some bad news for you."

Junior's eyes widened and his lips quivered.

Immediately, he thought the worst. That his foster parents didn't want him anymore. Strangely enough, he never thought his mother could be the bad news - probably because he was confident of her love for him.

His foster parents, however? He still doubted. Even though he felt their love and care, he worried. In fact, the more they cared, the more worried he became of losing it.

"Sayuri was in an accident," Kay said slowly, then quickly added after seeing how affected he was, "She is through the worst, but will need to be in the hospital. Kyle will be there to take care of her."

"I am here to take you with me to Grandma Delilah and Grandpa Patrick's house. Kyle can't leave Sayuri alone and he is worried about you. He wants you to be taken care of by our parents who he trusts the most. Okay?"

Junior's chest heaved a bit and he asked softly, "He still wants me? I am not a bother?"

"Oh Junior," Kay said, bringing him close and hugging him, "Of course he still wants you. He always will."

Junior began crying, partly from relief and partly from shame.

Kyle had been nothing but good to him but he was just too scared to trust fully. Finding out Kyle wasn't his father had been such a severe disappointment to him that he could not quite get over it.

"Go and pack," Kay instructed after giving him one last hug.

"Okay," Junior replied and Dian went with him to help.

Kay leaned back on the sofa, sighing.

The hurt he experienced still hadn't healed and it would take time. Hopefully, not too long.

At least, Samantha was getting better.