It's impossible to fall twice in the same place. The last time Hudson opened up and tried to be a decent man, he was treated like garbage—for five whole years. He wasn't going to waste any more time on women. That part of his life was closed.
He shook his head and said quietly, "Your grandfather's condition is old and deep-rooted. Even one of the best doctors in the City might not be able to cure it."
Ivory's face clouded with sadness.
Arlo gently helped his granddaughter to her feet and turned to Hudson with a kind expression. "Young man, don't trouble yourself over an old man's illness. Some things are just part of life." Then he added, "But since fate brought us together, and it seems you have nowhere to go—if you don't mind—you're welcome to stay here."
As a seasoned martial artist, Arlo had keen instincts. When he had come to the park earlier that day to train his granddaughter, he'd already noticed Hudson in the gazebo. Judging by his worn clothes and the backpack slung over his shoulder, Arlo guessed he was going through a rough patch.
It wasn't every day you met someone this gifted in martial arts. Arlo had a feeling this encounter could be meaningful—not just for Hudson, but for his family as well.
No one deserves to sleep on the streets.
Seeing an opportunity and a bit of warmth, Hudson didn't hesitate. He smiled. "In that case, I appreciate the offer."
Arlo chuckled. "You're still young and already accomplished in martial arts. You are coming to this family—well, that's our good fortune. Let's head home!"
"Ivory," he added, "let Marina know to prepare a meal for our guest."
The three of them left the park together.
Meanwhile, at the Wilson residence, Enzo hung up the phone, frustration etched into his face.
"How did it go?" Freya asked nervously, sitting close beside him.
Earlier that day, Enzo had said the only way to get Hudson's shares in the Wilson Group was to kill him. Freya didn't want to be directly tied to a murder, so she'd left it in Enzo's hands.
"I can't get a hold of that bald bastard. No idea what's going on," he muttered.
Freya's expression tightened with concern. "You don't think something went wrong, do you?"
She knew full well what would happen if anyone found out she'd plotted her husband's murder with an outsider—it would destroy both her reputation and the company.
Enzo squeezed her hand and tried to reassure her. "There are plenty of bald guys like him. Taking out a loser like Hudson shouldn't be a big deal."
"Are you sure about this?" Freya asked, still uneasy.
"By tomorrow morning, we'll have news of his death. Just wait."
Freya nodded slowly, choosing—for now—not to press further.
***
Back at the Lewis residence, after dinner, the three of them sat in the courtyard drinking tea. The night air was cool and quiet.
Ivory brought up the concern again. "Grandpa, there's a Doctor Perez in San Diego. I've heard his skills are amazing—he's saved people even on the brink of death. He'll be in town soon for a medical conference. I want to invite him to see you."
Arlo, who was very aware of his condition, gently shook his head. "Ivory, I know my body better than anyone. Like Hudson said, even some best doctors in the world might not be able to help. Don't trouble yourself."
"But Grandpa…" Ivory's eyes welled up with tears, her voice heavy with worry.
Hudson cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "Actually… I might've overstated things earlier. Your illness isn't hopeless."
He felt a little embarrassed. Back in the park, he had been blunt to discourage Ivory from getting too close. But after spending some time with Arlo, Hudson realized the old man wasn't bad—and maybe helping him was a way to repay the kindness of taking him in.
Both Arlo and Ivory looked at him in surprise. Hope flickered in their eyes.
"Are you serious?" Ivory asked, standing up in excitement.
Arlo didn't speak, but the intensity in his gaze said enough.
Hudson gave a small nod. "I can't make any promises. It depends on the details. But from what I've seen so far… there might be a way."
Even though his medical knowledge was strong, Hudson knew better than to act like a miracle worker. But still—some hope was better than none.
Trying to stay composed, Ivory said with determination, "Mr. Hudson, if you can save my grandfather, I'll do anything you ask."
Hudson waved his hand and said calmly, "No need for any compensation. Let me take a look first."
Arlo, fueled by hope, didn't want to waste a second. He immediately got up and led the way toward the small courtyard where he lived.
Just as he stepped outside, he nearly bumped into two people approaching from the other direction.
"Dad! I've been looking for you," said Arlo's second son, Adrian, his face lit with excitement. He gestured to the elderly man beside him. "This is Dr. Martinez. He's known as a medical master—people say there's no illness he can't treat. I'm sure he can fix your condition."
Dr. Martinez, a gray-haired man with a calm demeanor, gave Arlo a polite nod.
Before anyone else could speak, Ivory added enthusiastically, "Uncle, Mr. Hudson here also said he might be able to treat Grandpa."
Adrian raised an eyebrow and looked over at Hudson, sizing him up. After a quick glance from head to toe, he frowned. "Him?" he asked, voice full of doubt.
To him, Hudson was just some young guy—probably another one of Ivory's admirers—talking big to win favor. The idea that someone so young could treat a long-term illness seemed ridiculous.
"Yes, Uncle, he—" Ivory started.
"Ivory, that's enough," Adrian cut her off, waving a dismissive hand. "Dr. Martinez is incredibly busy. It wasn't easy getting him here. Let's not waste time—Dad, let's go inside and let him begin treatment."
Arlo paused and turned to Hudson. "What do you think?" he asked sincerely.
To Arlo, Hudson wasn't just a guest anymore. He believed Hudson might be the Lewis family's turning point and wanted to hear his thoughts. As for the renowned Dr. Martinez his son had brought, Arlo wasn't so easily impressed. If his condition were that simple to treat, it wouldn't have dragged on this long.
Dr. Martinez's expression darkened, clearly offended. In all of the places he went, people lined up for weeks hoping for an appointment with him. Now he was being made to wait on the opinion of a young man? He wasn't used to being treated this way.
Adrian was equally baffled. Was his father losing his grip? Since when did he take cues from a kid barely old enough to shave?
Dr. Martinez looked ready to speak up, but Hudson stepped in first. "It doesn't matter who treats him—as long as the goal is to help the old man. Dr. Martinez came all this way; let him take a look first."
Hudson had never been the type to seek the spotlight. If someone else could get the job done, he was happy to stay on the sidelines.
With that, Arlo nodded and gave Dr. Martinez a respectful bow. "Thank you, Dr. Martinez. I appreciate your time."
Dr. Martinez kept a stern expression but followed Arlo into the house without saying a word.
Inside, he gave Arlo a thorough examination. A few minutes later, he stepped back and spoke with full confidence. "It's nothing serious. A few needle therapy sessions and some botanical medicine should clear it right up."
Adrian and Ivory both lit up with excitement.
Without wasting a moment, Dr. Martinez opened his medical kit and began preparing the silver needles. Arlo lay back, and soon after the treatment started, he slipped into unconsciousness.
Standing quietly in the back, Hudson watched the process with a blank expression.
Then, his brow furrowed.
"If you place that next needle," he said evenly, "he's going to die."