Sophia furnished her rental home in a tasteful and comfortable manner.
Observing the old woman sipping her third glass of water at the table, she added, "I really am not your granddaughter-in-law," with seriousness.
"Yes, you are,"
The elderly woman was adamant. Gulping down another glass of water, she grasped her glass.
Since Sophia knew she couldn't be persuaded, she pulled out her phone and called the number from before.
The call was promptly returned. "Hello?"
Sophia was ready to respond when the elderly woman grabbed her phone. She could just make out the man's voice.
Donald, meantime, was in charge of a group of persons looking for the local elderly woman.
Although he exuded calmness, there was a hint of anxiety about him.
In addition to having Alzheimer's disease, his 89-year-old grandmother's health was deteriorating in every way, and her life may end at any time.
The phone rang and he answered it right away. Then he heard the firm voice of his grandma.
"Don't come pick me up, little brat. My granddaughter-in-law is with me.
In-law granddaughter...
Since the number belonged to the girl from before, was his grandma with her once more at this point?
"Where are you?" Donald inquired, his expression darkening.
"I won't tell you."
"Do you think I can't find you that way?"
"I forbid you from looking for me or sending anyone after me!"
"Can we bring old Mrs. Parker back by force?" Donald asked the attending physician, wiping his forehead.
The physician shook his head and said, "Mrs. Parker shouldn't be under any stress at this time," in a quiet voice. It's advisable to support her goals. In addition, the girl from earlier seemed like a kind person.
Donald gritted his teeth and gently eased himself into the phone. "Grandma, I have to deliver your medicine."
"It's not worth it. My medication is with me. Remain calm. When I bring my granddaughter-in-law home, please wait."
The elderly woman ended the call after stating this.
Returning the phone to Sophia, she did so. "Done!"
Sophia couldn't say anything.
What type of negligent relatives were they? How could they have merely left the old lady in the care of a stranger?
She was going to give her a call back when she got a notification on Messenger. Her phone number had been used to send her a friend request. The text on the telegram said, "Grandson of the old lady."
After accepting his friend request, Sophia added his name as "Grandson" to her contacts.
"Grandson" emailed shortly after. "Would you kindly look after my grandma for a little while? She can't be stressed since she hasn't been feeling well lately.
Sophia gave a snort and wrote absentmindedly on her phone. "I am unable to. I'm not a charity's operator."
She heard a noise coming from the kitchen before she could finish typing.
She hurried over to see the elderly woman heating up eggs.
Sophia inquired nonchalantly, "Are you hungry? There won't be enough eggs."
"No." The elderly woman turned around, a kind grin plastered on her wrinkly face. "Sweetheart, applying an egg to your face can reduce swelling."
Sophia looked shocked.
Maybe she had missed it on her own. She appeared unfazed by the blow she received from her birth mother today, but in reality, she had taken on an aloof attitude that separated her from the outside world.
Sophia was moved by the elderly woman's comments just now, and some warmth showed in her eyes.
Her lips were pursed, and she glanced back at her phone.
On her phone, she noticed a fresh message.
"You've received a transfer of 60,000 dollars from Grandson."
"This is one week's living expenses," the grandson wrote. Please let me know if it's not sufficient."
Glancing at the input box, Sophia rewrote the message and removed the words she had just entered. "Okay."
She didn't know why she was getting involved in this abruptly. That man gave too much! That has to be it!
The Johnson Family residence.
Mia's cheeks were swelled on both sides, and the slap marks showed well. She was sitting on the living room sofa, silently crying, her eyes puffy and red.
Maryann bent her head down. The fact that you're marrying into the Parker Family must make that little harlot envious, Mia. She did this for that reason. Keep your tears to yourself. I'll have your dad reprimand her when he gets back."
Despite her illness, Mrs. Johnson dragged herself downstairs. Her tone was forceful yet her voice was weak. That's not Sophia's personality. She must have been agitated by whatever you did before.
Mia said, "It's my fault," with clinched fists and a dropped head in an offended tone. It was wrong of me to accept Donald's offer. She is really fond of Donald. That's why she must have pursued Donald."
Mrs. Johnson appeared quite ill, as seen by her pale complexion. "How is that possible? When Sophia was younger, she was really well-mannered."
She wouldn't have been so adamant about leaving the house otherwise.
With resentment, Maryann remarked, "It seems like she was misled after moving away! She lacks compassion. She tried to hit me, her own mother, in addition to hitting Mia today."
Even still, Mrs. Johnson would not accept it.
"Mom, it's because we haven't cared enough about her over the years," Mia murmured as her eyes flitted.
These words brought Maryann back. "It's because she never returns home! She doesn't visit you, Mrs. Johnson, even though you used to be such a nice person to her. What an ungrateful creature she is! She is a heartless person at heart; she has no memory of your generosity."
Mrs. Johnson was shocked.
She felt feelings for Sophia even though she had always been objective about her and had raised her by hand.
The youngster informed Sophia that she should return for a visit whenever she had free time after moving out.
But in all these years, Sophia had never returned home.
Had the youngster, having grown up, truly become ungrateful?
Mrs. Johnson hesitated, and Mia saw it and was satisfied.
"Mom, can you invite Dr. Bruce to serve as a mentor at Oscalake University?" she slyly said, shifting the topic.
Mrs. Johnson firmly declined right away. "Mia, we are not allowed to profit on the generosity of others. Furthermore, throughout the years, Dr. Bruce has done far more than enough for our family company."
Her remarks didn't surprise Mia, who grinned. That's not what I mean, Mom. The top university in the area is Oscalake University. Is Dr. Bruce interested in going there as well? We might seize the opportunity to assist him in establishing a rapport with the school, therefore compensating Dr. Bruce for all of his years of assistance."
After considering the point, Mrs. Johnson picked up her phone and launched Messenger. "Then I'll ask him."
Mia blinked as she sat next to Mrs. Johnson. "Dr. Bruce has greatly benefited our family, and his debt was paid off a long time ago. Isn't it fitting that our family throw a meal in his honor? Then, wouldn't it be preferable to ask him face-to-face?"
Dr. Bruce has consistently shown Mrs. Johnson consideration.
Mia thought she could tell him she wanted to be his postgraduate student when he arrived. Without a doubt, Dr. Bruce would not decline.
Convinced, Mrs. Johnson messaged Dr. Bruce over Messenger. "Bruce, do you have time to come by the house?"
Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she received the message.
Why did Mrs. Johnson ask to visit her out of the blue?
Was it because her condition was becoming worse?
Sophia stood up, thinking about Mrs. Johnson's cough. "I'm unbound. Shall I arrive right now?"