Chapter 23: Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

Sophia frowned and pulled out her phone, but the battery was low and it shut off automatically.

Fiona's face looked slightly pale.

Sophia noticed something was wrong, "Mom, are you feeling unwell?"

"No," Fiona denied, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach.

She endured her fatigue, "I'm fine."

Just as she finished speaking, Fiona's vision went black, and she fainted.

Sophia panicked, holding Fiona, "Someone, help! Please, someone!"

Cars sped by, but none stopped.

Sophia grabbed Fiona's phone, continuously calling out to her. Fiona's face grew paler...

Just as she was about to make a call, a familiar car stopped in front of her.

Preston stepped out, his strides quickening, "Sophia."

"Preston!" Sophia looked up at Preston, her eyes filled with panic, tears threatening to fall.

Preston lifted Fiona into his arms and told Sophia to open the car door.

Sophia, her legs weak, struggled to stand but managed to open the door.

She gathered their things and got into the car as Preston hit the gas.

He drove steadily and skillfully.

Sophia held Fiona's face, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was terrified that something would happen to her mother.

Preston glanced at the map and drove towards Dr. Sterne's hospital, the closest one.

Once they arrived, Preston carried Fiona inside, with Sophia close behind.

He was calm and composed, having already made an appointment with the doctor.

When Dr. Sterne rushed down with other doctors, Sophia thought he looked familiar.

As Fiona was wheeled into the emergency room, Sophia's fear peaked.

Her legs gave out, but Preston caught her, supporting her by the waist.

"Sophia, my mom can't be in any danger," she whispered, her voice filled with desperation.

"She won't be," Preston said firmly, helping her sit down.

"Your mom will be okay."

For ten minutes, Sophia was a nervous wreck, her palms sweating profusely.

Dr. Sterne came out to reassure her that Fiona was just overexerted and needed rest.

"Thank you, doctor," Sophia said, bowing deeply. Dr. Sterne, taken aback, quickly helped her up, "No need to thank me, it's my job."

Preston approached and helped Sophia to her feet, "Aren't you feeling dizzy?"

Preston guided Sophia to a seat, then gave Dr. Sterne a meaningful look.

Dr. Sterne quickly left, texting Oliver on the way out, "You won't believe how crazy Preston is..."

When Fiona was moved to a regular room, Sophia finally relaxed.

Preston stood by the bed, noticing Sophia's cautious glances at him.

"Do you need something?"

Preston could see her hesitation and led her outside, "Tell me."

"Can my mom stay with us for a while?" Sophia asked, quickly adding, "Until Uncle Larry returns, I can't leave her alone."

With Hilda and Grandma Lewis around, Fiona would suffer. Fiona was too tolerant to fight back.

Sophia bit her lip, "I know it's not ideal, but..."

"It's not a problem," Preston interrupted, understanding her filial piety. "But I thought your mom might feel uncomfortable, so I rented the apartment next door."

He handed Sophia the keys.

Sophia was taken aback, "You already rented it?"

Preston, calm and composed, nodded, "Grandma will be back. We won't rest well with her around."

Sophia blinked, realizing he was referring to their shared room situation.

Preston had been sleeping on the floor; no wonder he wasn't resting well.

"Will Grandma be okay with the new place?" she asked, coughing to hide her embarrassment.

Preston's faint smile made her feel self-conscious, as if she wanted to share a room with him.

When Fiona woke up, Sophia explained about the rented apartment.

Fiona felt guilty and insisted on paying, "You've already done so much. How much was the rent? I'll transfer it to you."

"No need," Preston said.

"Don't be ridiculous. Your job isnt't easy. Let me contribute," Fiona insisted, pulling out her wallet.

Preston gently closed the wallet and looked at Sophia, "Sophia, see what your mom needs. We'll go shopping."

"Okay," Sophia replied.

Preston, always thoughtful, took Sophia shopping for essentials.

Sophia followed him, admiring his organization. All she had to do was follow his lead.

When she struggled to reach something, Preston effortlessly grabbed it from behind her.

Their brief closeness made Sophia's heart flutter. She focused on his long legs, avoiding his gaze.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

"Nothing," she replied quickly.

At checkout, Sophia saw the long receipt and felt a pang of guilt.

She reached for her phone to pay, but Preston beat her to it.

"I'll handle it."

"It doesn't matter who pays."

Preston handed Sophia a lighter bag, easily carrying the heavier ones to the car.

Sophia glanced at him, realizing how much money he had spent lately.

Their apartment was in an upscale area, and she remembered Preston mentioning he had a mortgage.

They had agreed to split expenses equally; she couldn't let him bear the costs alone.

"How long is the lease?" she asked.

"A year."

Sophia's eyes widened, "How much does that cost?"

Preston's calm demeanor didn't waver.

"About Seven thousand."

Sophia winced at the amount, fidgeting with her fingers, deep in thought.

Preston watched her through the rearview mirror, noticing her concerned expression.

When the car stopped, he unbuckled his seatbelt.

"Preston, I need to talk to you."

"Go ahead."

"My mom won't stay long. Uncle Larry will be back soon, and Grandma can stay with us. I'll sleep on the floor."

Sophia thought Preston rented the apartment because he was uncomfortable sleeping on the floor and offered to switch.

"We don't have much savings, and you have a mortgage. We need to be careful with our spending."

Seeing Preston remain silent, Sophia continued, "Money doesn't grow on trees. We need to be frugal."