Chapter 108 Unexpected Call

Chapter 108 Unexpected Call

Kate and Helena had just rushed downstairs when they spotted Ethan supporting a silver-haired lady toward the car. Despite her age, the woman still maintained a dignified, alert presence.

Milan and the female doctor flanked either side of the elderly woman, carefully guiding her steps.

Helena instantly recognized her grandmother and felt tears welling up in her eyes. She quickly ran forward and took Gloria's hand, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Grandma!"

Gloria seemed momentarily confused, but upon recognizing Helena, her withered hand tightly grasped her granddaughter's, patting the back of Helena's hand reassuringly.

"Helena, dear, don't worry. I'm fine."

"Let's get in the car first, just to be safe," Ethan said firmly.

Helena reluctantly released her grip, understanding the urgency.

Once inside the vehicle, the doctor immediately performed a brief examination on Gloria. After a few moments, she looked up at the anxious group and nodded.

"Fortunately, apart from some mild malnutrition and a lack of sleep, Gloria's vital signs are all stable. She's okay."

Helena's tense shoulders finally relaxed at the news. She turned to Kate and Ethan with genuine gratitude.

"Thank you both, really. I can't express how grateful I am."

If not for their help, she couldn't imagine how much longer her father would have kept Gloria imprisoned.

"That's what friends are for," Kate said, squeezing Helena's shoulder supportively before turning to Ethan. "Where are we headed now?"

"We'll go to my villa in the suburbs first. Once Helena's father discovers Gloria is missing, he'll certainly look for Helena. It'll be safer at my place," Ethan explained, signaling his driver to start the car.

The vehicle moved smoothly through the night. Helena sat in the back with Gloria while the doctor traveled in the second car.

They soon arrived at the villa, where everything had been prepared, and two professional caregivers waiting to assist. The doctor also stayed behind to monitor Gloria's condition.

After ensuring Gloria was comfortably settled, Helena and Kate prepared to leave. In the current situation, Helena couldn't stay here.

Though reluctant to leave her grandmother, Helena knew she had to return to the hotel for now.

Helena drove her own car back while Kate rode with Ethan. Feeling exhausted, Kate closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep. She slept so deeply that Ethan didn't have the heart to wake her when they arrived, choosing instead to carry her to their room.

By the time Kate awakened, it was already the next morning.

Her phone vibrated beside her. Still drowsy, Kate fumbled for it and glanced at the screen showing an unknown caller. Frowning, she ignored it, assuming it was spam.

She looked around the room.

Where was Ethan?

He didn't seem to be in the bedroom. Kate sat up and stretched lazily, about to check the living room when her phone rang again.

The same number. Kate hesitated before finally answering.

"Hello, who is this?"

After a brief silence, Sophia's voice came through.

"Good morning, Kate."

Kate froze in her tracks.

Sophia had kept a low profile these past few days. Kate had assumed Blake had abandoned her as a disposable pawn.

Kate opened the door and peeked into the living room, but Ethan wasn't there either.

"What do you want?" she asked directly.

"Nothing much. Father heard about your participation in the competition and specifically asked me to check on you. I'm actually at the TV station now. Maybe we could talk after the competition ends?"

Kate frowned, only then realizing that today's competition had been relocated to the television studio.

The rules specified that each contestant would work on their fashion designs in private rooms according to requirements, then submit videos to the judges. Judges would then visit the rooms of their choice to evaluate the finished creations

The production team had likely made this change to prevent another incident like yesterday's. Surprisingly, yesterday's drama hadn't even made the trending topics—Blake must have paid off the media substantially.

"Father? He hasn't shown his face for quite some time. What's his angle now? What new scheme is he planning?" Kate asked bluntly.

There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by insincere laughter.

"Kate, that's not fair. Father genuinely cares about you. After all, now that you're with Ethan, the Jennings family reputation benefits too. Why would he scheme against you?"

Kate let out a derisive laugh, her fingers gripping the edge of her phone as her tone cooled.

"Sophia, just get to the point. What does he want from me? We've already made things clear between us, so there's no need to pretend."

On the other end, Sophia narrowed her eyes, pausing before softening her tone.

"It's nothing major, really. Father just wants to have dinner with you and Ethan to smooth over family relations. And of course, if Ethan could lend some support to the Jennings Group with his resources, that would be even better."

"Support the Jennings Group?" Kate repeated and scoffed.

"Sophia, have you forgotten how you all treated me? And now that you see I'm doing well, you want to come and take a piece of the pie? That's laughable."

"Kate, let's not dwell on the past. Family shouldn't hold grudges," Sophia's voice carried a hint of resignation.

"I know you're still upset with us, but this time we genuinely want to talk things through. I'll be waiting at the entrance of the TV station. After the competition ends, could we meet? Please?"

Kate was about to refuse when she noticed a hotel staff member wheeling in breakfast with Ethan following behind. Not wanting to worry him, she abruptly ended the call.

"Ethan," she greeted him with a smile as she walked out.

Ethan didn't seem to notice anything unusual. He gave her a quick kiss and gestured for her to sit down for breakfast. While they ate, Kate made casual conversation, but her mind was elsewhere.

Something felt off.

Previously, Sophia had completely cut ties with her, and Richard had shown nothing but contempt. Why were they suddenly reaching out? Talking about being "family"?

The only reason she could think of was trouble at Jennings Group. Sophia's mention of "support" only confirmed her suspicions.

And her instinct was correct.

As soon as Kate hung up, Sophia nearly threw her phone in frustration. Her assistant stood nervously beside her, afraid she might do something impulsive.

"I knew Kate wouldn't agree to meet. Father insisted I try, and now I've been rejected. Is he satisfied now?" Sophia slammed her palm against the wall, earning curious glances from TV station staff passing by.

Her assistant quickly pulled her aside.

"Ms. Jennings, please calm down. Your father had no choice. Several of our company's projects are facing huge funding gaps after Hamilton Group suddenly withdrew their investments. Right now, only Mr. Levington has the resources to support these projects."

"None of my business. How is Blake's withdrawal my fault?" Sophia snapped.

A few days ago, Blake had inexplicably started targeting the Jennings family, and she was powerless to stop it.

She stormed into the television studio, fuming but determined. Despite her anger, Richard's orders were absolute.

If she couldn't meet with Kate today, she'd lose her already marginalized Director position at the Jennings Group.