Chapter 241
Chapter 241
But this robbery incident appeared far too coincidentally timed, arousing Ethan's suspicions.
"Grandma hasn't called since last time, and there's still no news about the investigation into the attack. Yanny, something doesn't feel right."
He knew full well how coveted the Smith Group was by countless parties. Having finally gotten their opening, those scheming opportunists lurking in the shadows would never back down easily.
"You're worried something happened to Grandma and the others?"
Even knowing they were doing rehabilitation training, Cleo was relatively composed, but Bianca's temperament was another matter entirely.
Yanny dialed Cleo's number, but no one answered. The unease in her heart grew stronger. Yanny then called Bianca.
"Yanny."
Hearing the exhaustion in Bianca's voice, Yanny pressed her lips together.
"Mom, has something happened at home?"
The mounting pressure had left Bianca panicked. With Cleo collapsed and Ethan abroad for rehabilitation, she felt utterly helpless—managing the company while caring for Cleo.
Hearing Yanny's question, she finally couldn't hold back.
"Yanny, your grandmother collapsed. She's still unconscious in the hospital."
Both of them tensed at the news.
"Is Grandma okay?"
Bianca let out a soft sigh.
"The doctor only said she suffered some kind of shock. We'll have to wait for the test results. Right now, the Smith family members are circling like vultures, all eyeing the Smith Group. They're trying to seize power while Ethan's away."
With the company's situation already this dire, Bianca saw no point in hiding anything.
Ethan's expression darkened.
"Mom, take care of yourself and Grandma. We'll come back as soon as possible."
After hanging up, Ethan pressed his lips together.
"Yanny, we can't just leave Grandma and Mom back home. You know what those scheming relatives are like—if they don't get what they want, they'll never let it go."
After so many years of marriage to Ethan, Yanny naturally understood what he meant.
"I've memorized everything in Dr. Wilson's manual. We can do the rehabilitation training back home."
Warmth flickered through Ethan's heart at Yanny's understanding.
He looked at William.
"What about you?"
William nodded.
"I've been away too long already. The hospital's been pushing me to return. I'll go back with you."
That evening, all three packed to return home. However, Ethan had been bedridden too long and was still in rehabilitation—he couldn't stand for extended periods and had to use a wheelchair.
When Michael learned of this, he immediately arranged top-tier security.
"They'll escort you all the way back. Contact me if anything comes up."
He couldn't return yet—the project wasn't finalized.
For the first time, the two men weren't at each other's throats. Ethan nodded.
"Thanks. Let's have dinner together when you're back."
Michael raised an eyebrow at that.
"Rare to see Mr. Smith being so polite. When I get back, I won't be holding back then."
The three set out, never expecting that even with elite security, they'd still encounter trouble.
On the highway entrance, a car followed behind them. At a turn, it suddenly accelerated. The driver panicked and jerked the wheel, but failed to hit the brakes in time—they crashed straight into the guardrail.
A tremendous impact rang out. Ethan pulled Yanny tightly beneath him, watching as that car started up again, aiming to ram them once more.
Ethan's gaze was resolute as he held the person in his arms even tighter.
"Yanny, if we can die together in this lifetime, I'll have fulfilled one last wish. I'm the one who wronged you in this life."
Yanny felt his familiar presence. Only when facing death did she recognize her true feelings—perhaps they were destined to be entangled in this lifetime.
Yanny slowly closed her eyes. If there was a next life, perhaps she'd choose to repeat the same mistakes.
The car barreled straight toward them. Just as the distance closed, a sharp screech of brakes rang out. William, following behind them, slammed the gas pedal to the floor.
He intercepted that car. An ear-piercing grinding sound erupted as William's speed caused him to collide with the attacking vehicle.
Snapping back to reality, Yanny quickly got up and struggled to open the car door. She saw smoke rising from the hood of William's car.
The security personnel behind them rushed forward to handle the assailants while administering aid to William.
William's old injuries hadn't healed, and now he'd added new ones. Clutching his chest, he coughed up blood. His medical training told him clearly—he probably couldn't continue the journey.
"Yanny, I can't go back right now. You two go ahead. Be extremely careful on the road."
Seeing his weakened state, Yanny's eyes reddened. She immediately called Michael.
Fortunately, the security team acted quickly—no one else was injured. When Michael arrived, they were loading William into an ambulance.
"Leave him to me. You two keep going."
Yanny hesitated. William had been injured saving the two of them—she should at least accompany him to the hospital.
But before she could speak, William nodded.
"Yanny, you need to get back. The situation at home is urgent. I'll recover here and come back later. Mr. Hall will definitely take good care of me."
Michael's tone was firm.
"Don't worry. I'll look after him."
Looking at Yanny, William managed a weak smile.
"Ethan, after you get back, you must take care of Yanny. Don't let her get hurt, or I absolutely won't let you off."
Hearing this, Yanny pressed her lips together, her eyes reddening.
"William, you've done more than enough. I forgive you. Don't get hurt for my sake anymore."
Hearing Yanny's words, William looked at her with sudden joy.
"Yanny, do you really mean that?"
Yanny nodded. Perhaps William truly felt guilty about the past—otherwise he wouldn't have nearly lost his life for her. Only at this critical moment did she realize nothing else mattered, as long as everyone was safe.
"Yes. No matter what, I'll still consider you a friend. We'll be family for life."
William felt helpless at those words, but it was enough—at least he had a chance to reconcile with Yanny, rather than not even being able to remain friends.
Soon, news of Ethan's return to Celestria spread throughout the Smith Group. All eyes fell on him. With the Smith Group in crisis, everyone was eager to see what kind of performance Ethan would deliver.
Hearing that Ethan was preparing to return, Bianca felt more resolute. She believed that everything would be fine once Ethan came back. She looked at Cleo lying unconscious in the hospital bed.
"Mom, you have to get better. Your grandson is bringing your granddaughter-in-law back to see you."
During this time, Aubrey had come to the hospital periodically to make threats, but Bianca ignored them all, only hoping that Cleo would wake up soon.