Chapter 11
1049 Words
Dinner with Natalia.
The thought warmed her, but she also felt uncertain.
A bitter smile touched her lips as an old memory surfaced.
Ten years ago, the first weekend after she'd moved out, she went back to visit.
She'd only made it to the yard when she saw them through the window.
Natalia, Isabel, and Warren laughing and chatting together.
Natalia wore a bright, carefree smile.
Ruby had ached for one of those smiles.
She just wanted to belong.
But Sheila poisoned her mind.
See? Without you, they're a real family.
If you actually care about Mrs. Anderson, you'll stay away.
She's Izzie's mother, not yours.
Ever since then, she had only returned on Natalia's birthday to quietly leave a small gift at the front door and disappear again.
Now maybe it was finally time to stop hiding.
Her fingers hovered for a moment before she typed back.
Sure, but dinner's on me.
Saturday.
6:00 p.m.
See you there, Mrs. Anderson.
She added a restaurant location.
Returning to the Anderson house would only stir up old wounds.
Neutral ground was safer.
Somewhere she could finally talk to Natalia without any drama.
Natalia replied almost instantly.
All right, see you there.
Ruby closed her email and noticed several new messages from Grandson.
The older she gets, the more she's like a kid.
She can have a short temper, so you'll have to be patient with her.
She has terrible insomnia and really struggles to fall asleep.
She takes two of the blue pills a day.
One in the morning.
One at night.
Ruby scrolled past the long list of reminders and skipped to the last message.
I really appreciate you taking care of her.
If Grandma seems uncomfortable at all, contact me immediately.
Unexpectedly, it brought a smile to her face.
She quietly walked into the second bedroom and took a short video of Matilda for her grandson.
Meanwhile, two discreetly parked vehicles kept watch over Ruby's apartment building.
Inside a custom RV, Owen worked on his laptop while the Knight family physician monitored the screens.
Anxious about the elderly woman's sudden disappearance and relocation.
Just then, Owen's phone chimed.
He glanced at the screen.
And a flicker of surprise crossed his usually stoic face.
The physician tensed instantly.
Did something happen to Mrs. Knight?
Owen handed over the phone.
The video showed Matilda sprawled comfortably across floral-print sheets.
Sound asleep.
Letting out soft, rhythmic snores.
It was only nine o'clock.
On a typical night, they were lucky if she fell asleep before one.
The doctor stared, stunned.
That girl is a miracle worker.
If she continues caring for Mrs. Knight, her health might actually improve.
Owen's jaw tightened, eyes narrowing in thought.
If the doctor was right, he'd soon have no choice but to meet this woman.
His grandmother had boldly called her granddaughter-in-law.
Perhaps this mysterious caretaker was exactly what he needed to keep Matilda safe.
The next morning, before heading out, Ruby stopped by the second bedroom.
Matilda looked bright and rosy after a full night's sleep.
I've asked my friend Miles to come keep you company. Ruby said gently.
He'll be here soon.
All right. Matilda nodded obediently.
Where are you off to?
I have to see someone. Ruby replied with a tired smile as she slung her backpack over her shoulder.
She needed to clear this mess with Owen.
With her company about to go public, Ruby was desperate for a divorce.
She couldn't afford to be tied down.
Not now.
Not after all the hard work she'd put in.
Matilda waved a dismissive hand.
Then let my grandson arrange the meeting for you.
He's a very important man.
Ruby laughed.
Grandma, even your grandson can't help with this one.
After all, the Knight family wasn't just wealthy.
They were untouchable in New York.
No ordinary connections could compare.
She approached the reception desk, but before she could speak, the receptionist cut her off sharply.
You again.
Mr. Yates said Mr. Knight isn't expecting deliveries and you're not allowed upstairs.
I'm not delivering anything. Ruby said.
I'm—
Do you have an appointment? The receptionist snapped.
No appointment.
No entry.
Ruby opened her mouth to reply, but the receptionist suddenly lit up, her expression flipping from irritation.
To sugary sweetness as she looked past Ruby.
Miss Isabel, good to see you.
Ruby turned as Isabel approached gracefully.
I'm here for Carter. She said, glancing at Ruby.
Though I forgot to schedule.
Oh, you don't need an appointment.
Mr. Carter will be thrilled to see you.
The receptionist swiped a card and unlocked the gate.
Please go right in.
Isabel looked at Ruby and let out a small, disapproving sigh as she walked away.
Ruby, the Knight Group isn't a place you can just wander into.
If you're so set on bothering Mr. Owen, at least try not to trouble the staff.
Ruby blinked.
Trouble?
When had she ever troubled anyone?
Fueled by Isabel's tone, the receptionist's face twisted with disdain.
Miss, please know your place.
Step aside, or I'm calling security.
Ruby arched a brow.
She had been ready to explain herself, but the condescension was so thick she could practically choke on it.
She simply smirked.
Sure.
But remember, you're the one refusing to let me up.
So don't blame me for what happens next.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Owen wrapped up an urgent document and finally checked his phone.
The contact he'd saved as Grandma's Girl sat pinned at the top of his chats.
Without overthinking it, he typed:
Hello. How is my grandmother doing today?
She replied within seconds.
Everything was fine when I left.
Owen's expression darkened.
Left?
She actually left his grandmother alone?
But she wasn't a hired caregiver.
He had no authority to demand her time.
And right now, he needed her cooperation far more than she needed his.
After a moment's thought, he sent another message.
Where are you?
I'll come to you.
We need to talk about my grandmother.
Ruby didn't question it.
Instead, she simply sent a location pin.
Owen opened it and froze.
The dot was sitting right in the lobby of Knight Group.
What the hell? He muttered.
She's here.
He didn't waste another second.
He shot to his feet and headed straight for the elevator.
- Writer
