He Needs Help
1196 Words
Olivia Bennett clenched her jaw, her heart filled with anxiety.
Just as she was about to step out, a message from Mrs. Ella Mason arrived: "No need to rush, are you working this Saturday? I'd like to invite you for a simple meal."
Only then did Olivia realize she had been acting out of worry.
But going to their house for dinner?
A bitter smile curled on her lips. Ten years ago, after moving out, she had returned home that first weekend.
She had stood in the yard, watching through the window as Mrs. Ella Mason, Emily Hayes, and Jackson Reed laughed together, with a brightness on Mrs. Mason’s face that Olivia had never seen before.
Sophie Collins had said, "See? Without you, they are a true family. If you really care for Mrs. Mason, don't disturb her anymore."
In the end, Olivia had quietly left.
Every year, she would leave a small gift by the door on Mrs. Mason's birthday...
Perhaps it was time to meet again.
Olivia responded to the message: "It should be me inviting you. Saturday evening at six. Don’t be late."
She sent a restaurant location along with the message.
Going back home would only cause unnecessary conflict. It would be better to meet somewhere else, where they could talk quietly. She could also check on Mrs. Mason's health...
Mrs. Mason replied: "Very well, see you there."
Exiting the chat, Olivia noticed several messages from "Grandson":
"The older she gets, the more she resembles a child. She's growing impatient, so please be patient with her."
"She struggles with insomnia. It’s hard for her to fall asleep at night."
"Two of the blue pills, one in the morning and one at night..."
There were five reminders in total, ending with:
"These are the doctor's instructions. If she feels unwell, please contact me immediately."
Olivia quietly entered the guest room and recorded a short video for "Grandson."
A short distance away, two cars sat inconspicuously parked along the street.
In the lead vehicle, a luxury van fitted with all modern conveniences, Ethan Miller, dressed in a sharp black suit, was seated on a sofa, diligently working on his laptop. In the corner, the family doctor sat, his face tense, ready for anything.
The old lady had been moved to a different place and would likely have trouble sleeping tonight. Her frail condition made insomnia particularly dangerous, potentially leading to irregular heart rhythms and even life-threatening situations.
Behind the van, another vehicle was equipped with medical instruments, just in case something went wrong. If anything happened, they could rush in and provide immediate aid.
As Ethan’s thoughts wandered, his phone buzzed with a notification. He glanced at the screen, and for a brief moment, his ever-stoic expression showed a hint of... surprise?
The doctor immediately asked, "Is it the old lady? Is something wrong?"
Ethan pressed his lips together and handed over the phone.
On the screen, a video played of the old lady sprawled out on a floral bedspread, sound asleep, even snoring lightly.
It was only nine in the evening!
Normally, they would be lucky if she fell asleep before 1 a.m.
The doctor was astonished: "She's never been like this with anyone else. If we can keep her around this girl, her health might actually improve!"
Sleep was vital to the elderly, especially in her condition.
Ethan’s jaw tightened, his gaze growing thoughtful.
The next morning, as Olivia prepared to leave, she spoke to the rosy-cheeked old lady who had clearly slept well: "I've asked Mia Reynolds to come and stay with you. He'll be here soon."
"Alright," the old lady nodded obediently. "Where are you going, my dear granddaughter-in-law?"
"I have someone to meet."
"Who are you meeting? Must you go?"
"Yes."
If she didn’t meet with Ethan Miller, he would eventually find out about their marriage when he went to register for his own wedding. But with her company on the verge of going public, Olivia was desperate to finalize the divorce.
The old lady waved her hand with authority: "Let me ask my grandson to arrange the meeting! My grandson can make anything happen!"
Olivia smiled. "Grandmother, your grandson might not be able to help with this."
As the wealthiest man in Haicheng, Ethan Miller’s influence far surpassed that of the old lady’s family.
She hopped on her scooter and made her way to Ethan Miller’s corporate headquarters.
Ethan’s daily schedule was monotonous, without a trace of leisure. If he wasn’t working, he was on his way to work.
As Olivia approached the front desk, before she could speak, the receptionist addressed her with a look of disdain: "You again? Assistant Jake Sullivan already told you, Mr. Miller isn’t expecting any deliveries today. You’re not allowed upstairs!"
Olivia began, "I’m not here for deliveries, I’m—"
But the receptionist cut her off, "Do you have an appointment? Without one, you can’t go up!"
Just as Olivia was about to say more, the receptionist’s demeanor suddenly changed, her eyes lighting up as she beamed past Olivia:
"Miss Emily Hayes! Welcome!"
Olivia turned to see Emily Hayes, looking as composed and graceful as ever, smiling at the receptionist. "I’m here to see Ryan Carter."
Emily’s gaze drifted over Olivia as she added, "But I forgot to make an appointment..."
"Oh, Miss Hayes, you don’t need an appointment! Ryan will be thrilled to see you!" The receptionist eagerly swiped her card to unlock the gate. "Please, go right in!"
Emily looked back at Olivia and sighed, "Olivia Bennett, this isn’t a place just anyone can walk into. If you’re here to pester Mr. Miller, you really shouldn’t make things difficult for the receptionist..."
Olivia: ?
Since when had she caused trouble for the receptionist?
The receptionist, now emboldened, scowled: "Some people really don’t know their place. Thinking they can just climb the social ladder with a pretty face? Take a look around, miss. You’re in way over your head. Kindly step away, or I’ll have to call security!"
Olivia raised an eyebrow. She had meant to say something, but upon seeing the receptionist's blatant favoritism, she merely smiled, "Just remember—you’re the one refusing me entry."
Meanwhile, upstairs...
Ethan Miller had just finished reviewing an urgent file when he pulled out his phone. At the top of his messages was a peculiar username: “Lacking Iron in All Elements.”
Odd name.
He sent a message: "How’s my grandmother today?"
The reply came swiftly: "She was perfectly fine when I left."
Ethan frowned: "Left? Off to work?"
“Lacking Iron in All Elements” replied: "Something like that."
Irritation crept into his expression. She had left his grandmother alone? But she wasn’t employed as a caregiver, so he had no right to expect her to stay with the old lady 24/7.
Still, he needed her help now.
After a moment’s thought, Ethan typed: "Where are you? I’ll come meet you. We need to discuss my grandmother."
“Lacking Iron in All Elements” didn’t hesitate, sending an address right away.
Ethan's gaze narrowed.
Wasn't that... the entrance to his own building?
He rose from his chair and headed downstairs.
- Writer
