Chapter 103 A Bunch of Losers
“Where is it?” Athena asked gently.
“Over there!” The little girl turned and pointed toward a fountain nearby.
It wasn’t far. Athena glanced back at Madam Crawford, who was resting peacefully in her wheelchair.
“Madam Crawford, I’m just going to help this little girl get her ball. Can you wait here for me?”
“Okay,” Madam Crawford nodded. “Athena, be careful.”
“I will.”
Athena took the girl’s hand and walked to the edge of the fountain. She reached out to retrieve the floating ball when— A sudden shriek came from behind.
Startled, Athena spun around.
A little boy, laughing mischievously, had run up and shoved Madam Crawford’s wheelchair forward.
“What are you doing?!” Athena’s voice shot out in panic as she bolted toward them.
But the boy—either out of fear or reckless glee—let go just as the wheelchair hit a slope.
The chair picked up speed, rolling rapidly downhill.
“Madam Crawford!” Athena’s heart seized. She sprinted after it, but she was too far. Her pulse thundered in her ears as her breath caught— Then, just in time, a tall figure appeared from the side.
With a powerful step, he braced himself and blocked the runaway wheelchair with his body. The impact was heavy, but he didn’t flinch.
If he had been even a second later, Madam Crawford would’ve crashed to the ground.
Athena reached them seconds later. Madam Crawford was trembling, her face ashen, her eyes wide with terror.
“Jesus Christ…” The nurse arrived, gasping at the scene.
“Call the doctor!” Athena ordered, kneeling beside Madam Crawford and wrapping her arms around her trembling shoulders.
“Yes—yes!” the nurse stammered, rushing off.
“Madam Crawford, it’s okay. You’re safe now. It’s over.” Athena’s voice was low and steady, her hands warm and comforting.
Slowly, the older woman’s breathing began to settle.
“Athena… I was so scared,” she whispered tearfully, leaning into her arms.
Athena hugged her tightly, patting her back gently. “It’s all right. You’re safe. Everything’s okay now.”
But her heart twisted with guilt.
How could she have been so careless? Leaving Madam Crawford alone to chase after a stranger’s ball—it was foolish. Unforgivable.
Once the old lady had calmed down, Athena stood up and turned to the man who had saved her.
“Sir, thank you so much. Are you hurt? Is your leg okay?”
The man was tall and broad-shouldered, towering over her. He looked around six-foot-three, with sun-kissed skin, cropped hair, and dark sunglasses. He exuded quiet strength.
He didn’t respond.
Before Athena could ask again, an elegantly dressed older woman with silver hair approached.
“He doesn’t speak your language,” she explained kindly, smiling. “But don’t worry. Jaxson is as sturdy as an ox. He once got hit by a car and only came away with a few scrapes.”
Jaxson Collins didn’t understand the words, but from the tone, he sensed he was being praised. He straightened proudly.
Athena’s tense expression softened.
Doctors and nurses arrived at that moment, bustling around to check on Madam Crawford. Athena turned back to the elderly woman and politely handed her a business card with both hands.
“Thank you again. I truly appreciate your help. If Mr. Jaxson needs anything—medical treatment or otherwise—please don’t hesitate to contact me.”
Jaxson frowned slightly, cautious. His instincts told him to be wary.
People like this often try to get close to Madam Stella. Could she be one of them?
While he was still mulling it over, the elderly woman—Madam Stella—accepted the card without hesitation.
“Thank you, dear. Now, go take care of your grandmother.”
Athena bowed her head slightly in thanks. “Thank you again.”
She turned and left quickly, returning to Madam Crawford’s side.
Jaxson watched her leave, muttering in a foreign tongue, “Didn’t you say not to accept business cards from strangers?”
“I didn’t,” Madam Stella said with a chuckle, still watching Athena’s back. “What a beautiful girl. If I had a granddaughter like that, I’d die laughing and come back to life just to see her again.”
She let out a long sigh.
“I was unlucky. I gave birth to a bunch of useless sons… and they, in turn, gave me a bunch of even more useless grandsons.”