Chapter 202 Granddaughter
As Athena reflected on everything, her phone rang with an unknown number. She hesitated for a moment before answering.
“Miss Newton, this is Nell,” the voice on the other end said urgently. “Madam Stella vomited blood and has been rushed to the hospital. Please come quickly.”
Nell was the same man who had once kicked Tyler Olsen away.
“Blood?” Athena’s brow furrowed with concern.
“Yes, I’ll send you the address. Please hurry!”
Athena arrived at the hospital calmly. Rose was still unconscious, her face unnaturally pale—like paper. The doctor’s explanation was simple: “She was overly excited and couldn’t handle the emotional shock.”
Athena sat quietly beside Rose’s bed. She couldn’t blame her—after hearing the harsh words from the previous night, it was no wonder Rose had been so affected.
“You can rest now. I’ll stay here,” Athena said softly, her voice gentle as she addressed the others in the room.
Except for Jaxson, everyone else left the room. His eyes were bloodshot, as though he’d been crying. Athena understood—Jaxson had been raised by Rose, and their bond was unbreakable. He was strong in some ways, but deep down, he was a quiet, introverted soul who trusted no one but her.
In the past, Rose had always been in good health, and seeing her like this must have shaken Jaxson deeply.
But Athena didn’t spare him a second thought. She focused all her attention on Rose, gently caring for her.
About half an hour later, Rose stirred and woke up. She immediately reached out, sensing Athena’s presence.
Athena quickly took her hand, and Rose clutched it tightly, a look of urgency in her eyes.
“Madam Stella, how are you feeling?” Athena asked, her tone full of concern.
Rose looked at her with an almost desperate intensity. She longed to tell Athena the truth, to confess everything, but…
Then she remembered Athena’s cold words from the day before. Her heart wavered.
“I feel fine,” Rose said quietly, her gaze never leaving Athena. There was a trace of sadness in her eyes.
Athena studied her. Despite the years, Rose had always appeared so composed, so certain. But now there was a different vulnerability in her, a rawness Athena hadn’t seen before.
Rose wasn’t sure why, but there was something about Athena that reminded her so much of her own mother, Romy. If she looked closely, Athena’s eyes even resembled Stacy’s.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Athena asked, almost teasing.
Rose’s eyes flickered with an emotion Athena couldn’t quite place, but she shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.
Just then, Jaxson entered the room. He glanced at Rose, his expression tense, and squatted down beside her. Rose reached out to touch his head gently.
“I’m not going to die, Jaxson. How old are you? Still crying like a child?” Rose said with a soft laugh.
“I’ll get you something to eat,” Jaxson replied, his voice thick with emotion as he left the room.
Now, it was just Athena and Rose. Rose studied Athena again, weighing her options carefully. After a long pause, she made a decision. There was no rush to tell Athena the truth about their connection just yet. She needed to gain Athena’s trust first, to spend more time with her. Only then could she reveal everything.
“Athena,” Rose began, holding her hand, “you’re a smart, capable woman. You’re more than qualified for a position of leadership. Don’t get involved with Byron anymore. Come with me, and I’ll offer you a vice president position.”
Athena raised an eyebrow, but before she could respond, Rose continued, “You might not know this, but my children, even my nephews—they’re all useless. I could never hand over my company to a bunch of failures. That’s why I’ve been looking for someone who can truly take over, someone with real potential. And you… I’ve already set my sights on you.”
“Thank you,” Athena said softly, her eyes lowering. “But I can’t.”
Rose was taken aback. Athena had barely spoken a word when she added, “I’m pregnant.”
The words hit Rose like a bolt of lightning.
“Pregnant?” Rose’s voice trembled as she nearly sat up, her eyes wide with shock.
“Yes,” Athena replied, looking directly at Rose, her gaze unwavering. “I don’t have a father, and I don’t want my child to suffer the way I did.”