After what felt like an eternity, Mathew finally grabbed his phone.
Being elderly, Mathew kept his volume cranked up high, so Karl caught every single word Gilbert had spoken—though he seemed less shocked than Mathew.
Karl's thoughts raced. 'Wait, did I hear that correctly? Sadie is the girl who rescued Mr. Brent? This has to be destiny!'
Mathew collapsed into his executive chair, completely stunned. He whispered, "No wonder she seemed so familiar—she's my granddaughter. What an idiot I've been; she was right there and I was blind to it."
Suddenly, several knocks echoed at the door.
Mindy positioned herself outside the office, clutching a thermos. She called out, "Grandfather, I messed up before. Please don't hold it against me. I made some special soup just for you—won't you try it?"
Internally, she fumed. 'If Dad hadn't forced me, I wouldn't be here. I've been standing out here forever with no acknowledgment, and now everyone's staring. This is humiliating.'
