Hope hung up the phone, turned around, and looked at Homelander with an apologetic expression.
"I'm so sorry, Daniel." Her voice was thick with guilt and reluctance. "There's an emergency with my father. I have to go over there right away."
"I haven't heard him sound this nervous in a long time. It could be very serious." Hope quickly put on her coat as she spoke. "I'm really sorry to ruin tonight, but I have to leave now."
"I understand. Family always comes first," Homelander said considerately.
"It's not easy to get a cab at this hour. I'll have my driver take you."
Homelander took out his phone and quickly dialed a number.
"The car will be downstairs in ten minutes."
Seeing Homelander's calm, dependable demeanor, the unease in Hope's heart eased somewhat.
"Thank you, Daniel. You're really thoughtful," Hope said to Homelander, touched.
Five minutes later.
A black Maybach pulled smoothly up outside the apartment building.
The door opened, and a burly driver wearing sunglasses stood beside the car, respectfully holding the door open.
After Homelander ushered Hope into the back seat, he climbed in after her.
"804 Millville Street."
The Maybach sped through the night.
As the car entered the upscale neighborhood where Hank Pym lived, they could see the blinding red and blue police lights flashing from a distance.
Two San Francisco Police Department patrol cars were parked outside Pym's villa.
Homelander's car stopped outside the police cordon.
Just then, they saw several officers finish taking statements, emerge from Pym's house, and get into their patrol cars to leave.
At the sight of police coming and going, Hope's heart leaped into her throat.
"It looks worse than I imagined." Uneasily, Hope pushed open the car door and prepared to get out.
Her foot had barely touched