Elodie kept her composure, though her pulse slowed almost imperceptibly. She lifted her eyes and met Elias’s gaze; he wasn’t pressing, not digging for answers or prying where he shouldn’t. He had simply asked, as though passing by a window and glancing out of habit.

She nodded lightly. “Yes, he’s gone.”

And left it at that.

There was no need to explain what she and Jarrod were to each other, nor to urge Elias not to overthink it.

Sometimes, saying more only made things messier.

He’d already seen what he’d seen-no explanation could change that.

Better to let the subject drop entirely.

Elias, for his part, didn’t seem surprised. He understood her meaning; she didn’t want to talk about Jarrod, and really, that was her business-there was no reason she owed him any details.

“For the next twenty-four hours or so, things might be a little tough for the family,” he said, his tone calm and reassuring, the kind of voice that eased the nerves of anxious relatives. “But considering Mr. Thorne’s status here, the hospital will have a private nurse assigned to help out.”

Elodie nodded, tension finally beginning to ease after so many hours of waiting for the surgery. “Alright. Thank you. I understand.”

Elias checked the time, then glanced at Elodie again. He noticed the slight sheen of sweat at her pale neck-probably nerves, or maybe low blood sugar from not eating.

His gaze lingered only a second or two before he looked away, gesturing to the unopened bottle of fruit smoothie she still held-the one he’d given her earlier. “Ms. Thorne, taking care of your loved one starts with taking care of yourself.”

Elodie’s limbs still felt weak, but she understood his point and managed a polite thank you.

Elias nodded, reserved as always, then stepped aside and left.

But as he rounded the corner in the hallway, his long strides slowed, a flicker of doubt crossing his eyes.

Someone like Jarrod always busy, never a spare moment-had spent an unusual amount of time in the hospital today.

There’d only been one surgery scheduled in that operating room-Emile Thorne’s.

So… Jarrod had really been waiting with Elodie all this time? For what reason? In what capacity?

At the Warwick family’s gala just a few weeks ago, Jarrod’s date had been Sylvie; everyone there had commented on what a perfect pair they made. Elodie herself had seen them together and, by all accounts, she and Jarrod barely knew each other.

And yet, after that, came Jarrod’s so-called “accidental” rescue of Elodie.

Now, Elias couldn’t help but wonder if that “accident” had been a little too convenient…

Elodie called Rosemary.

When Rosemary arrived and saw Emile still sleeping peacefully, she finally let out a breath of relief.

Visiting hours were strict in the ICU, so they couldn’t go in. All they could do was return to their room and check in every so often.

Her uncle had always been devoted to his academic work. He’d dated someone once, years ago, but after they broke up, he’d never married or started a family. Now, well into his forties, with no children of his own, Rosemary couldn’t help but worry.

Just past seven that evening, there was a knock at the hospital room door.

Someone from Eldermere’s most renowned catering service stood there, holding a delivery.

Elodie hesitated. “I’m sorry, I didn’t order anything.”

The delivery person double-checked. “Are you Elodie-Ms. Thorne?”

She nodded, still confused. “Yes, that’s me…”

“Then all’s well. Enjoy your meal.” The delivery person placed the elegantly

packed meal on the table and left.

Rosemary came over. “Who sent it?”

Elodie shook her head. “I have no idea.”

She checked the packaging; it was tightly sealed, and still warm to the touch.

“Why would it be delivered here?” Rosemary wondered.

Elodie thought for a moment. “It’s probably from Alex and the others.”

Rosemary seemed satisfied with this answer.

The next morning, Elodie was up before seven to check on the ICU. Everything was fine.

When she returned to their room, breakfast had already been delivered.

Rosemary was eating.

Elodie looked over the meal-it was clearly a carefully balanced breakfast, full of nutrients, and just right for someone recovering at their age.

“Did the hospital arrange this?” Elodie asked, knowing that this private hospital was known for their top-tier service, always looking after both patients and their families.