Chapter 95
Jarrod’s words were brisk, businesslike-leaving no room for negotiation.
Elodie’s eyes flickered, the tension in her body so intense she could barely stand. The recent radiation treatment had left her lightheaded, and she had to steady herself against the nurses’ station just to keep from collapsing.
She drew in a slow breath. “There are plenty of premium rooms available. Why does it have to be my uncle’s? What’s their angle?”
Jarrod regarded her coolly. “A patient’s emotional well-being is important. I can move your uncle to the best suite in the hospital and pay the full year’s fees upfront.”
He didn’t bother to elaborate. He spoke with the blunt, transactional tone of a man closing a deal.
He really would do anything to keep Sylvie’s mother happy.
Since her uncle fell ill, Jarrod hadn’t lifted a finger to help-not even financially. And now, suddenly, he was willing to cover a year’s worth of luxury hospital fees, all for Sylvie’s family.
Elodie had thought about moving her uncle to a better room before, but she simply couldn’t afford it. Her married name, Mrs. Silverstein, didn’t carry any special privileges, and all she could do was put it off again and again.
But now, Jarrod was serious.
Elodie forced herself to stay calm. “So, does this mean you’re asking me for a favor?”
Jarrod’s eyebrow arched, understanding her at once. “What are your terms?”
“A private suite is the least you can do it doesn’t count as a favor. As for my condition, let’s say you owe me one. A personal favor, redeemable whenever I choose. Deal?” Her voice was soft, lacking conviction.
She knew Jarrod was still being reasonable, negotiating with her. If she refused, he could go straight to the hospital administration. Her uncle might be forced out of his room, just like last time when her grandmother’s house became a point of contention and left a bitter taste.
Sylvie had been “wronged” then.
Jarrod might not be so lenient this time.
So, better to secure some guarantee.
She wasn’t trying to take advantage of Jarrod-she just knew, ever since Selma returned to the country and started ruffling the Thorne family’s feathers, trouble seemed to follow. She couldn’t help but suspect there’d be more to come.
Might as well secure herself a favor.
After all, Jarrod’s promises carried weight.
But deep down, she wondered if he’d really agree to her conditions.
He didn’t care about her; why would he let her push her luck?
Biting her lip, Elodie glanced up and met his gaze, only to find Jarrod staring back at her, thoughtful.
He took in her pale face, their eyes locking for a long moment. Finally, his cold expression softened, and he said abruptly, “Fine. As you wish.”
Elodie blinked, stunned. She hadn’t expected him to agree so easily.
“Anything else?” Jarrod asked, as if her surprise meant nothing to him.
She steadied herself and answered evenly, “I just want you to promise not to disturb my uncle while you’re here.”noveldrama
Her meaning was clear: don’t flaunt your relationship with Sylvie in front of him. If the truth came out, it would only hurt everyone involved.
Jarrod’s dark eyes flickered, his lips curving into a faint, almost mocking smile. He didn’t respond just turned and walked back into the hospital room.
Elodie let out the breath she’d been holding.
She didn’t bother with Sylvie or the others anymore. Instead, she headed to her uncle’s room.
Jarrod worked fast; a nurse soon informed her that a suite on the twelfth floor was ready-bright, spacious, and with a great view.
Elodie gathered Emile’s things and started helping him move upstairs.
Emile looked puzzled. “Why the sudden room change?”
She replied simply, “My dividends just came in. I thought you deserved a better room.”
He eyed her skeptically for a moment, but seeing nothing unusual in her expression, he let it go.
Now her uncle was settled on the twelfth floor, while Selma remained down on the second. The hospital layout was so convoluted, their paths were unlikely to cross.
As long as Jarrod kept a low profile, there shouldn’t be any more trouble.