Elodie hadn’t expected Naylor’s cousin to be so different from him in temperament —almost polar opposites, really.

And actually…

She remembered that day-the argument with Naylor. Elias had been there. He’d seen the whole thing, and she knew Naylor wouldn’t have had anything good to say about her in front of him. It was surprising, then, how calmly Elias spoke to her now, as if none of it had happened.

Neither of them brought up Naylor.

Joseph didn’t say much either.

When the waiter arrived with a blueberry tart, Joseph nudged the plate toward Elodie.

He’d seen her a few times now, and it hadn’t escaped his notice-she definitely had a sweet tooth.

Elodie didn’t notice Joseph’s gesture. She was focused on Elias. “My uncle’s condition….. The hospital mentioned there might be a new treatment plan that could improve his chances. Mr. Warwick, would you mind taking a look for me?” She pulled out a folder with all her uncle’s medical records and handed it over. Elias nodded and spent a few moments reviewing the documents. “That’s quite a coincidence,” he remarked, glancing up. “I just came back to lead a research team on cancer treatment drugs-at this very hospital, in fact.”

Elodie was taken aback by the coincidence and a little hopeful. After all, if someone was invited back to head a research team, they had to be among the best.

Elias scanned the records. “It’s complicated. Honestly, a liver transplant is the safest option.”

Elodie felt her heart lurch. “Then… Mr. Warwick, do you have time to handle my uncle’s procedure?”

Joseph looked at Elias as well, expectant.

Elias paused briefly, then slid the file back to her. “I’m very sorry. I’m afraid I won’t have time in the next couple of months. The research is part of an international collaboration, so my schedule’s pretty packed. But I can introduce you to my colleague who came back from abroad with me.”

Elodie couldn’t hide her disappointment.

She knew that if Joseph vouched for Elias, he must be exceptionally skilled.

“My colleague works at this hospital, too. He’s a leading specialist in surgical oncology. If you don’t mind, I could refer you to him,” Elias continued, gently but firmly declining.

Joseph understood that Elias had come today only because he’d promised, squeezing in the meeting despite his schedule. Even if he couldn’t operate himself, he’d still make sure to help however he could.

Elodie didn’t dwell on it.

She thanked him sincerely.

Of course, she wished Elias could perform the surgery, but it would be unfair to push him further. At least he’d thought of a backup plan for her, and made sure she’d be in good hands.

There was nothing more she could ask for.

Elias gave her his colleague’s number, and with that, their meeting drew to a close.

Joseph went to get the car.

Elodie and Elias walked to the restaurant entrance together.

She was utterly exhausted-after an early morning of chemotherapy, then a trip to

city hall. She’d used up all her strength; her face was pale, and it showed.

Elias stopped, his sharp gaze lingering on her. He seemed to sense something was off.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

He was a doctor-he could tell she was weak.

It was still chilly outside, but sweat beaded on her forehead. Her steps were

unsteady. She looked like she might collapse at any moment.

Elodie had never realized how brutal chemotherapy could be.

She steadied herself and forced a polite smile. “I’m fine.”

But as she stepped down the stone stairs, her knees buckled.

Elias reacted instantly, catching her slender wrist. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”

She was about to shake her head-when she noticed, just across the quiet street,

a Rolls-Royce Phantom had pulled up by the office building.

Sylvie and Jarrod got out-one after the other.

The sidewalk was nearly empty.

Jarrod glanced up as he closed the car door, his eyes landing squarely on them.