How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 98

Jarrod withdrew his hand with a faint, indifferent gesture and glanced at the old woman. "Are you satisfied now?"

Relief softened the lines on her face, but she still beckoned a servant, who soon brought over a bowl of medicine. "Drink this tonic, dear. It's good for your health."

Seeing how insistent she was, Jarrod didn't bother to argue. He didn't even ask what was in the cup-just picked it up and downed it in one gulp.

A smile broke across the old woman's face, genuine and pleased. She turned to where Elodie stood, lost in thought. "Elodie? Come here, sweetheart. Let Dr. MacLeod take a look at you. He'll help you feel better."

Jarrod's gaze drifted over as well, slow and unreadable.

Elodie's fingers tightened into her palm.

A lump caught in her throat. "I..."

She couldn't let this happen.

A truly skilled physician could spot any number of hidden ailments. Dr. MacLeod had been treating the old woman for years and was known as one of the best in the country. If she was examined, her secret would surely be exposed.

"What is it, Elodie?" The old woman stepped closer, concern etching her features.

Elodie's lips had gone pale. "Grandma, I'm really fine. There's no need to trouble anyone."

"You've lost weight, darling. I've always worried you weren't taking care of yourself. It's nothing, just a quick check-up. If he prescribes some tonic, it'll only help." The old woman took her gently by the arm, guiding her toward Dr. MacLeod.

Elodie's palms grew slick with cold sweat.

with no graceful

discovered, she dreaded to think what might

over at Jarrod, who looked for all the world like he was merely

He met her gaze.

unchanged, cool

racing with panic, a hand closed around her wrist. A gentle tug, and she stumbled backward,

up. Jarrod's face was as impassive as ever as he spoke, his tone calm but resolute. "Grandma, young people are plenty healthy. Really, there's no need to worry about us. We'll

for a reply,

watched them go

beard thoughtfully, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

goes well, you might have good

old woman's face lit up with

reached the upstairs hallway,

suffocating tension had

room and Jarrod released her, settling onto the sofa with his laptop, Elodie couldn't help but glance

Was he...helping her?

But why?

didn't know anything about her

MacLeod didn't detect her cancer, he'd surely notice old injuries— damage that would make having children difficult. And the cause of those injuries

up. "If Grandma tries anything like

pressed her lips

eyes, voice flat. "It's just

Elodie realize

wasn't actually trying to