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

she dreaded to

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

He met her gaze.

unchanged,

suddenly, as Elodie stepped in front of Dr. MacLeod, her mind racing with panic, a hand closed around her wrist. A gentle tug,

looked 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

waiting for a reply, he led

watched them go

a knowing

well, you might

woman's face lit up

after they reached the upstairs hallway, Elodie's heart

suffocating tension had

settling onto the sofa with his laptop,

Was he...helping her?

But why?

know anything about her

he'd surely notice old injuries— damage that would make having

looked up. "If Grandma tries anything like that again

her lips together. "Alright.

eyes, voice flat.

then did Elodie realize his

trying to help