How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 132

Elodie walked to the entrance and sat on the stone steps for a moment to catch her breath.

The specialist the doctor mentioned had no set return date. Besides, if this expert was as renowned as they claimed, getting an appointment wouldn't be easy.

If only she had some way to contact him directly—maybe she could buy her uncle some precious time.

"Ms. Thorne?"

Elodie looked up.

Joseph was approaching, studying her with a concerned gaze. He noticed how pale she still looked and was reminded of the last time he'd rushed her to the hospital.

"Are you feeling unwell again?" he asked, lips pressed in a tight line.

Elodie drifted for a second, then shook her head. "No, I'm fine."

Her answer was a little curt, so she tried to soften it, asking politely, "You're here for...?"

Joseph lifted the pharmacy bag in his hand. "Freya's asthma medication. I come by to pick it up regularly."

Elodie nodded in understanding. Freya had struggled with asthma for years—her health had never been strong. Joseph, though, was a devoted brother, always looking out for her.

She and Joseph had never been close. Their past interactions were anything but friendly, leaving them with little to talk about now.

An awkward silence settled between them.

Joseph noticed it too and chose to break it. "So, what brings you to the hospital today?"

"I spoke with my uncle's doctor about treatment options," Elodie replied politely.

her sitting there, she seemed weighed down by worries. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Are you having trouble with something? Do

Given Joseph's previous

it's nothing. I'm just trying to find a

"What's his diagnosis?"

"A malignant tumor."

everything going on, she couldn't

uncertain, searching for

look and said, "I know a leading doctor in that

him,

a note of hesitation in her eyes, as if she didn't quite trust

out his phone, and tapped

Joseph explained. "He's been working abroad for years and is highly respected. Even if he can't

silent, still

phone-a new

she asked

He wasn't as openly hostile as Maurice, but

question seemed to catch him off

After a pause, he simply said, "Just lending

figure out his motives, but she couldn't deny he'd just given her a lifeline. Joseph came from

and, for the first time, spoke with genuine gratitude.

nothing," Joseph replied. He sensed her continued reserve and didn't take

knew he'd never treated her

I can give you a ride," he offered, checking his watch, his tone

right, you don't have to go out

Joseph met her eyes, sincere. "You're probably heading back to VistaLink Technologies, right? I'm headed that

hesitated. Her car was still in the shop-Esmeralda had taken it in for servicing so she'd come by cab and would have to wait

helped her, refusing his offer