Elias didn’t respond this time.

Clearly, he had no interest in this kind of inexplicable conversation.

Meanwhile, Elodie was oblivious to whatever was on Naylor’s mind.

Her own mood was surprisingly upbeat-Jason from Nexus Analytics had sent over a trove of project details with impressive efficiency, and their communication had been smooth.

At this rate, they were on track to finish the first round of data testing within the projected timeline.

During her lunch break, Elodie made her way to the hospital.

Now that her uncle had a confirmed liver donor, the surgery would soon be scheduled.

She also tried to get some news about Dr. Fergus, the renowned specialist.

But once again, she was told he hadn’t arrived at the hospital yet.

A dull ache settled in her head.

Of course, it would be best for her uncle to have the top surgeon, but for now, she simply had no way in.

If there was ever a place where connections mattered more than anywhere else, it had to be the hospital.

After lunch with Emile Thorne, Elodie was called in for her routine check-up.

The doctors needed to monitor the growth of her tumor and see how well the radiation therapy was working.

Once the tests were done, she was left waiting for the results, which would take a while.

She sat alone in the waiting area, hands numb and cold, clenching and unclenching her fingers. She had already endured two rounds of radiation—if only

it had helped. But what if things were getting worse?

Elodie sucked in a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

That was when Freya Delacroix and Joseph arrived and spotted her sitting by herself, lost in thought.

Freya whispered, “Joe, is Elodie here all alone? How come no one’s with her?”

To Freya, being sick meant having someone by your side. Ever since she was little, whenever her asthma acted up, her parents or her brother would always take turns staying with her. The idea of going through treatment alone was unthinkable and unbearably lonely.

Elodie was a few years older, but she was still a woman, and Freya imagined she must be scared too.

Watching Elodie sit there alone, Freya felt a pang of sympathy.

“Didn’t you say Elodie got married? Why isn’t her husband here?” Freya asked, genuinely puzzled.

Joseph pressed his lips together, Jarrod’s situation flashing to mind. His

expression grew complicated.

“Don’t bring that up in front of her,” he warned quietly.

He didn’t want Elodie to get hurt.

Freya didn’t really understand, but she nodded and hurried over.

“Elodie, are you not feeling well?” she asked gently.

Seeing the worry in Freya’s eyes, and noticing Joseph approaching, Elodie

hesitated for a moment before replying, “It’s nothing serious. Are you here to pick up a prescription?”

Freya shook her head. “No, I come in for regular therapy. I took the day off anyway, so I’ll wait with you for your results.”

Elodie blinked in surprise.

She had always made these hospital visits alone, dragging herself through appointments without anyone by her side. No one had ever offered to wait with her before.

“That’s really not necessary,” she said, offering Freya a gentle smile, feeling her mood lift a little.

Joseph, weighing his words, added, “It’s fine. She doesn’t have anything else to do anyway.”

Elodie hesitated, but couldn’t bring herself to reject Freya’s kindness.

While Freya kept up a steady stream of cheerful chatter, Joseph stayed quiet, almost like he wasn’t there at all.

When the results finally came out, Elodie tucked the paperwork into her bag.

Joseph seized the opportunity to ask, “Is everything set for your uncle’s surgery?” Elodie’s expression was calm. “Still looking for a doctor.”

Joseph pondered for a moment. “That doctor I mentioned before he said he could rearrange his schedule. I’ll talk to him myself and set up a meeting for you.”

Elodie paused, looking at him uncertainly. “Isn’t that too much trouble? We’re not exactly close.”

Their history was rocky to say the least, and when he had offered to introduce her to a doctor via text last time, she’d found it hard to believe.

But Joseph seemed unbothered. “Freya says you’re her friend. If we can help, it’ll make her happy too.”