How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 80

They could all hear Elodie's tone during the phone call.

Sylvie frowned slightly, saying nothing.

Maurice let out a short laugh. "Seriously, is she pulling that damsel-in-distress act for attention again?"

"Maybe she's actually sick this time." Sylvie set down her cards, her voice cool and even.

Maurice shrugged. "Well, she could at least respect some boundaries, especially with you still here." He wasn't surprised—Elodie was never one to stay quiet for long.

Jarrod glanced at his watch. It was just after eight in the evening.

"I'll go check on her."

Maurice caught on immediately. "Right, if you ignore her and she complains to your grandmother later, this'll be a mess to clean up."

Sylvie pressed her lips together but didn't comment.

Jarrod's eyes remained as cold and unreadable as ever. "You two keep playing. I'll be back in a bit."

Sylvie's posture eased a little. "Alright."

Maurice grinned. "Got it. I know what you mean—just don't let her rope you into anything."

When Jarrod arrived, Elodie opened the door. He stood in the hallway, one hand in his pocket, looking down at her with a measured gaze before stepping inside. "Where are you feeling unwell?"

She stepped aside to let him in.

As he passed, there was a faint trace of women's perfume clinging to him.

He must've been with Sylvie the whole evening.

Elodie discreetly covered her nose, replying in a calm voice, "My throat."

Jarrod glanced at her, noticing how drained she looked.

She wasn't faking.

He narrowed his eyes, then went to boil some water, his tone neutral. "There are three kinds of medicine—one for bronchitis, something for the fever, and some throat lozenges."

Elodie frowned at him, a bit surprised he was taking care of her at all.

"…Thank you."

Jarrod turned and looked at her, his eyes deep and distant. After a moment, he asked, "Are you planning to go back to sleep soon?"

Elodie climbed back into bed, her head foggy and heavy, her whole body aching for rest. "Yeah."

The kettle was still heating up.