?<strong>Chapter 327:</strong>


    Peyton cut Corrie short before she could act on her idea. Surprise flickered across Peyton’s face as he straightened. “Corrie, what are you doing here? You sick too?”


    Corrie met his gaze, recognizing Jayden’s best friend. Did Peyton know about Jayden’s little charade?


    “I’m here to see Brook,” Corrie exined cautiously. “He’s in for a mild concussion. Just a friendly visit.”


    Surprise morphed into confusion on Peyton’s face. “Brook Owen? Here? I had no idea.”


    “Yeah, just arrived this afternoon. No wonder you missed it,” Corrie replied.


    Peyton’s eyes narrowed. “Where are you headed now?”


    “Home,” Corrie’s courage to sound Jayden out waned, and she decided to talk to him another day.


    Peyton nodded curtly. “Alright. Take care.”


    With a grateful smile, Corrie hurried towards the elevator, feeling Peyton’s watchful gaze on her back.


    Satisfied that Corrie had left, Peyton slipped back into Elyse’s ward. “Jayden, be cautious. Brook Owen is also hospitalized, even on the same floor. I just saw Corrie Bates visiting him,” Peyton promptly shared the information upon entering the room.


    g?lnσνe??s is your update hub


    Jayden’s eyebrows shot up. “Brook? What happened?”


    “No clue,” Peyton admitted. “Corrie filled me in.”


    He pulled out the report. “Good news though. Elyse’s fine. Once her fever breaks, she’s free to go. But rest is crucial. No work for a while; she’s too fragile.”


    Jayden took the report, scanning it quickly. “Work isn’t an option anyway,” he stated.


    Peyton raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”


    Jayden remained silent, his gaze fixed on Elyse’s peaceful sleeping face.


    Driscoll grinned, popping open a lunchbox. “Dr. Ellis, care to join me? I brought a variety of delicious dishes. Dig in.”


    Peyton cleared his throat. “Actually, it’s my break. Doing some overtime for Elyse. So yeah, definitely count me in.”


    Peyton suspected Jayden nned to hoard the food for Elyse only, so he subtly hinted at sharing.


    Jayden rolled his eyes at his words. Elyse wouldn’t be awake for a while anyway; he’d make her a proper meal then.


    The first light of dawn peeked through the window, rousing Elyse from sleep. She rubbed her blurry eyes and sat up, a jolt of fear shooting through her as she took in the sterile surroundings. Disoriented, she realized she was in a hospital ward.


    Remembering the ident, relief washed over her. Safe and sound and back with Jayden. Her eyes searched frantically for him.


    “Jayden? Are you there?” she called out hesitantly.


    “Morning,” Jayden’s voice came from the balcony. Striding towards her, he inquired with concern, “Feeling okay?”


    “Fine,” she replied, a small smile gracing her lips. “Just want a shower.”


    Jayden leaned in close, his face breaking into a mischievous grin. “Uh oh, someone smells a bit fishy. Like salted fish actually.”


    Elyse’s cheeks burned crimson as she self-consciously sniffed herself. “Salted fish? Really?”


    Jayden chuckled. “Definitely. So, shower time it is. Come here, I’ll carry you.”


    Elyse, still flustered, found herself swept into his arms. They reached the bathroom door.


    “Wait a minute,” she protested, a spark of resistance flickering to life. “There’s no need for you to—”


    Elyse finally shook off the haze and realized Jayden’s intentions. Determined, she pushed against his chest. “I can do it. Thank you, but I don’t need help.”


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