Elizabeth shot him a pointed look. “What are you rambling about? It’s a colleague of the physician your grandmother trusts.”
Elijah fell silent at her words.
The James family depended on the medication prescribed by Melany’s personal physician, so Elijah had complete faith in the doctor’s expertise.
After Elizabeth left, Elijah turned to Sandra, his hands resting on her shoulders as he gazed intently into her eyes. “Did Mom give you any trouble?”
“No,” Sandra replied, slipping her hand into his jacket pocket.
It wasn’t that she was distant, but dealing with Oliver and Cindy had left her emotionally drained, and she sought solace in Elijah’s presence.
Elijah immediately sensed her vulnerability. He gently tapped her nose and pulled her into his embrace. “What’s wrong? Is the Campbell family causing you stress?”
Sandra leaned her head against his chest, feeling the warmth of his body through his shirt and the faint scent of cedar surrounding him, which gave her a sense of security. She sighed softly after a moment.
She stayed there briefly, then exhaled slowly. “If we don’t resolve the product issues, even if I inherit the shares, I’ll just be taking over chaos. The company won’t survive.”
Elijah softly patted her back, looking at her with tenderness. He teased, “Just a few days ago, you were unstoppable, like a little warrior. What happened to your fighting spirit?”
Sandra blinked, surprised by his comment. It was true—knowing she could depend on Elijah had made her more open, taking away some of the reckless courage she once had.
When he noticed her expression change, Elijah couldn’t bring himself to tease her further. His tone softened. “Don’t worry. I’m here for you, always. Do what you feel is right. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Even if you stumble, I’ll help you get back on track.”
“Alright,” Sandra murmured, holding him a little longer before her phone vibrated.
She picked it up and waved it at him. “It’s Elizabeth.”
As soon as she answered, Elizabeth’s voice came through, impatient and sharp. “Why aren’t you up here yet? Whatever it is, handle it at home.”
“I understand, Elizabeth,” Sandra responded.
“Third floor. Move it,” Elizabeth reminded her before ending the call.
Sandra released Elijah’s hand, stepping back from his embrace as she gently tugged him along. “Let’s go. We can’t keep Elizabeth waiting.”
When they arrived on the third floor and exited the elevator, they overheard two nurses chatting near the station.
“They say Dr. Carpenter’s health supplement works even better than Viagra. I’m thinking of getting a couple of boxes for my husband.”
“Absolutely. Remember that woman last month? She complained her husband could barely last two minutes. Well, she came back for a follow-up, and now he’s at fifteen.”
“Men have such delicate egos about this stuff. I’m worried if I bring it home, my husband will think I’m dissatisfied.”
“Just put it in a vitamin bottle and tell him it’s a regular supplement.”
“You’re so clever!”
Sandra listened for a moment before noticing Elijah looking at her with a raised eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were so interested in gossip.”
Sandra flushed and looked away. “I’m not gossiping. I’m just being vigilant for you. What if you ever needed something?”
Elijah’s expression turned playful. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a teasing tone. “Haven’t you already figured out if I do or don’t?”
As he spoke, his hand slipped under her blouse.
His touch sent a chill down her spine, and she quickly pushed him away, wide-eyed. “What are you doing?”
She glanced around quickly—there were people and cameras everywhere, and she didn’t want to draw attention.
Seeing her flustered face only encouraged Elijah to tease her further. He pulled her close, wrapping his arms tightly around her. His voice became a low murmur, filled with mischief. “What do you think I’m doing?”
“Are you insane?” Sandra gasped, trying to push him away.
“Ouch,” Elijah feigned pain, releasing her and frowning.
Sandra used the opportunity to step back, creating distance between them. She was skeptical, wondering if Elijah was up to something. “Don’t fake it.”
Elijah chuckled weakly, deliberately looking pitiable. “What? Did you forget I’m still injured?”
Sandra froze, her face turning serious as she quickly unbuttoned his jacket. “Are you alright? Why are you joking around if you’re hurt?”
As she removed his jacket, she saw blood slowly soaking through his shirt from the wound on his arm.
The injury had reopened.
Blood was spreading across half his arm, and it looked severe.
Sandra immediately forgot their playful exchange as panic took over. She called out to the nurses’ station, “Nurse, we need assistance with his wound!”
Sandra was still in shock. During lunch, she had convinced herself that Elijah was exaggerating, so she hadn’t taken his injury seriously.
Still in a haze, she followed the nurse into the treatment room. But then, a cold, authoritative voice rang out behind her. “What have you done?”
