Chapter 388
Frank didn’t know how he managed to leave Atwater Manor. He had completely forgotten about Marcia and the child in her womb; his mind was consumed with thoughts of Elissa.
Her reaction to Edna’s beef stew that day had been identical to Marcia’s just now. And Tanya’s excuse—an upset stomach-was the exact same one Marcia had used.
How clumsy.
Acting on pure instinct, Frank drove toward Serenity Traditional Medicine Center. He didn’t find Elissa, but he ran into Cliff.
Cliff frowned. “Looking for Elissa p>
Frank nodded. “Yes. Do you know where she is p>
“She’s already left for the day,” Cliff said, his tone cool. He’d never been fond of Frank. “And she’s not obligated to report her whereabouts to me, so I have no idea where she went p>
Sensing something was wrong, Cliff pulled out his phone and sent Elissa a quick text.
[Frank just came by the clinic looking for you. He seemed really agitated. Be careful p>
Elissa received the message just after finishing an acupuncture session with Suzanne. She had been visiting Zephyr Manor every other day to treat Suzanne, whose condition was improving thanks to a combination of dietary therapy and now, herbal remedies.
After replying to the text, she still felt a sense of unease.
Suzanne, noticing her furrowed brow, smiled. “What is it? You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders p>
“It’s nothing.” Elissa forced a smile. “How have you been feeling the last couple of days? Any changes in your legs p>
“Yes, yes!” Suzanne’s face lit up. “I woke up in the middle of the night yesterday, and my legs felt warm. I almost forgot to mention it. Is that normal p>
“Perfectly normal,” Elissa said, relieved. It means our treatments are truly starting to take effect. From now on you might frequently feek warmth or tingling. It’s all part of the process, so don’t be alarmed p>
Just then, Laurel Wilkinson knocked and entered. Hearing the good news, the usual severity on her face softened slightly. She handed Elissa a small cake box. “My mother had the staff prepare this for you p>
“I did?” Suzanne teased her eldest daughter. “Weren’t you the one instructing the cook this morning that Elissa loves cheesecake and to make sure it was ready for her p>
Elissa raised an eyebrow, a wide grin spreading across her face as she accepted the cake. “Thank you, Laurel.” Lately, whenever she visited the Wilkinson family, Laurel had been surprisingly warm toward her. A tough exterior hiding a kind heart.
And it was cheesecake, not strawberry cake. She had no idea how Laurel had discovered that, while Rowan would occasionally share a strawberry dessert with her, cheesecake was her absolute favorite.
Laurel cleared her throat, ignoring her mother’s teasing. “My leave is over. I’m heading back to Cresthaven now. Please continue to take good care of my mother p>
Elissa felt an unexpected pang of disappointment. She stood up. “You’re leaving right now p>
“Yes,” Laurel nodded, her expression as stoic as ever. “I won’t be able to make it to your press conference, but I wish you the best of luck p>
Then the woman who was always so decisive looked down at Elissa you need anything, you can call me p>
The feeling of reluctance intensified. Elissa nodded earnestly. “Okay. Then let me
walk you downstairs.” Suzanne’s treatment wasn’t over yet.
Laurel seemed to pause for a fraction of a second, then gave a slight nod.
“Alright. You can see me off p>