Chapter 74
Chapter 74:
The soup was warm enough, as he had promised. But the one she used to make tasted better. Her own version had always been prepared with care — it took hours, and every step had been done deliberately. After only a few mouthfuls, her appetite faded.
“I’m done p>
Colton did not insist. “Then rest p>
With a compliant nod, Kristine let him pull the blanket snug around her.
The moment the bedroom door closed with a gentle click, the softness drained from her expression entirely. What remained was a steady, unyielding resolve.
She reached for her phone and called Vance. “I need a favor p>
Inside the hospital room, Elyse listened as Brent laid out the plan in full. Excitement coursed through her, and she leaned forward, unable to conceal her anticipation. “Brent, do you really think this will work p>
With an easy, confident smile, he answered, “Considering how devoted Colton is to you, I’d call it a sure thing. That said, I still need to manage a few details carefully to make sure nothing goes wrong p>
Sparkle filled Elyse’s eyes. “My happiness depends on you p>
A brief sadness stirred in Brent’s chest, though he kept his expression warm. “I wouldn’t hesitate to walk through fire for you p>
𝘛h𝖾 𝘣𝘦s𝘵 𝗋е𝗏i𝘦𝘄𝘴 𝘰n.сo𝗆
A gentle smile crossed her lips as she prepared to respond, but a knock at the door interrupted her.
Brent crossed the room and opened it. Surprise registered clearly on his face when he found Colton standing there beside the hospital director.
The instant Elyse noticed Colton, her expression brightened — far more than it had moments earlier with Brent.
“What brings you here, Colton?” she asked, the smile wide and genuine.
He had never visited her of his own free will before. Until now, she had always needed to feign illness to bring him in.
Turning to her, Colton spoke evenly. “I was speaking with the director about potential kidney donors.” A quick glance passed between Brent and Elyse.
“The director has given me his assurance,” Colton continued. “He expects to find a compatible match within a month. I’ve also made arrangements in Eyling. After the transplant, you can recover there — the climate will be much better for your health p>
Elyse’s smile faltered. “Colton, are you sending me away p>
Tears gathered in her eyes, and she appeared delicate and painfully vulnerable.
Colton remained unmoved. “No. It’s just that p>
Before he could finish, Elyse interrupted him gently. “You don’t need to explain. I understand. Since I came back, you and Kristine have been arguing, and I know it’s because of me. Once the surgery is over, I’ll return to Eyling immediately. I won’t stay here and cause any more trouble p>
Hearing her speak so reasonably only pressed down heavier on Colton’s chest. No matter how he tried to justify it, her current condition traced back to his sister.
“Just focus on your recovery,” he said, steadying himself. “Don’t think about anything else p>
With quiet compliance, Elyse nodded.
The moment Colton left the room, her features shifted — turning sharp and deliberate. “Brent, everything depends on you now. You need to move quickly p>
Managing her sudden changes in temperament was nothing new to Brent. “Don’t worry. I’ll get everything moving right away p>