Chapter 274
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Chapter 274:
Gaston slowly lifted himself away from her and threw back the duvet, letting the cool morning air rush over them. He didn’t look embarrassed. He looked entirely too comfortable.
Jocelyn scrambled backward, nearly tumbling off the edge of the mattress. She snatched her robe, fingers fumbling with the silk tie, and practically ran to the master bathroom without looking at him, pulling the door shut behind her.
She turned on the faucet and splashed cold water onto her flushed cheeks, staring at her own wide, panicked eyes in the mirror.
An hour later, Jocelyn walked into the dining room just as the doorbell chimed through the penthouse.
Mrs. Higgins opened the door. Elbert Collins strode into the foyer wearing a sharp tweed suit and carrying a massive gift basket filled with rare imported teas and expensive organic supplements.
“Good morning!” His voice boomed across the space. He walked directly to Grandma’s wheelchair. “How is the most beautiful woman in Manhattan feeling today p>
Grandma beamed, her wrinkled face lighting up. “Oh, you flatter an old woman p>
𝗗𝗈𝗐𝗻𝗅о𝖺𝘥 𝗣𝖣𝘍𝘴 𝖿r𝘦𝖾 𝘰ո
Elbert pulled a chair up beside her. “I have a proposition. The city air is terrible for recovery. I am driving out to the Collins estate in Long Island for the weekend — the gardens are in full bloom, the sea breeze is perfect. You must come with me p>
Jocelyn stepped forward, her stomach tightening. “Mr. Collins, that is very generous, but I cannot let her out of my sight. She needs constant monitoring p>
Under the dining table, Gaston’s hand found her knee and gave it a firm, reassuring squeeze.
The lead nurse stepped forward with a calm nod. “Dr. Evans actually approved this transfer this morning, Mrs. Wolfe. He noted that the Collins estate — the fresh air and absolute quiet — is significantly better for her cognitive recovery than the ambient noise of the city. We will have a full ICU setup on-site p>
The rigid tension in Jocelyn’s shoulders finally broke. She couldn’t argue with what was best for her grandmother’s health.
Grandma waved a dismissive hand. “Let an old woman have a vacation. You two stay here. Enjoy your weekend alone. You need the privacy.” She winked with great emphasis.
Jocelyn opened her mouth, but Elbert was already signaling his security detail to begin packing Grandma’s things. Within twenty minutes, the penthouse had emptied of nurses, housekeepers, and family.
The heavy front door clicked shut. The silence that settled over the apartment was enormous.
Jocelyn let out a long breath and turned to Gaston. “Well. Since she is gone, I will move my things into the guest room for the weekend p>
Gaston stood leaning against the marble kitchen island, one hand slipped casually into his trouser pocket. He raised the other and pointed a finger toward the corner of the ceiling.
A small, sleek black dome was mounted there. A smart camera.