Chapter 326

Peyton was eager to continue their conversation, but a notification alerted him that Elyse's report was ready. He excused himself to read it.

Meanwhile, Jayden stood on the inpatient wing's staircase, finishing a cigarette. Driscoll called to say he'd arrived at the hospital and would soon deliver the wheelchair. Jayden nodded, preparing to return to the ward. As he walked down the corridor, he felt an unsettling sensation. He glanced back, but saw no one. Frowning, he wondered if he was imagining things, feeling as though someone was watching him. He hurried to the ward, unwilling to linger.

Unbeknownst to him, Corrie emerged from an empty ward after he'd passed. Visibly shaken, she stood there, puzzled by the sight of Jayden walking. Wasn't he supposed to be disabled? She questioned whether the man she'd seen was actually him. Just as she was about to investigate, Driscoll appeared, wheeling a wheelchair past her ward and into Jayden's. His actions seemed deliberate, fueling her suspicion that Jayden might be feigning his disability.

Stunned, she slowly regained her composure, realizing she'd stumbled upon a shocking secret that could endanger her life if revealed. She paced the ward before calming herself. She picked up the bouquet and fruit she'd prepared and headed to the end of the corridor.

Entering Brook's room, she greeted him softly. "How are you doing? Feeling better?"

With a bandage on his forehead, Brook looked visibly annoyed. He eyed the gifts and said, with dissatisfaction, "Is this all you brought? Do you think I'm a beggar?"

Corrie maintained her smile. "You're a patient, so I brought what seemed appropriate. What would you like to eat? We can go to a restaurant when you feel up to it."

She placed the bouquet and fruit on the bedside table, pulled up a chair, and sat beside him. Curiously, she asked, "How did you fall down the stairs? What happened?"

Her question reignited his anger. He'd been overwhelmed with work, staying late for several nights and relying on coffee to stay awake. That afternoon, while carrying files to a meeting, he'd encountered Debora. They'd clashed at work recently, leading to an argument. Debora, quick to anger, had tried to hit him. While defending himself, and suffering from hypoglycemia, Brook lost his balance when Debora pushed him, sending him tumbling down the stairs.

Brook slammed his hand on the bed. "I won't let her off easily when I get back to the company," he said resolutely.

Corrie waited, hoping he would elaborate, but Brook seemed reluctant. She didn't press further, her mind still preoccupied with her doubts about Jayden.

"By the way, come stay with me tonight. I'll be here for two more days, and no one's here to look after me," Brook said, assuming her compliance.

Corrie's smile faltered. "I can't stay overnight. I have work commitments."

Brook frowned. "What's so important? Still busy with your jewelry design? You know, after we're married, you won't need money. You don't have to run your own studio; it's too exhausting. Just take care of me, and you'll have everything."

Corrie felt a surge of annoyance. Brook was incompetent, bad-tempered, and arrogant. He seemed to believe his Owen family lineage made him royalty. Despite her irritation, she maintained a neutral expression. Marrying Brook would benefit her family, and she would share in those benefits, so she continued to play her part.

Feigning interest in her phone, she sent a few messages. After a short while, she stood. "I have something urgent to attend to. Take care," she said briskly.

Brook's frown deepened. "Did I give you permission to leave? Come back here, now!"

Corrie rolled her eyes; her patience was exhausted. If Brook wanted care, he should hire a caregiver or maid. She wasn't going to be it. As she left the ward and was about to exit the inpatient wing, a thought struck her, and she turned toward Jayden's ward instead. Piqued by curiosity, she wondered how Jayden would react if she confronted him about seeing him walk.

(...continued)