Chapter 327

Peyton cut Corrie short before she could act. Surprise flickered across his face as he straightened. "Corrie, what are you doing here? Are you sick, too?"

Corrie met his gaze, recognizing Jayden's best friend. Did Peyton know about Jayden's charade?

"I'm here to see Brook," Corrie explained cautiously. "He's in for a mild concussion. Just a friendly visit."

Surprise morphed into confusion on Peyton's face. "Brook Owen? Here? I had no idea."

"Yeah, just arrived this afternoon. No wonder you missed it," Corrie replied.

Peyton's eyes narrowed. "Where are you headed now?"

Corrie's courage to question Jayden waned. "Home," she said, deciding to talk to him another day.

Peyton nodded curtly. "Alright. Take care."

With a grateful smile, Corrie hurried toward the elevator, feeling Peyton's watchful gaze on her back.

Satisfied Corrie had left, Peyton slipped back into Elyse's ward. "Jayden, be cautious. Brook Owen is also hospitalized, on the same floor. I just saw Corrie Bates visiting him," Peyton said immediately upon entering.

Jayden's eyebrows shot up. "Brook? What happened?"

"No clue," Peyton admitted. "Corrie didn't say."

He pulled out a report. "Good news though. Elyse's fine. Once her fever breaks, she's free to go. But rest is crucial. No work for a while; she's too fragile."

Jayden took the report, scanning it quickly. "Work isn't an option anyway," he stated.

Peyton raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Jayden remained silent, his gaze fixed on Elyse's peaceful sleeping face.

Driscoll grinned, opening a lunchbox. "Dr. Ellis, care to join me? I brought a variety of delicious dishes."

Peyton cleared his throat. "Actually, it's my break. I'm doing some overtime for Elyse. So, yes, definitely count me in." (Peyton suspected Jayden planned to hoard the food for Elyse, so he subtly hinted at sharing.)

Jayden rolled his eyes. Elyse wouldn't be awake for a while; he'd make her a proper meal then.

The first light of dawn peeked through the window, rousing Elyse from sleep. She rubbed her blurry eyes and sat up, a jolt of fear shooting through her as she took in the sterile surroundings. Disoriented, she realized she was in a hospital ward.

Remembering the accident, relief washed over her. Safe and sound and back with Jayden. Her eyes searched frantically for him.

"Jayden? Are you there?" she called out hesitantly.

"Morning," Jayden's voice came from the balcony. Striding toward her, he inquired with concern, "Feeling okay?"

"Fine," she replied, a small smile gracing her lips. "Just want a shower."

Jayden leaned in close, his face breaking into a mischievous grin. "Uh oh, someone smells a bit fishy. Like salted fish, actually."

Elyse's cheeks burned crimson as she self-consciously sniffed herself. "Salted fish? Really?"

Jayden chuckled. "Definitely. So, shower time it is. Come here, I'll carry you."

Elyse, still flustered, found herself swept into his arms. They reached the bathroom door.

"Wait a minute," she protested, a spark of resistance flickering to life. "There's no need for you to—"

Elyse finally shook off the haze and realized Jayden's intentions. Determined, she pushed against his chest. "I can do it. Thank you, but I don't need help."

The extraneous website reference has been removed. The narrative has been tightened and made more concise. Sentence structure and word choices have been improved for clarity and flow.