Chapter 847

Tyler seldom spoke like this.

Rachel bit her lip and finally decided to give him a quick peck through the screen. Her face turned red immediately after.

Tyler chuckled and smiled from ear to ear. The tense air around him disappeared.

“Alright, I’ll leave you to it. Don’t feel too pressured when you meet Elias tomorrow. If it doesn’t work—”

“It will work,” Rachel cut him off firmly. “Cecilia’s counting on me.”

Tyler could see the stubborn look in her eyes. He merely sighed.

“Call me anytime if something comes up."

“Got it.”

After ending the call, Rachel touched her burning cheeks. Her fingertips still felt warm from the virtual kiss earlier. She took a deep breath, shoved her phone into her bag, and picked up the folder on the table. It contained Cecilia’s latest medical reports. Each page was marked with notes.

When she finished reviewing it, she noticed Yale and Jerry hadn’t touched their food.

“What are you two doing? Eat already. We’re heading to Dr. Elias’ place after this.”

Yale rested his chin on one hand. He poked at his steak with a fork.

“After watching you two just now, I feel full already.”

Jerry chimed in, “Same here.”

Rachel tapped both their heads with her fork.

“Can you two be serious for once?”

The men exchanged a look and chuckled.

Once the laughter died down, Yale couldn’t help but ask, “Ms. Lloyd, didn’t we agree to see him tomorrow?”

Rachel frowned slightly.

“If we wait, I’m worried we’ll run out of time. And given how complicated his situation is, honestly, I’m not very confident I can persuade him. Better to settle it sooner.”

Yale nodded. “Alright then, let’s go after we eat.”

They finished quickly and left the hotel while the day was still bright. They took a cab to Elias’ home.

“Dr. Elias lives in the old district,” Jerry said from the front seat before glancing back. “Mark told me he rarely leaves the house these days. His mother’s the one who takes care of him.”

Yale added, “We looked it up. His mother usually goes shopping on Wednesday afternoons. Today’s Wednesday, so he should be home alone.”

Rachel nodded, though she still felt uneasy.

The cab stopped in front of a villa overgrown with ivy. The wrought-iron gate was locked, and the brass bell on the post was coated with rust.

Rachel rang the bell. After a long wait, dragging footsteps were heard from within. The security camera swiveled toward them, revealing a pair of bloodshot eyes. The person seemed cautious.

“Dr. Elias?” Rachel asked. “I’m Rachel. I’d like to talk to you…”

“Not interested.” The man’s voice was hoarse. Before she could finish, he cut the line.

The light on the bell went dark, followed by the sharp crash of glass shattering inside the yard.

Rachel froze, while Jerry frowned.

“Should we try another day?”

“Wait.” She retrieved a folder from her bag that was filled with Cecilia’s photos and a summary of her case. “Ring again. Just tell him I only want to give him this. It won’t take long.”

They pressed the bell. After a while, the gate finally cracked open.

A man in a gray wool sweater stood in the shadows. His hair was a tangled mess, and his jaw was covered in stubble. Only his eyes, sharp and piercing in the dim light, stood out.

“Leave it. Then go.” His gaze swept over the folder in Rachel’s hand. It was devoid of warmth.

“Dr. Elias,” Rachel said. Her hand lifted halfway, and her tone was earnest. “I know what happened five years ago was devastating, but my friend—”

“Shut up!” he barked. His eyes were suddenly bloodshot again. “I left the medical field years ago! I know exactly why you’re here, but look at me—do you really think I can still practice? Leave.”