Chapter 1940: Love Rival

Another half hour passed before Coralie emerged from the emergency room. Her pale complexion had returned to normal, and the wound on her forehead was neatly sewn. Seeing Jonathan's distress and self-reproach, she grinned. "Interesting. This is my first car accident. Quite an exceptional experience, Jonathan!"

She noticed Madilyn standing nearby. "Her eyes are pretty," Coralie thought.

Still feeling guilty, Jonathan apologized, "I'm so sorry you were involved in an accident, Ms. Crawford," though he was relieved to see Coralie unharmed.

"It's fine, Jonathan! But if you're feeling remorseful, feel free to spend the next couple of days looking after me!" Coralie's characteristic smile returned. She patted his shoulder and was then wheeled into a regular ward.

Jonathan nodded.

Moments later, the emergency doctor explained Coralie's condition: "The concussion caused blood clots in her brain, which will gradually dissolve. Her shoulder is slightly cracked, requiring time to heal. Thankfully, her vital organs are fine thanks to her seatbelt."

"Jonathan, if you'd like Ms. Crawford transferred to a better ward, I can help arrange it," Madilyn offered, the suggestion occurring as she considered how to cheer him up.

"Okay. Thank you so much, Madilyn. I'm sure I'll need your help with many things in the coming days," Jonathan admitted, essentially confirming he would be caring for Coralie.

Stifling her displeasure, Madilyn forced a smile and excused herself to return to her office. Once alone, her smile vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression. "I feel awful," she mused. "Is it jealousy? Disappointment? I don't understand, but it's unpleasant."

Remembering her promise to her mother, she quickly changed out of her hospital scrubs and left the office, deliberately avoiding the inpatient department to steer clear of Jonathan and Coralie.

At eight that evening, Madilyn dined with her mother. Lorraine sensed her daughter's distraction.

"The food is delicious, Maddy. I've finished. How about you?" Lorraine suspected her daughter was preoccupied with Jonathan.

Madilyn, however, was stubborn. "I'm done, too. Are you satisfied? If so, we can come here often." Snapping out of her thoughts, she met her mother's calm gaze, then quickly looked away, feeling scrutinized.

"How are things with Jonathan lately? Any news? I'm still waiting for good news, you know. He seems well-suited to you!" Lorraine genuinely believed Jonathan would make an excellent son-in-law.

Madilyn panicked. "Mom, be careful what you say! Jonathan and I are just good friends. And I'm not his only friend. Don't push me toward him like I'm some commodity!"

Lorraine instantly understood. "Ah, so you've encountered a love rival, have you?"