An hourter, Zane''s mother, Prisci, arrived.


    Zane had discreetly texted her, asking her toe and keep an eye on Winona. He had some urgent business to attend to and didn''t feelfortable leaving Winona alone with Elysia, so he had called in reinforcements.


    As Prisci entered, Elysia couldn''t help but frown slightly. Meanwhile, Winona watched her with innocent curiosity, her eyes free of any hostility.


    Zane made the introductions. "Winona, this is my mom, Prisci. She''s your mother-inw."


    "Mother-inw?" Winona feigned ignorance.


    Zane''s voice was gentle. "Yeah, you two have always gotten along like real mother and daughter."


    Prisci hurried over, taking Winona''s hand and pretending to cry, though her eyes were dry. "Oh, Winona, you scared me half to death! Ever since I heard about your ident, I haven''t eaten or slept well. If something happened to you, I don''t know what I''d do! Boo hoo..."


    Winona thought to herself, "Ugh, how nauseating!"


    Elysia thought, "I might just throw up!"


    Winona yed along, "Don''t cry, I''m fine now. I''m back safe and sound." Prisci nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, yes, as long as you''re back, I won''t cry." The scene was a picture of motherly love and daughter-inw devotion.


    Zane felt reassured and turned to Elysia. "I have to step out for a bit, something urgent came up. You guys wait here at the hospital, and I''ll sort out Winona''s discharge papers when I get back."


    Elysia, remembering Tarquin''s ns, asked, "What''s up? Need any help?"


    Zane interpreted her question as concern and smiled warmly. "No need, I can handle it myself. Just hang tight here."


    "Alright then."


    Once Zane left, Elysia stood at the doorway, quickly texting Tarquin.


    [Zane said he had urgent business, did you set this up?]


    Tarquin replied instantly, [Not me, it was Keaton. Don''t worry about it, just enjoy the show.]


    Elysia exhaled in relief. Keaton was a close friend of Tarquin''s and Jess''s younger brother. Though he had a reputation as a bit of a yboy, he certainly had skills, especially in handling tricky situations.


    When it came to Winona''s troubles, Keaton had been a hero-from offering up a fortune in gemstones to rescuing her from danger, and now stepping in today.


    Once Winona recovered, she''d definitely owe him a huge thank you.


    [Tell him Winona is someone who knows how to repay kindness. She won''t forget what he''s done.]


    Tarquin replied, [No need for formalities. If Winona needs anything, just let him know.]


    Keaton: ...


    Really, Tarquin? Your wife''s for pampering, and your friends are for sacrificing?


    Elysia sighed with relief, feeling a bit more at ease. [Where are you? Headed out yet?]


    Tarquin was still downstairs. He waited until Zane left the hospital before starting his car.


    [Just about to leave.]


    [Alright, you go do your thing. I''ll stay here with Winona.]


    [Sure thing, call me if you need anything.]


    Tarquin sent a head-patting emoji.


    Elysia felt her heart bloom as she gazed at the screen, grinning as she typed back: [Love you.]


    Tarquin replied, [If you love me, you''ll show it. Let''s meet up tonight.]


    Elysia knew exactly what he meant, and her cheeks flushed red.


    "Who are you texting that''s got you all smiles?"


    Prisci suddenly appeared, reaching for Elysia''s phone with a mocking tone.


    Elysia dodged. "What are you doing?"


    "Hand over your phone. I want to see who you''re chatting with."


    Elysia frowned. "What''s it to you?"


    Prisci''s expression darkened, her voice full of self-righteousness. "It has everything to do with me if it involves my son!"