?Chapter 1353:


    Ste blinked in a daze and finally realized how warm her body felt.


    From the dining table, William looked up and saw her leaning against the housekeeper. His expression shifted slightly and his brows drew together in a tight line. “You must’ve caught a cold from the rainst night. Your hair was still wet when you came home—”


    The housekeeper’s voice started to fade as Ste’s vision blurred. Her eyelids felt impossibly heavy and the next moment, her whole body went limp.


    Thest thing she heard before everything faded was the housekeeper calling her name. “Ms. Russell!”


    Then, just before she cked outpletely, she caught a quick glimpse of William rising from his seat with a dark look in his eyes.


    For a split second, it seemed like he might have actually been worried.


    But that had to be wishful thinking.


    There was no way he cared. If anything, he’d probably prefer it if she didn’t wake up at all.


    When she opened her eyes again, she was lying in bed with the crystal chandelier hanging above her. Her chest tightened at the sight.


    She had fainted and he didn’t even bother taking her to a hospital.


    That thought lingered for a moment before a quiet voice broke the silence beside her. “You’re awake. How are you feeling?”


    Startled, Ste turned her head and noticed the IV needle in the back of her hand. A thin tube stretched down from the stand beside the bed.


    A man she didn’t recognize stood at her bedside. He seemed young, probably a few years older than her.


    He was dressed neatly and spoke with calm professionalism. “I’m the private doctor Mr. Briggs hired to look after you. You can call me Jewell Vance.”


    Ste stared at him nkly, unsure what to make of him.


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    Jewell Vance.


    The name didn’t ring any bells. She racked her brain but couldn’t recall ever hearing of him or seeing him before.


    “You’re not in great shape. There’s anemia. You’re undernourished. And now you’vee down with a fever from getting caught in the rain. What you need right now is proper rest.”


    Hearing him list her issues so inly made Ste want tough.


    She looked at him, her voice low. “Instead of telling me that, maybe you should be telling William to let me leave.”


    No one could stay healthy locked up like this.


    Jewell didn’t answer. He just stepped forward and ced the back of his hand against her forehead. “You’re still burning up. How do you feel now?”


    Ste pressed her lips together for a moment before murmuring, “Weak and feverish. My whole body feels cold and shaky.”


    He gave a slight nod. “That’s pretty normal when the fever hasn’t broken yet. Try to rest a little more. I’ll keep an eye on the drip.”


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