?Chapter 1354:


    Ste wanted to say she wasn’t even tired, but the words never made it out. A yawn crept up before she could stop it.


    For some reason, just hearing his voice made her eyelids feel heavier. Her thoughts started drifting and before long, her body gave in. She closed her eyes and fell asleep again.


    Once Ste drifted off, Jewell stepped out of the room and made his way downstairs. He found William in the living room and sank into the seat beside him.


    “I’ve barely been back in the country and you’re already dragging me into this mess,” Jewell said casually, leaning back against the couch. “So the rumors in Choria were real after all. You’re holed up here with your ex, keeping her locked away like it’s some kind of romantic crime thriller?”


    There was a teasing edge in his voice, more yful than judgmental. Unlike Steven, who always had that tight-lipped serious tone, Jewell never took things too seriously.


    He and William weren’t childhood friends or ssmates.


    They met years ago through a surfing club abroad, hit the waves together a few times, and got along well enough to exchange contacts. They chatted now and then but weren’t exactly close.


    Jewell had lived overseas most of his life. He studied medicine and rarely returned home. This time, he was back on vacation—barely two days in—and William had already called him over.


    “You gonna tell me about the woman upstairs?” Jewell asked, ncing toward the ceiling. “She’s beautiful, even if she’s looking a little worn out. Honestly, I kind of get why you can’t let her go.”


    There was something distinctive about Ste’s looks—elegant but sharp, soft but not forgettable.


    William let out a quiet snort and crossed his arms. “Who said I’m still into her?”


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    Jewell gave him a sideways nce and nudged his shoulder lightly. “You don’t have to say it,” he replied. “It’s written all over your face. Anyone with eyes can see it.”


    That easy, familiar tone made William rx a little.


    Maybe because Jewell didn’t know the backstory, it felt easier talking to him. He didn’t bother arguing and instead asked, “How is she?”


    “Fever’s running high. She’s weak, anemic, and undernourished. Nothing too dangerous, but she needs to rest and eat properly,” Jewell said.


    Despite what Jewell said, William still frowned.


    She hadn’t even been here for a month, and her health was already this bad?


    He stood up, ready to go upstairs and check on her, but paused halfway up the steps.


    “Thanks foring. If you want, there’s a spare room here. But if it’s more convenient, you can stay at your own ce,” he said.


    William had decided to keep Jewell on as a private physician from now on. He wanted someone on hand to monitor Ste’s condition directly.


    Jewell didn’t have a problem with William, and picking up a side job during his vacation didn’t seem like a bad way to spend the time.


    He stood and grabbed his bag. “I’ll stay at my ce,” he replied. “You’ve got my number. Call me whenever you need to.”


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