Chapter 638

Elissa whipped her head around and saw Aaron standing there. She instantly rubbed her nose in embarrassment, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.

Rowan, however, possessed skin as thick as armor. He simply raised an eyebrow. "The way you say that makes me sound like a terrible influence."

Aaron didn't bother responding, but his face screamed the words: *Aren't you?*

Pushing past her embarrassment, Elissa used Rowan's grip on her arm to pull herself out of the chair. "What brings you here today? How is Jacqueline doing?" Originally, she had planned to visit Jacqueline at the hospital right after breakfast. But Aaron had completely shut down the idea, ordering her to stay put and focus entirely on her own recovery.

He had basically threatened to disown her as his student if she dared step foot in the hospital.

"Your mentor is fine, but she's been worried sick about you. She forced me to come check on you," Aaron explained as he walked over and took a seat in the empty wicker chair. He held out his hand. "Let me see."

Elissa knew exactly what he meant.

She hesitated for a second before extending her wrist. "It's really nothing serious. A little rest and I'll be "

Aaron's fingers had already settled over her pulse. His expression darkened

instantly. Seeing the undeniable guilt written all over her face, he found himself at a total loss for words.

This foolish girl had worked herself into the ground stressing over Jacqueline's poisoning.

People always joked that he and Jacqueline treated Elissa more like a daughter than a student.

But the truth was, with their only son living overseas, Elissa had been the one constantly by their side, taking care of them year after year.

Sup essi his emotions, Aaron carefully assessed her ulse before pulling his hand back. "Have you taken your prescribed herbs? What's the exact blend?"

"Codonopsis, mistletoe, astragalus..."

Elissa quickly recited the herbal supplements and their dosages, pressing her lips together as she nervously watched Aaron's face.

She was terrified of Paige Jensen, but she was even more afraid of Aaron.

The only difference was that her fear of Paige was rooted in trauma, while her fear of Aaron was born out of profound respect.

Aaron thought for a moment before saying, "Increase the dosage of each by a quarter."

"Got it."

Elissa agreed instantly, terrified that even a second of hesitation would result in a lecture.

In the past, Aaron had never held back from tearing into her whenever she neglected her health.

To her absolute shock, her mentor didn't utter a single harsh word today.

After adjusting her prescription, he simply sat back, sipping tea and

discussing medical projects with

Rowan The atmosphere was

incredibly

aceful, yet somehow,

deeply strange.

Elissa couldn't put her finger on what felt so off.

Her mentor hadn't scolded her, but he also wasn't really speaking to her.

Before she could analyze it any further, a sudden wave of commotion echoed from the front hall.

Mrs. Gable hurried over, a warm smile on her face. "Elissa, the Wilkinson family is here. They said they've come to check on you."

Oh, right.

Laurel had mentioned yesterday that they were coming to visit.

Elissa had completely forgotten.

She grabbed the edge of the table to stand up, intending to excuse herself to Aaron, but he put his teacup down and stood up ST. Go on, take care

of your guests. It's about time I gết back to my wife anyway."

Normally, Elissa wouldn't have thought twice about rushing off.

But today, she hesitated. "Mr. Blaine..."

"I'll walk him out," Rowan said, gently patting her shoulder. "Go say hi to Laurel.

Take it slow, and let the staff handle the heavy lifting."

Elissa finally relented and looked at Aaron. "Then... once I'm feeling a bit better, I'll come by the house to see Jacqueline."

"We're basically family, there's plenty

of time for that. I've got your mentor

taken care of. Taking care of

yourself is your only priority right

now, Aaron said, waving her off. "Go

on now

His words settled the lingering anxiety in Elissa's chest, and she turned to head

toward the front hall.

But the second she stepped into the living room, she froze.

Janice, who was already sitting there, looked equally stunned.

Elissa blinked, taking in Laurel, Jesse, and Rex sitting gracefully on the couches,

then shifting her gaze to Suzanne and Tristan, and finally to Old Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson...

Was she sure...

They were just here for a casual visit?