## Chapter 99 Elliot lay in a deep sleep, an air of tranquility enveloping him despite the beads of sweat that glistened on his brow. His temperature was stable, but the oppressive heat of the day had seeped into his dreams. Beside him, Avery was utterly spent from the ordeal, and without a second thought, she nestled beside him, surrendering to the grips of slumber. Avery's dreams morphed into fading shadows as the clock ticked away. She awoke at three in the afternoon, her stomach growling with a reminder of the hunger that had snuck up on her. With a small sigh, she rose from the warmth of the bed, dressed quickly, and stepped out of the room. The sight that met her in the living room was one that stirred mixed emotions in her heart. There sat the bodyguard and the driver, lounging on the sofa, engrossed in the flickering images of the television. Meanwhile, Laura was perched on a stool in the kitchen, her eyes glued to her phone. To an outsider, the scene may have appeared serene, but to Avery, it felt unsettling—her sanctuary had been transformed into an impromptu lounge for others. “Avery, are you hungry?” Laura's voice broke through her musing as she placed her phone down and retrieved the remnants of food from earlier. Avery walked over to the driver lounging on the couch. “Your boss ought to be awake soon. Please, go fetch him a clean set of clothes,” she instructed. The driver sprang to his feet. “Right away.” As soon as he left, Avery turned off the television and directed her gaze to the bodyguard. “My mom is suffering from a migraine and can’t tolerate loud noises. If you’re staying here, keep the volume down.” Without hesitation, the bodyguard nodded in compliance, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. After all, his boss was still convalescing, and no one could predict when he’d rouse from his slumber. What if he continued to sleep until the cloak of night had thoroughly settled in? The fears of the bodyguard became reality. Hours slipped by, and the clock struck six, the daylight fading rapidly, yet Elliot remained lost in his dreams, oblivious to the world around him. “Avery,” Laura finally spoke, her voice wavering slightly, “I think I’ll find a hotel to stay at tonight.” Avery quickly objected. “Mom, I can just wake him up.” “No! He’s a patient! He needs his rest!” The bodyguard’s interruption was firm, echoing in the cozy room. Avery shot a fierce look at the bodyguard. “This is my home!” Her indignation filled the air, tinged with a mixture of frustration and protectiveness. Attempting to diffuse the tension, the bodyguard turned to Laura. “Madam Laura, I’ll cover the hotel expenses!” He fumbled through his wallet, pulling out a few crisp hundred-dollar bills, and thrusting them toward her. “Take it, Madam Laura!” His tone was rough, the urgency in his voice tinged with an edge of frustration. A hint of fear crept into Laura’s eyes as she glanced at the bodyguard. “Avery, I’ll go find a hotel,” she muttered hesitantly. “Mom, please don’t leave just yet! It’s still early, and he should wake up any moment now,” Avery urged, her tone softening. The bodyguard, sensing the need for a decisive action, added, “Madam Laura, I can escort you to the hotel. Mr. Elliot might not be awake for a while, and it’s getting late.” Like a man prophesying the future, the bodyguard’s words rang true. Moments later, as Laura prepared to leave with him, Elliot stirred awake. Avery rushed to his side, her palm pressing softly against his forehead. “Normal,” she confirmed, her heart relieved. “You’ve slept the entire afternoon, and night is creeping in! You need to get up and head home!” Avery urged, holding out the fresh clothes the driver had brought earlier. With bleary, blood-shot eyes, Elliot surveyed his surroundings, confusion evident in his expression. “Get up! This is the only bed in our house!” Avery pressed on, her voice tinged with exasperation. Elliot groaned, his voice raspy as he replied, “I feel dizzy—” “Stop acting! I just checked your temperature, and it’s perfectly normal!” Avery shot back, determined to shake him from the stupor. Suddenly, a violent cough erupted from Elliot, so powerful that it sent a ripple of concern through Avery. She bit her lip, momentarily silenced, realizing that while he may not have a fever, he was still far from being well. With concern knitting her brows, she exited the room, seeking the driver’s aid. “Elliot is awake, but he says he can’t get up—” she explained, her voice tinged with desperation. The driver, unwavering, replied, “Then let him rest. I’ll retrieve his medication.” Without wasting another moment, he hurried away. Avery rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on her. Was she truly left with no option but to let him stay overnight? As uncertainty hovered in the air, her heart whispered faintly, urging her to accept the reality of the moment.