More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

My fingers hovered over the screen as I tapped in the dates. I put Logan's birthday first, followed by Miles's.

As I entered the final digit, my heart pounded so violently I feared it might burst. Ben was now only ten away.

meters

The screen flashed.

It was the correct password.

Relief swept over me as the private route unlocked, revealing the destination: Sky Sanatorium.

I instantly recognized the name. It was one of the sanatoriums I had been investigating. My efforts hadn't been in vain after all.

Quickly, I deleted the search history and shut the navigation system just as the car door opened. Ben climbed in, his gaze falling first on me and then on the console. His eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed my trembling hands and the faint sheen of sweat on my forehead.

"What were you doing, Elaine?" he asked, his tone cautious.

A lump formed in my throat, but I forced myself to respond. "I was trying to put on some music, but I wasn't sure how."

Ben's expression turned skeptical. It was an unconvincing excuse, especially since I had claimed to be sick.

"You're feeling unwell, and you wanted music?" he asked, his tone laced with doubt.

I had no choice but to double down on the lie. "The pain was so bad that I asked my doctor friend for advice. She suggested listening to calming music and going to the hospital to rule out something serious like appendicitis."

Ben handed me the pills, still unconvinced. "If that's the case, we'd better go to the hospital. Tell me what music you want, and I'll put it on."

"Thank you, Ben," I said, taking the pills. Without hesitation, I popped one into my mouth.

I didn't even take water to wash it down, which only made the bitterness of the pill spread across my

tongue.

"Here, Elaine," Ben said, handing me a cup of warm water. "You shouldn't take medicine like that."

I took two quick swigs, wincing at the taste.

"You're sweating," Ben remarked as he glanced at me. "It's a good thing we're heading to the hospital. You don't look well."

By the time we reached the hospital, my heart had finally begun to settle.

Ben insisted on escorting me inside, saying he was worried about my condition. I had no choice but to let him follow me into the emergency ward.

Once inside, I discreetly texted Nora, asking for her help.

Thankfully, Nora wasn't scheduled for any surgeries that day. She arrived quickly, stepping in to shield 14:38

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me from Ben's watchful eye.

"I'm fine," I assured Ben. "Please don't tell Ethan or Tessa about this."

+5Bonus

Menunoveldrama

He murmured something under his breath but didn't make any promises. I knew he would inform them. regardless.

After Ben left, Nora turned to me with a concerned look. "What's going on, Elaine?"

I told her everything. As I spoke, her expression grew grim.

"Are you sure you want to investigate this?" she asked quietly. "Have you thought it through?" "Thought what through?" I asked, confused.

Nora hesitated before replying. "What if this investigation leads to Ethan? Have you considered that possibility?"

Her question hit me like a thunderclap.

I froze as the implications sank in. If my father's death was tied to Alfred Kramer-and by extension, Mercer Corporation-then there was a chance Ethan was involved.

The thought chilled me to my core.

I didn't dare to think any further.