Chapter 506

Isabella finished her work well past ten.

Autumn had arrived with a chill.

The recent rains had brought a sharp drop in temperature.

She had been sitting at her desk for hours.

A cold shiver ran through her body.

She sneezed repeatedly as she closed her laptop.

She stood up to take a shower.

After washing up, her nose started running.

Her throat felt dry and burning.

She realized she was catching a cold.

The manor staff were already asleep.

She went downstairs to make some tea.

The warm drink provided slight relief.

She took cold medicine after finishing the tea.

Her body felt warmer and somewhat better.

But exhaustion weighed heavily on her.

She had no energy for conversation.

She heard Alexander's voice. "Still awake?"

She turned her head. "About to sleep."

"I'm going back to sleep," she murmured.

She returned to Sophia's room and fell asleep quickly.

She dreamed of Sophia's voice. "Mom, you're burning up..."

Footsteps entered the room moments later.

She tried to open her eyes but couldn't.

Her head felt unbearably heavy.

She sank back into dazed sleep.

When she woke again, her head throbbed painfully.

Her body felt weak and drained.

Her throat burned with fever.

She tried to get up for water.

Someone came over to support her.

"Want some water?"

She froze and slowly opened her eyes.

Alexander stood before her.

He turned to pour water for her.

He handed her the cup moments later.

She accepted it instinctively.

Her throat hurt too much to speak.

She managed a few sips.

He turned to the room phone. "Bring the soup up."

The water cleared her head slightly.

She set the cup on the nightstand.

Then she froze in realization.

This wasn't Sophia's room.

She was in Alexander's bedroom.

He had been taking care of her.

An open book lay on the nearby table.

She looked away as he hung up the phone.

"Ten minutes ago, your fever was 39.8 degrees."

"I've called Dr. Carter. He should be here soon."

She wanted to respond but looked at the window instead.

The sky remained gloomy outside.

Rain continued to fall steadily.

She remembered her morning meeting.

"What time is it now?"

"8:20 am."

It was still early.

She sighed in relief.

He asked, "Want your phone?"

She hummed in agreement.

Alexander went to Sophia's room to fetch it.

Richard arrived with the soup.

She tried to get up to wash up.

A loud rumbling sound came from outside.

She froze in confusion.

Richard chuckled. "That should be Dr. Carter."

He explained with a smile. "The rain has eased but roads remain blocked."

"Your fever was too high. Alexander arranged a helicopter for Dr. Carter."

He reminded her to rest before leaving.