Chapter 413: Chapter 413: Frantic Heartbeat

Chloe Reed’s expression faltered. "I’m not opening the studio for now," she said.

Annie York was taken aback. "Huh? Why not?"

"I’m dealing with some other things. Once they’re taken care of, I’ll reconsider opening the studio," Chloe said.

Annie York bit her lip gently, her eyes flickering as she said, "Then... I’ll find another job and work hard to pay you back!"

Chloe smiled faintly. "Don’t worry about it. You can finish your studies first."

But Annie York was exceptionally firm. "I will study hard, and I’ll work hard to earn money too. Miss Reed, you’ve been so good to me. I won’t let you down."

’The young woman is so determined and strong. She’ll definitely have a boundless future.’

She stood up. "I’ll go wash some fruit."

Chloe was a little surprised. "Don’t you need to go to your friend’s place?"

Annie York shook her head. "No, he’s already asleep."

After a pause, she added, "I’ll keep you company for a bit. You must be so bored all by yourself."

"That’d be nice."

Chloe was indeed very bored. It would be nice to have someone to chat with.

Annie York washed the fruit and even peeled an apple for her. Then she glanced at the time and asked, "Miss Reed, are you staying here tonight?"

Chloe took a bite of the apple and nodded. "Mhm. Barring any surprises, yes."

Annie York said, "Watching over a patient is exhausting. Why don’t I help you?"

"No need." Chloe shook her head. "I’m going to hire a caregiver."

Hearing this, Annie’s eyes flickered. She hesitated for a good while before saying, "I have experience taking care of patients. Instead of hiring a caregiver, why not let me do it? That way, I can pay off my debt, right?"

Chloe was a little surprised. "You really can?"

"Mhm, I can!" Annie York nodded. "My mother is paralyzed. I’ve been taking care of her."

"Then if you’re out here, is your mom okay?"

Annie York shook her head. "She’s fine. I made all the arrangements for her before I came out."

Chloe said, "If it won’t interfere with taking care of your mother, then of course you can stay. It doesn’t have to be all day. Three hours a day is fine. You can come at any time."

Annie York was thrilled. "Okay, thank you, Miss Reed!"

Chloe shook her head. "You don’t have to call me that. I’m older than you, so you can just call me by my name."

Annie York said shyly, "Chloe."

"Mhm, that’s much better." Chloe smiled faintly.

Annie York turned and went to the bedside. Seeing Walker Grant sweating, she said, "Let me get some water to wipe him down. He’s sweating a lot."

’She slipped into the role quickly.’

Chloe nodded. "Okay." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Annie York moved quickly and efficiently. She was soon back with a basin of water and a towel. She soaked the towel, wrung it out, and began wiping the sweat from Walker’s face and neck.

"Don’t wipe his body. He has injuries that can’t get wet," Chloe said from the side.

"Oh, okay."

With her back to Chloe, Annie wiped Walker’s arms.

Her face was flushed. Looking at the unconscious Walker, at his handsome features, her heart started beating very fast.

’He’s so handsome!’

’He’s just Miss Reed’s friend, so does that mean I can pursue him?’

’I’ll test the waters when he wakes up.’

Annie York wiped him down several times. It wasn’t until his fever broke that she said, "Miss Reed, I think he’s okay now. His fever is gone."

Chloe walked over and touched his forehead, then immediately called for a doctor.