?Chapter 1077:


    Time slipped by in a blur of silence until Erin reappeared atst. Yvonne sat up quickly, her eyes sparking with hope. “Is Frank ready for us now?”


    Erin’s expression tightened with regret. “I’m really sorry. Something urgent came up. He won’t be able to meet today. We’ll have to reschedule.”


    Though disappointment gripped her, Yvonne managed to respond, “Understood. Please let him know we’re waiting to hear from him as soon as he’s avable.”


    Together, the two walked out, their steps slow with exhaustion. The area was isted, and without warning, the rain started to fall in steady sheets.


    They looked around for shelter, but there wasn’t a single overhang or shop in sight. In a foreignnd, Yvonne scanned the faces of the few people rushing past, and a heavy wave of despair settled over her. There wasn’t a single shop in sight—no umbres for sale.


    “Let’s keep going. Once we find a hotel, we’ll be okay.” Yvonne forced a smile as she picked up her pace, her legs barely responding. Margie had eaten something earlier, but Yvonne hadn’t had more than a few bites all day.


    Shouldering the weight of the day, they trudged through the rain until they finally stumbled upon a hotel.


    Yvonne stopped at the entrance, staring up at the weathered building. It looked like it hadn’t seen renovations in decades. They hadn’t made a reservation, rushing in earlier with the idea they’d find something nearby…


    But with Frank’s dy and the rain setting in, this was the only option left in the older part of the city.


    Raindrops pelted the ground harder. Margie gave Yvonne’s hand a firm tug. “Come on! Let’s get inside and take a hot shower before we both get sick.”


    With a nod, Yvonne swallowed her doubts and followed Margie inside.


    They’d booked a twin room that came with a single bathroom.


    Margie nced over and, seeing the fatigue etched in Yvonne’s face, said, “You should shower first. You look like you’re about to fall over.”


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    Yvonne cast a reluctant look at the outdated bathroom tiles. “You go ahead. I’ll rest for a bit first.”


    Margie turned and caught sight of Yvonne slumped over the desk, eyes closed, arms limp. “At least change into dry clothes first,” she said gently. Then she grabbed her toiletries and disappeared into the bathroom.


    Yvonne didn’t move from the desk, her body drained. Shivering slightly, she pulled herself toward the bed, wrapped up in a nket, and curled into a ball.


    When Margie emerged, steam still trailing behind her, she froze at the sight of Yvonne sprawled on the bed, still dressed. Rushing to her side, she noticed the furrowed brow, the way the nket had been kicked off.


    “Yvonne! Hey, Yvonne—what’s wrong?” She reached out, hand trembling, and touched Yvonne’s forehead—burning hot. Panic surged. What was she supposed to do? It was their first trip abroad, and now Yvonne was running a fever, sick and helpless.


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