Or rather, she just wasn't very eager to have too much private interaction with a man like Sean Cross.
During their last encounter, he had intentionally or unintentionally probed for information, which had kept her on guard ever since.
"Alright."
Cliff could vaguely guess her reservations and didn't try to guilt-trip her into doing it as a favor.
However, he did share what little he knew. "I found a chance to ask my parents about it recently. Sean Cross is indeed an old friend of theirs. Even though he's been abroad all these years, they've kept in touch regularly."
As he spoke, Cliff pushed a plate of sweet and sour ribs—Elissa's favorite—closer to her.
Elissa smiled, feeling her internal tension ease slightly. "That's good to hear."
"I'm only telling you this so you don't overthink it and stress yourself out."
Cliff added a gentle reminder, "But still, it's always best to be careful."
His words grounded Elissa. She let out a light laugh. "You don't mind that I'm not doing this favor for your parents?"
"What are you talking about?"
Cliff chuckled. "You're the doctor, and he's the patient. Unless it's an extreme emergency, your comfort and willingness always come first."
House calls were entirely outside of Elissa's professional obligations.
If she agreed, it was a favor.
If she refused, it was perfectly justified.
What Elissa hadn't expected, however, was that even though she refused, Sean Cross would take the initiative to find her himself.
After lunch, she drove to Zephyr Manor.
Suzanne Jensen knew she was coming and was already waiting in the yard, taking the opportunity to get some sun as instructed by her doctor.

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