The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 140: Victoria Has a Fever

The next day, the group set off together. The weather got colder, the road bumpier, and the car guzzled more gas than expected. 

By the afternoon, the driver turned to everyone and said, "We're running low on gas. We'll have to stop at a nearby camp for the night to refuel and grab some food." 

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The camp was a small cluster of igloos and tents. When they arrived, a few cars were already parked, and some people were hanging out. 

Even though they were strangers, in the harsh, snowy wilderness, folks were friendly and gathered around campfires for warmth. 

The sun had already set, and the temperature had dropped significantly. 

Victoria shivered as she stepped out of the car, despite being bundled up tightly. The biting wind was relentless.

Suddenly, Victoria's view darkened as someone stepped in front of her. She looked up to see Ethan's back. 

He was carrying her luggage and said in a calm tone, "I'll take you to your room first." 

The driver had already pointed out their assigned igloo and had someone light a fire inside. 

Each room was shared by two people, which would be warmer and more convenient in case someone fell ill and needed immediate attention.

Victoria's face was mostly hidden behind her scarf, and she mumbled a muffled, "OK." 

She obediently followed Ethan, using him as a windbreak, until they reached their igloo. 

As soon as she pushed open the low door, the warm air inside drew her in. She quickly slipped inside, stretched, and let out a satisfied sigh. 

After sitting in the car for most of the day, she felt a bit stiff. 

Ethan stood at the door, watching her with a faint smile. He placed her luggage at the entrance and gently pushed it inside. "Rest for a bit. I'll call you when dinner's ready."

"Got it!" Victoria took her luggage and peeked out at him before retreating into the cozy igloo.

Calista arrived later, burdened with her heavy equipment, even though she had help. 

By the time she got to the igloo, Victoria had already unpacked and set up her sleeping bag. 

The ice bricks were transparent, but they had blackout curtains for privacy. 

The dome's curtain could be opened to watch the Northern Lights, which often appeared between 10 PM and 2 AM.

Calista knocked on the door. "Victoria, can I come in now?" She was worried Victoria might be changing since the curtains were drawn.

Victoria replied, "It's fine, just come in."

When Calista entered, she saw Victoria about to crawl into her sleeping bag. She quietly unpacked her things, trying not to disturb her. 

Maybe it was the cold wind, but Victoria felt a bit dizzy and quickly fell asleep despite the noise around her.

When Ethan came to call them for dinner, Victoria was sound asleep. Calista opened the door and whispered, "She's asleep. Should I wake her?"

Ethan considered the cold weather and the risk of hypothermia if she slept on an empty stomach. 

He decided it was best to have Calista wake Victoria up, unless she was impossible to rouse. In that case, they would just keep her food warm until she woke up. 

But as soon as Calista went inside, she screamed.

Worried something had happened to Victoria, Ethan rushed in. Normally, he wouldn't burst into a girl's room, but he couldn't help it this time. 

He saw Calista with her hand on Victoria's forehead. Victoria was deeply asleep, with unusually bright red cheeks. 

Calista turned, her voice trembling, "She's got a fever." A fever here was dangerous, and Calista felt guilty since Victoria had come along to keep her company.

Ethan quickly stepped to the bed and touched Victoria's forehead. Thankfully, the fever wasn't too high. He gave her a tender look before leaving. 

The driver was making soup, and Ethan headed straight for him without a word. "Where's the medicine?"

The driver, stirring the vegetable soup, was momentarily confused. "The soup's almost ready. Medicine? What medicine?"

Ethan's brows furrowed. "Fever medicine, preferably in powder form." The driver, experienced as he was, would surely have such essentials.

Realizing someone had a fever, the driver dropped his spoon. "It's in the car. I'll get it right away. Who's sick, the girl?"

In no time, Ethan returned with a cup of dissolved fever medicine. 

Calista was still by the bed and reached to take it, but Ethan gently moved her aside. "I'll do it," he said seriously. 

Calista, knowing they were closer, didn't argue and stepped back. 

Ethan carefully blew on each spoonful until it was the right temperature before giving it to Victoria. Though asleep, she managed to swallow. 

In her dreams, Victoria felt her throat was dry and sore. She tasted something like strange honey and obediently drank it.

Watching Victoria drink the medicine, Ethan saw her expression relax a bit. 

His tense shoulders eased slightly, and he sighed, thinking, 'It doesn't seem too serious. You can still drink the medicine. But what am I going to do with you, my delicate and trouble-prone girl?'