Chapter 247

"Julia, watch out!" Elaine had just stepped out of the kitchen when she saw Julia slip on the stairs. Her heart nearly stopped beating in her chest. Julia, groggy from a restless night, snapped to attention at Elaine's sharp cry. She instinctively grabbed the railing and barely managed to steady herself. "Are you alright? Oh my goodness! What's the matter with you? It's early in the morning, and you're already this distracted. You almost scared me to death!" Elaine rushed up the stairs, clutching Julia with trembling hands. Her face was etched with worry. "I'm fine, Mom." Julia's heart was still pounding from the close call. It had only been two or three steps, but a fall could still have been severe. Not wanting to alarm Elaine further, she forced herself to look calm. "Really?" Elaine frowned at the dark circles under Julia's eyes. "Of course. I just had a sudden idea pop into my head and spaced out for a second. It won't happen again. Don't worry, Mom. I'm perfectly fine." She