Chapter 701
Edwin remained as insufferable as ever. Pressing his fingers to his forehead, he groaned, “Mom, why do you always deny what I’ve done? Don’t you realize Joe doesn’t see me as his father? Do you even know why he came to me yesterday?”
Gloria, unwavering, retorted, “It doesn’t matter what he did yesterday. He was right. You’re the one who forced him into it!” Her defense of Joe was absolute.
Gloria had seen the toll the years had taken on . Skylar had become a vital source of comfort, someone to stand by him through every high and low. Now, that wretched man of a father, Edwin, was attempting to ruin Joe’s life. Joe was completely blameless.
Edwin’s frustration reached a boiling point. “Mom, aren’t you being a little too biased?”
“Yes, I’m biased. But let this be clear–none of you will lay a hand on Skye! If you do, Joe won’t let it slide, and even as my son, I won’t show mercy,” Gloria said, ending the call.
Every conversation with Edwin felt like a test for Gloria.
No wonder Viola had once told her she’d face painful choices in her later years. Every decision seemed to lead to hurt, no matter the direction.
Gloria had dismissed these concerns when she was younger. She even assured Viola she wasn’t afraid of making tough choices. But now…
Edgar watched the weariness settle over Gloria’s face. He sighed and said,‘ Mrs. Martin Senior, please don’t upset yourself. Your health is crucial. From what I see, this situation has only brought Mr. and Mrs. Martin closer.
“It’s a blessing in disguise. Mr. Edwin will think twice before acting like this again. The most important thing is for you to look after yourself, or else both Mr. and Mrs. Martin will worry.”
Gloria understood but remained seething “I get it, but…”
Despite deep breaths, her agitation persisted.
Chap 701
2/2
Meanwhile, Edwin finally noticed his surroundings after the call.
The villa was in complete disarray. He had spent the night on the couch and Molly on the opposite one.
She’d woken up while he took the call and overheard Gloria’s threats. To Molly, Gloria seemed like the most unreasonable, baffling woman she had ever encountered.
Despite everything, Gloria cared more about Skylar than her own son.
Molly wondered if she could compare to Skylar as a daughter–in–law. After all these years, she herself still wasn’t acknowledged. She had fought to maintain her dignity in front of the Martin family.
“Did Glòria give you an earful?” Molly asked, feigning indifference.
Edwin’s face darkened further, and he tossed his phone aside. “She’s old and senile! Joe’s behavior is all her fault–she’s the one who spoiled him!”
Molly sighed and got up from the couch. Her face paled as she glanced around at the disarray from the night before. “I’ll call the maid to come clean the villa. Don’t worry too much or get angry. It’s bad for your health.”
Edwin waved her off. “Handle it. I wasn’t just comforting you last night. We’ll visit Uncle Ernest.”
Molly’s eyes lit up.
Natalie had called Skylar twice, but neither call was answered.
Chapter 702
Half an hour later, Natalie tried calling Skylar again. However, there was still no answer. Worried, she went to the Martin Group and found Paul. After checking with Joe, Paul informed her that Skylar was in the hospital.
Natalie rushed over, her heart pounding. When she reached the hospital, she found Skylar’s ward quickly.
“Wow, you were in such a serious car accident!” Paul had mentioned it
was a car crash.
Skylar, however, downplayed the severity. “It’s nothing serious,” she insisted, her smile strained.
“Nothing serious?” Natalie was skeptical, given the visible injuries on Skylar’s forehead and hand.
Skylar had always been cautious and diligently followed traffic rules. It was hard to believe she could have been in such a serious accident.
“How bad is it?” Natalie asked, worried about scars. Skylar’s face was too precious for even a minor one.
“It looks worse than it is. With proper care, there won’t be a scar.”
“You’re too calm about this. I’m more worried than you. Did your phone get damaged too?” Natalie sat down beside her.
“It broke in the crash. I’ve already ordered a new one. It should be here
soon.”
They were alone in the ward, so they chatted easily.
Natalie’s eyes darted around the room before she casually brought up Joe. “How’s Joe treating you?”
Despite the accident, Joe’s mind was still on work. He was undeniably a
workaholic.
Skylar smiled. “He’s been great.”
Natalie noticed a shift in Skylar’s expression at the mention of Joe
A realization dawned on Natale. It was clear to Natalie that Skylar had feelings for Joe, even if others couldn’t see it
Natalie gave Skylar a teasing glance and asked, “Have you caught feelings for Joe?*
Though they were married, Skylar had always said their relationship was more like that of a roommate without spmantic feelings.
Sharing a home as mere cohabitants without any emotional bond, would feel quite empty if they had no romance feelings
Natalie thought about her own complicated situation with Jeremy, and her teasing smile faded. Forget it. I won’t complicate things for you. Anyway, I was so warned I even went to the Martin Group, and now I’m starving. Did Dr. Stone say what you can eat? Let me order us something”
Natalie, her mood lifting again, pulled out her phone to browse food delivery options
“It’s almost noon, and I’m getting hungry too. I can eat most things, but i need to avoid spicy, fired, and strmulating foods like seafood,” Skylar
replied.
Due to her injuries, spicy and greasy foods could hinder her healing, so she
had to be careful with her diet
Natalie modded. “Alright, I’ll find something for us. Not to brag, but I’m very familiar with these delivery apps and have a bunch of discount coupons *
“Impressive? Skylar said with a smile
“Of course” Natalie replied with a
Half an hour later, the deliveries started arriving at the ward. They had just begun eating when the door suddenly opened
Joe entered with long strides, holding a lunch from the hotel. His eyes landed on Natalie, and he raised on eyebrow, his tone turning icy You’re
Chapter 702
Natalie nearly choked on her food at his remark. After carefully swallowing, she replied with mild frustration, “I’m planning to stay with Skylar tonight. You’re busy, so it’s only fair that I take care of her.”
Natalie didn’t miss the look Joe gave her–it was clear he saw her as a third wheel. After all, his first words to her were about why she was still there.
“No need. I’ll be staying at the hospital tonight,” Joe said flatly.
Charid 703
Chapter 703
Natalie was taken aback. “You have time?”
It seemed she hadn’t misunderstood. Skylar and Joe were definitely heading down a romantic path.
Skylar was remarkable. She had managed to get Joe to stay the night, bring her lunch, and make it abundantly clear that he didn’t want anyone else intruding on their time together.
To claim she felt no emotion was like saying her eyes were merely for show.
“Yes, I have plenty of time,” Joe replied tersely.
His clipped speech revealed a man who found words a superfluous burden. He was utterly detached and indifferent.
Fortunately, Natalie was emotionally resilient. Plus, she had heard plenty about Joe from Jeremy before.
Skylar seized the moment to speak up. “I’m feeling much better now. I don’t need anyone to stay with me tonight. You two should head home and rest. If I need anything, I’ll call the nurse.”
Since her injuries weren’t debilitating, she could manage on her own. As she said that, her eyes met Joe’s for a moment before she quickly looked away.
Joe said nothing.
Noticing the tension between them, Natalie decided she had enough. She set down her cutlery and pretended to check her phone. “I just
remembered I have something to take care of. I’ll be on my way now. Enjoy your lunch.”
She grabbed her bag and quickly exited.
As she closed the door, she winked at Skylar.
Chapter 703
2/2
It was clear Skylar had captured Joe’s heart in a way no one else could
The atmosphere shifted with just the two of them left in the ward.
Joe set up lunch and asked, “Have you eaten enough?”
“No,” Skylar admitted honestly. She and Natalie had barely eaten before he arrived.
She recalled Natalie once saying that Joe could ignite and extinguish someone’s appetite in an instant. Indeed, Joe’s presence was undoubtedly commanding, and his cold demeanor could easily kill an appetite.
Skylar remembered Natalie’s description and, though she hadn’t known Joe then, had imagined that anyone who could make Natalie lose her appetite must be exceptional. Now, watching Natalie leave without finishing her meal, Skylar couldn’t help but recall the past and stifle a laugh.
Joe wasn’t that intimidating once one got to know him better.
Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Joe sitting beside her.
Before she knew it, Joe’s lips were on hers.
His hand rested on her head, leaving her no room to retreat.
The kiss was deep and lingering.
“Ms. Sullivan, it’s time for your bandage change.” A nurse opened the door, took in the scene, blushed, and quickly backed out, saying, “I saw nothing. Uh, I’ll return in half an hour. You two, continue…”
She was stunned. The scene before her was like something from a movie, and the two looked more stunning than movie stars.
Chapter 704
Skylar’s face turned beet red. Mortified, she glared at Joe. “You just kissed me without considering our surroundings?”
Joe’s gaze remained cold, though a hint of desire colored his deep, husky voice. “You’re my wife. We can kiss wherever we like; it’s legal.”
His words left Skylar speechless, yet she couldn’t argue with his reasoning. Regardless, she couldn’t help but wonder if he was oblivious to her potential misunderstanding. She might interpret his frequent kisses as a lack of control over his feelings for her.
1:
As Natalie exited the hospital, Kate called.
“Nath, come home for a visit.”
“What’s up, Mom?”
Kate sighed. “You and Jeremy have been through a lot. Your father really wants to see you. He won’t be at ease until he does.”
Natalie knew she couldn’t avoid it. “Okay, I don’t have anything pressing today. I’ll head home now.”
What was meant to come would come. There was no avoiding it.
Soon, Natalie arrived at the Jakeman residence. She hadn’t been back since her troubles with Jeremy began, and she had only shared her troubles with Kate.
Damon answered the door with a surprised look. “You’re back?”
“Yes!” Natalie slipped into her house slippers.
Damon had always been indulgent with her, rarely scolding her even when she was at fault. It was Kate who usually handled the reprimanding.
Given recent events, Damon hadn’t called. It wasn’t a lack of care but rather an uncertainty about how to comfort her.
22
When her heart ached, Damon’s heart ached just the same.
They usually had much to talk about, but now they were unusually quiet.
After they sat down, Kate peeked her out from the kitchen. “You two go ahead and watch TV. I just need to finish up a couple of dishes.”
“Okay,” they respond in unison.
“How’s work been lately? Is it tough?” Damon asked.
Natalie answered honestly, “I really enjoy my current job. It’s not too hard, and I get plenty of time off. Dad, have you been fishing recently?”
“Fishing is my only hobby these days. I meet up with a few old friends to fish and chat. Your mother told me that you like your job and that you get to travel a lot with celebrities. Just take good care of yourself. You’ve lost some weight since I last saw.you,” Damon said, his eyes growing red with unspoken pain.
Seeing his daughter, whom he had cherished since childhood, struggle with her troubles and lose weight was painful for him. As a father, it pained him to witness her happiness slipping away.
He had lost interest in fishing and was studying psychology books to learn how to comfort Natalie. But the more he read, the less helpful the books seemed.
Natalie smiled. “Dad, everyone wants to be slim these days. I was gaining weight, so this is just returning to normal. I’ve been eating healthy and avoiding junk food. It’s all good, I promise! So don’t worry, Dad.”
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