Chapter 1038

"Don't!" Paul said, after a moment's thought. "I sense something unusual is happening between them. Let's avoid making things worse."

Howard had been voicing his concerns. "Mr. Martin's health isn't something to trifle with," he emphasized. "If his sleeplessness continues, something catastrophic will happen. He fainted without warning—something that's never happened before. I discussed this with my superiors, and we all agree his health has deteriorated sharply in the last few months."

"How is that possible?" Paul exclaimed, incredulous. "Since Mr. Martin married her, he's never lacked sleep. Even on business trips, he managed two or three hours. Under those circumstances, his health should have improved, not declined!"

"I found it strange too," Howard replied. "Mr. Martin had a full body checkup after his injury a while ago, and it showed he was in peak condition. Today, his health is drastically different. We need to convince him to get another checkup at the hospital when he wakes up."

Paul nodded.

Skylar ascended the stairs and entered the master bedroom. The door was slightly ajar. She tiptoed inside. Joe lay in bed, an IV needle in his arm.

When he'd been stabbed before, he'd been conscious when she arrived at the hospital, his eyes gleaming murderously. Back then, she'd only worried about the severity of his injuries. Now, watching him unconscious and breathing shallowly, Skylar feared he might pass away at any moment.

She remained silent, sitting beside him, observing him quietly. Even unconscious, his brows were furrowed. His features remained sharp and intimidating; sleep hadn't softened him. He seemed perpetually on guard.

Gloria was right. Joe had faced too many challenges alone, building a wall around his heart for protection. Which child wouldn't crave parental love and companionship? But Joe had never experienced that. While she'd suffered at the Williamses' hands, Skylar had grown up surrounded by the love of Janine, Steven, and her brothers, cherished throughout her childhood. Though she couldn't fully comprehend his experience, she understood his reluctance to become close to others. She felt for him.

Just as she reached to smooth his furrowed brow, he grasped her hand. "You…"

She was about to ask if he was awake, but he stopped her.

Chapter 1038

His grip on her hand was subconscious; he hadn't fully awakened. Skylar tried to withdraw her hand, but his hold was firm; she could barely move. She lay beside him and fell asleep without realizing it.

Paul and Howard arrived upstairs some time later. It was time to change the IV drip. They weren't expecting to find Joe awake. His dark eyes glared at them, expressing displeasure at their arrival. They felt rooted to the spot. Only then did they notice Skylar asleep beside him.

Initially concerned about Skylar and Joe's relationship, the scene before them stunned them. Yet, they couldn't deny the burgeoning joy in their hearts. Their concerns were unfounded. Why would couples fight every day? While they'd been fretting over their relationship, Skylar and Joe had seemingly rekindled their former closeness. Paul and Howard were now the superfluous third wheels.

Paul quickly slipped away. Howard, however, was stuck. He could only whisper, "Mr. Martin, it's time to change your IV."