Chapter 1100

Joe heard soft sobs coming from the phone. The moment the call connected, Skylar remained silent; he could only hear her faint, restrained weeping. He immediately put down his pen and asked, "Where are you?"

After two minutes, Skylar composed herself enough to reply, "I'm at Oakdale Hospital."

"Oakdale Hospital?" Joe's tone was firm. "Wait for me." He hung up.

Skylar looked down at her phone, her eyes still red. Aiken said, "I'll keep investigating Madam Viola's case. We've also located the hotel where she stayed after arriving in Jipsburg." Seeing her tears after the call, he guessed who had called—Joe. He suspected, correctly, that their divorce had been a ruse, part of a larger plan. He sighed, feeling a pang of regret.

Skylar, now calm, asked Aiken, "Is the room she stayed in still reserved?"

"Yes, she paid for a month. Here's the key; the room number is written on it. You can go check later; some of her belongings are still there," Aiken explained.

Skylar thanked him, taking the key. Aiken gave her a searching look. "I'm sorry for your loss. We also need to start planning Madam Viola's funeral."

"Don't worry, I'm fine. Grandma Viola had no other relatives. As her disciple and granddaughter, I'll handle the funeral," Skylar said solemnly.

"Alright. I have other matters to attend to. I'll continue investigating Madam Viola's affairs," Aiken said, glancing at the clock. Over ten minutes had passed since Joe's call; he'd likely arrive soon, as traffic had cleared. Aiken decided to avoid encountering him.

"Thank you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to see Grandma Viola," Skylar said.

Aiken simply smiled. He wished she wouldn't be so formal, but the barrier between them, while she remained Mrs. Martin, wouldn't be easily broken.

Shortly after Aiken left, Joe arrived. Seeing Skylar's swollen eyes, he hugged her without a word. This prompted another wave of tears. She cried for a long time, finally realizing her tears had soaked his suit.

"Joe, I found Grandma Viola," she said, her eyes red, looking up at him.

He was surprised. He'd considered various possibilities, assuming a friend or family member was hospitalized, but not Viola. "Is she sick? Don't worry; there are plenty of specialists in Jipsburg. They'll definitely be able to help."

Listening to his gentle reassurances, Skylar cried harder. If only that were true. If only Viola were merely sick; she would have sought the best treatment. But…