Chapter 12

After paying the deposit, Skylar arranged to collect the car the following day. As she left the dealership, Amelia called.

“How have you been, Skye? Why didn't you visit me in the hospital?”

Amelia's voice reminded Skylar of how she had treated Amelia like a mother in her past life. Whenever Amelia had been hospitalized, Skylar had been by her side. Other patients on the ward even thought Skylar was Amelia's daughter. But Skylar had later discovered that Amelia knew Christopher and Maisy were together. After Skylar's leg amputation, Amelia called, urging her to break up with Christopher, claiming she wasn't a good match. She’d even said Skylar's amputation made her an even worse match. The harshness of that call was a stark contrast to Amelia's current warm and polite tone. In her past life, Skylar had cried after that call. Now, she felt numb.

“I broke up with Christopher, as you wished. Stop calling me.”

“Wh—”

Skylar hung up. Amelia, lying in her hospital bed, stared at her phone, stunned. Skylar had always tried to please her and Christopher. Why was she so angry today? Wasn't she afraid of Amelia's anger? Frowning, Amelia sent a voice message to Christopher: “I just spoke with Skye. She said she's broken up with you. She even hung up on me! What's happening?”

Christopher, enjoying dinner with Maisy, received Amelia’s message and transcribed it into text. He felt anxious after reading it. What was going on with Skylar?

At 10:00 p.m., Joe stood in the Jubilance Hotel's presidential suite, gazing at the Lindfield night view. Paul knocked and entered, agitated.

Chapter 12

“Mr. Martin, Ms. Sullivan was right! My emerald charm has a tainted past! It’s stolen!”

He’d investigated and was shocked by the results. The charm's previous owner had been poisoned. The type of poison was unknown. After the theft, the charm turned black and purple, regaining its emerald color only after repairs. After explaining this to Joe, Paul exclaimed, “The hairs on my hand are standing on end!”

Joe raised his cigarette to his lips. A hint of surprise flickered in his impassive gaze. “If that’s the case, return the charm as she advised.”

“I already sent it! I don't want it anymore. It’s brought me nothing but bad luck. It’s terrifying!” Paul replied fearfully.

Three days later, Skylar drove her new electric vehicle back to Pearlhall Residence from the antique street. She’d received a call from Gloria forty minutes earlier; Gloria was unwell. Skylar gave her keys to Edgar for parking and anxiously entered the mansion.

She saw Joe immediately. He wore a white shirt, his broad shoulders and long legs highlighting his striking physique. Hearing her enter, he looked up. His gaze, warm when caring for Gloria, was emotionless when it met hers. Noticing Joe's slight frown, Skylar paused. She belatedly realized she was wearing plain sportswear; her white T-shirt was stained. She’d rushed from Daniel's store without changing. Glancing down, then back up, she asked,

“How’s Grandma?”

Joe replied coldly, “She’s upstairs.”

Skylar ignored his tone and curt demeanor, nodding before ascending the stairs. Joe stopped her. “Ms. Sullivan, let's talk before you see Grandma.”

Skylar stopped and tilted her head. “What is it, Mr. Martin?”

“Grandma’s unwell and needs company. She wants us to stay at the mansion for a few days.” Joe’s gaze turned serious.

Skylar agreed. “I have no problem with that. I can stay with Grandma.”

“She wants us to share a room.” Joe's eyes darkened as he looked at Skylar.

Skylar was taken aback. Her eyelashes trembled. “I… I’ll talk to Grandma—”

“You know her condition. We wouldn't have married if it weren't for her. The doctor said we shouldn't upset her. We can just act the part when she’s around,” Joe said. “We don’t love each other. This is just an act. Don’t worry, I won’t touch you.”

He went upstairs. Skylar, left standing there, quickly regained her composure. It was just an act; she would do it to make Gloria happy. However, Joe’s emphasis on their lack of love—was he reminding her it was an act and to avoid falling for him? He worried unnecessarily. If he hadn’t left so quickly, she would have reassured him.

Upstairs, she found Gloria lying weakly on the bed. “Grandma.”

Hearing Skylar's soft voice, Gloria pushed Joe aside. “Skye, come here quickly.”

Joe’s mouth twitched; he felt abandoned.

Skylar approached the bedside and asked gently, “How are you, Grandma? Where does it hurt?”

Gloria weakly shook her head. “I’m alright. Just weak. I feel better seeing you two.”

“A headache? I’ll give you a massage. Grandma Viola loved my head massages in the countryside. I’ll wash my hands.”

Skylar left, realizing she hadn't washed her hands.

Joe silently raised an eyebrow. She was trying hard to please Gloria. He doubted her lack of ulterior motives.

After Skylar left, Gloria looked at the impassive Joe and snorted inwardly. What use was he? He even needed his grandmother to find a wife!

When Skylar returned, Gloria tiredly said, “I’m tired. I’m going to nap. Skye, Joe often gets migraines. Why don’t you give him a massage instead?”

Skylar froze. Joe hadn't expected that either.

“Edgar, observe and learn from Skye. She probably has better skills than any masseuse or physiotherapist out there. You can give me more massages after learning from her.” Gloria shrewdly instructed Edgar to keep an eye on them.

Chapter 12