Chapter 1259

Vera said, “If it’s not some negative influence, does that mean Dad genuinely believes that woman is better than Mom? Mom was Jipsburg City's top socialite back in the day. Suitors lined up to date her. He took years to win her over. When I was about ten, he started seeing someone else. At first, Mom was oblivious. But even after she found out, he didn't neglect her because of that other woman.

Eventually, Mom didn't care if he had someone else; those women were just distractions bought with money, and I think Dad saw it that way too. But now…” Vera trailed off, increasingly uneasy.

Skylar, not in the best mood, listened without much emotion. Finally, she replied flatly, “Just encourage Mrs. Ruell to stay positive.”

“Sure, I’ll talk to her,” Vera responded.

“If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up,” Skylar said.

“Wait a moment!”

“Is there something else?”

Vera hesitated. “I just ran into Ned at Apollo Hospital. It was my first time seeing him in person. He looks just like Joe—almost identical. I had this wild thought… do you think he could actually be Joe?”

The words felt ridiculous as soon as she spoke them. She realized she was carried away by all the TV dramas and novels she'd been consuming. Still, she couldn't resist sharing it with Skylar.

Skylar paused. “That’s not very likely.”

Vera laughed nervously. “I’m just throwing out a random idea. I’ve been bored lately, watching too much TV and reading novels. Don’t take it seriously.”

“Got it.”

After hanging up, Skylar was lost in thought, pondering Vera’s words about Ned. Part of her secretly wished it were true.

Later that evening, she made instant pasta for dinner. Janine had called half an hour earlier, inviting her home, but Skylar excused herself, saying she’d already eaten. She didn’t want Janine and the others to see her in a bad mood; some emotions needed to be processed alone.

Just as she finished, Natalie called.

“Skye, I’m so glad you’re still in Jipsburg. I need you. I was in a car accident, and I’m so scared.”

Skylar’s expression changed instantly. “A car accident? Where are you? Don’t be scared. Did you call the police? 911?”

“I’m at Apollo Hospital.” Natalie sobbed.

“Just wait for me.”

Thirty minutes later, Skylar arrived at Apollo Hospital. After asking around, she quickly found Natalie. Natalie lay in bed, a bandage on her head, her face bruised, and her exposed leg also bandaged.

Seeing Skylar, she cried, “Skylar, you’re here! I didn’t want to tell my parents; I didn’t want to scare them. I’m disfigured, and my leg… has several stitches. The car that hit me was so brutal.”

“How are you feeling? What did the doctor say? Did they do any detailed examinations?” Skylar felt relieved; Natalie’s tears meant her injuries weren’t too severe.

Natalie replied, “They took X-rays and said I have a mild concussion.”

“What about the driver?” Skylar asked.

Natalie looked up as someone approached. Pointing, she said, “It’s her.” Skylar turned and was startled to see Rosa.

Chapter 1250