Chapter 1270

Skylar suddenly recognized the man before her: Ned. He furrowed his brow, turning to the source of her voice. Rosa approached swiftly, her demeanor tense, as if facing an enemy. Skylar regained her composure as Rosa reached them. In a low voice, Skylar said to Ned, “I’m sorry.” She had again mistaken him for someone else.

“What were you two talking about?” Rosa demanded, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. Rosa was only there for a routine checkup following a car accident. However, a discovered ovarian cyst resulted in an unexpected hospital stay and upcoming surgery. Unexpectedly, Skylar was at the hospital again today, encountering Ned upon his arrival.

Rosa didn't understand Skylar's repeated appearances near Ned. Their brief eye contact moments ago felt intensely private, as if the world shrunk to only the two of them. Even standing there, Rosa felt utterly superfluous.

Skylar replied coolly, “Nothing.” Turning, she started toward Paul’s ward. As she passed Rosa, Rosa's grip tightened on her arm. “What’s got you flustered, Skylar? Why do I feel like you’re hiding something?” Rosa challenged. She’d witnessed their affectionate gaze, a silent exchange that felt like thorns in her heart. The discomfort was unbearable.

“Rosa, let her go,” Ned said quietly. Rosa’s grip trembled slightly; she bit her lip, refusing to relent. Before Rosa could release her, Skylar brushed off her hand. “If you keep acting like this, perhaps I should consider why you’re so on edge. Are you afraid of something?” she countered. If it were simply jealousy over her pursuit of Ned's affection, Rosa shouldn't lack self-confidence. Rosa's actions revealed insecurity. Skylar observed her thoughtfully, noting her discomfort.

Chapter 1270 (continued)

Caught off guard, Rosa's anxiety deepened. “I’m just curious about what you were talking about. You were so close, it’s easy to misinterpret things,” she blurted, then turned to Ned. “Ned, maybe it’s the accident and upcoming surgery; I’m overly sensitive. I didn’t mean to make things awkward.” Turning back to Skylar, she apologized, “I’m sorry, I overreacted.”

Skylar raised an eyebrow, considering the apology. “It’s fine.” She turned to leave, glancing back at Ned.

As Skylar walked away, Rosa bit her lip. “Ned, I can’t help but feel this isn’t my imagination. You’ve been acting differently around Skylar lately. Do you find her attractive? If you like her, I’ll step aside.” Her vulnerability was evident.

Ned’s expression remained inscrutable. “You’re overthinking it,” he replied. Seeing his straightforward response, Rosa suppressed the urge for feigned sweetness. Tactics effective on others failed with Skylar. She feared that suggesting a breakup might lead to immediate agreement—a risk she couldn't take.

“I heard Natalie’s being discharged today, so why is Skylar back at the hospital? Is she here to run into you on purpose? It’s happened before,” Rosa said, subtly casting doubt on Skylar’s motives.

Chapter 1271