Chapter 1273

Ned recognized Jeremy; they had recently conducted business together, and Ned held a favorable impression of his capable colleague. When Ned heard the name "Mr. Ziegler," however, he appeared puzzled. "Which Mr. Ziegler are you referring to, Mr. Hughes?" he asked. The surname wasn't uncommon; several Ziegler's held assistant positions.

Jeremy noticed Ned's expression, realizing he didn't know Paul. He chose not to elaborate, exchanging pleasantries about their collaboration before returning to the ward. Ned, upon Jeremy's departure, glanced back with a look of confusion.

"I just asked Ned if he knew Mr. Ziegler, and he said no," Jeremy reported to Skylar. "So, we can ask Mr. Ziegler himself why he mentioned Ned once he wakes up." Coincidence seemed unlikely.

Skylar responded simply, "Yeah." The evening wore on. Jeremy left for a while. After dinner in the hospital cafeteria, Skylar returned to find Paul awake, bringing him a meal.

"Do you want to eat now?" she asked.

Paul stared at her, wide-eyed, seemingly disoriented. Skylar patiently unpacked the food, the aroma filling the ward. The delicious scents jolted him back to reality. "This isn't a dream, is it?" he whispered, his voice uncertain.

A pang of sadness touched Skylar as she smiled. "It's not a dream. You're back in Jipsburg. Now, how about some water and dinner?"

Paul's gaze locked onto Skylar, unwavering. "Did Mr. Martin send you to see me, Mrs. Martin? I'm fine. I just need two IV drips and will be discharged tomorrow. I'll return to work afterward," he said earnestly.

Skylar's eyes reddened, her smile faltering. After a pause, she said, "Okay, you finish your dinner first, and I'll let him know shortly."

Reassured, Paul began to eat, finishing quickly, his head down, gulping his food with little chewing. Skylar remembered Chase's comments about Paul's stomach problems stemming from irregular eating habits and frequent hunger.

"Take your time. There's no rush," she said gently.

He only looked up after finishing, his gaze still fixed on Skylar. Instead of mentioning work, he buried his head in his knees and wept. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Martin. Mr. Martin couldn't come back with me. If it weren't for the accident, we would have returned already."

"There's no need to apologize, Mr. Ziegler. Accidents happen. We both wish for nothing unexpected. Plus, this is Apollo Hospital; you'll receive the best care. Everything will be alright," Skylar soothed him.

Paul gradually calmed, lifting his head.