Chapter 1278

This was Rosa’s trump card.

For Ned, Rosa's emptying her savings and maxing out her credit cards to support him during his lengthy hospital stay after his injury, was a pivotal moment. Deep down, he knew she was more than his girlfriend; she was his savior, closer than family. He understood that mentioning the past would likely elicit a compromise from him. Sure enough, after a brief silence, Ned replied, “Alright, I’ll have someone book the flight ticket.”

Rosa’s smile erased her tears. “I knew it. You’re the best person in the world to me, Ned. I really love you. Promise me—no matter what happens, you won’t leave me. You can’t abandon me, okay?” Each plea underscored her anxiety. Once his devoted partner, she now felt she had become his dependent. She couldn't leave Ned. Her love had deepened over the years, fueled by her determination to keep him from Skylar.

Jeremy, knowing Ned's location, forwarded the hotel details to Skylar after giving her his number.

Sitting in her car, Skylar read the hotel information, a surge of emotions flooding her. While Rosa hadn't given a direct answer, her panic virtually confirmed Ned's car accident three years prior. This was a coincidence. The man trapped in the underground factory with Paul was the real Ned; the Ned she knew now was Joe, a man with fragmented memories. This revelation sent her heart racing. She had to see him tomorrow.

An idea struck her. She'd deleted Ned's WhatsApp contact, but she could add him back. She entered his number. Instantly, his profile picture appeared. She sent a simple, “Hello.” Her previous calls had gone unanswered; she didn't expect this message to be delivered. Everything now rested on Paul's description and her own deductions, with Ned completely oblivious. Tears welled in Skylar's eyes. She'd waited three years for this moment; there was no need to rush.

When Ned returned to the hotel, he saw Skylar's message. He paused, reflecting on their hospital encounter. Various signs suggested Skylar's captivating effect on him. He frowned, remembering Rosa's desperate pleas. He closed WhatsApp. He needed to curb this attraction before it escalated.

His assistant called. “Mr. Sowle, a flight back to Murida is available tomorrow. I’ll pick up Ms. Reese now and take her back to the hotel.”

Ned replied neutrally, “Okay.”

After hanging up, he went to the window, cigarette in hand. He hesitated before lighting it.