Chapter 1337

After hearing that, the coldness on Aiken's face softened slightly.

Meanwhile, back in her bedroom, Simona eagerly tried to share the good news with Stephen. However, he wasn't answering her video calls. She assumed he was busy and left him a voice message: "Stephen, I just spoke with my brother about our relationship, and he approves. I'll bring you to meet him soon. He's a genuinely good person." Simona didn't wait for a reply; if he was busy, he'd likely have his phone silenced.

Rosa didn't go home. Instead, she went straight to Joe's apartment. He was returning from a business trip, and she had been waiting for half an hour after dismissing the maid and preparing a full meal herself—some of her best dishes. She'd cooked for him before, but he rarely ate much, though that didn't deter her devotion.

Rosa felt more restless than usual after her visit with Gloria. She'd noticed a certain innate grace in Gloria, a quality she also saw in Joe—something that couldn't be bought with designer labels or wealth.

When she heard the door open, Rosa rushed to the entrance. "Ned, you're back!"

Joe looked at her, his gaze darkening slightly, though he remained outwardly emotionless. "Why are you here?" he asked.

Rosa momentarily froze at his cold tone before smiling. "I missed you. You've been away for days, and I'm having surgery tomorrow. I'm scared, and knowing you were back, I had to see you. Ned, I'm terrified. I usually get anxious just being in a hospital." Her eyes reddened. She wasn't exaggerating; she genuinely feared Skylar might try something during her hospital stay.

Chapter 1337

"I'll be at the hospital tomorrow, don't worry," Joe said quietly, entering the apartment.

Rosa wasn't surprised; he'd already promised. She'd been by his side during a difficult month in the hospital, and now it was his turn.

"Okay. I won't be scared with you there. I just finished making dinner. Try it and see if my cooking skills are rusty."

As she spoke, she detected a faint scent in the air. It wasn't perfume, but a light, elegant fragrance—unlike Joe's usual cologne. A woman had clearly been near him recently.