Chapter 2

"Skylar, don't bother coming back if you leave!" Sadie gaped at Skylar in shock as she decisively departed. Sadie's temples throbbed with rage. Skylar was incredibly out of line! "How dare she? Jeff, what are we going to do now?" Infuriated, Sadie turned to Jeffrey.

Jeffrey solemnly trailed after Skylar. His expression darkened as he watched her leave the hospital without hesitation.

"She doesn't have any money, so she can't go far. She'll apologize tomorrow. Then we can proceed with the blood transfusion," he said.

"A troublemaker! We can't just forgive her easily, even if she apologizes. We can't spoil her anymore," Sadie retorted, exasperated.

"Mom, don't be mad! It's not good for your health. Maybe Skylar will return tonight," Maisy said, her eyes glinting.

Skylar couldn't shirk her responsibility to donate blood to Maisy. She might have thrown a tantrum, but she would return docile and submissive tomorrow. Maisy was determined to prove her importance to Skylar. Everyone cherished her, even surpassing Skylar's status as the Williams family's biological daughter.

After leaving the hospital, Skylar rummaged through her bag for her phone. Her hand quivered as she dialed a number. She had to decide quickly.

"Grandma Gloria, I've changed my mind. I will marry your grandson—" A smile spread across her face as she imagined Gloria Hinman's delight.

After hanging up, Skylar reflected on her past. Gloria was an old friend of Viola Zindel, who had been neighbors with Skylar's adoptive mother, Janine Yancey. Viola had moved to the countryside thirty years ago. Skylar, sensing Viola's loneliness, had kept her company, and Viola had taught her many things in return. Later, Skylar left for college. During a visit, Viola brought Gloria. Skylar had remained in contact with Gloria since then.

One day, Gloria brought Joe Martin to meet Skylar at a restaurant, intending for them to marry.

Chapter 2 (continued)

It was Skylar's first meeting with Joe. Impeccably dressed, he stood out. She avoided his gaze, fearing indifference. He said he agreed with Gloria's proposal. Gloria had awaited Skylar's response. However, Skylar was infatuated with Christopher. She told Gloria she had a boyfriend, disappointing her greatly.

Joe called the next day, saying Gloria was ill, with only three years to live. Marriage to Skylar was her only wish. He offered to fulfill any reasonable demands if she agreed. She refused.

Soon after, Skylar had an accident requiring expensive surgery. Jeffrey and Sadie refused to help, considering her a burden after her amputation. But Gloria learned of Skylar's situation and paid for the surgery and rehabilitation.

Skylar later discovered Sadie and Christopher had deceived Gloria. Sadie had cried, promising to treat Skylar well. Gloria believed them and even helped Jeffrey's company through a crisis. Christopher and Maisy then prevented Gloria from visiting Skylar.

After Skylar died, her spirit lingered. Gloria visited, weeping over her body. Revenge wasn't Skylar's only goal; she wanted to repay Gloria's kindness. The odds were against her; she'd rejected Joe the day before her rebirth and worried he'd refuse her now.

Skylar stowed her phone and headed to the bus stop. Her phone rang.

Joe's cool voice said, "Ms. Williams, why did you change your mind?"

Skylar looked at the bus stop sign. "Your proposal sounded great, Mr. Martin."

Joe was silent, then said calmly, "Let's meet at the courthouse at 3:00 pm."

At Martin Group, Joe gestured to his assistant, Paul Ziegler, to continue.

"The Williams family brought Ms. Williams back six months ago. She lived with her adoptive parents in the countryside. She met her boyfriend, Christopher, in high school, dated through college. I'm still investigating other details," Paul reported, presenting pictures of Skylar. Joe noted the intimacy in a picture showing Skylar and Christopher's intertwined arms. Skylar's youth didn't diminish her beauty.

"Ms. Williams has donated blood to the Williams family's adopted daughter, Maisy, for six months," Paul added.

Joe checked his watch. "Prepare a three-year covert marriage agreement."

Paul was surprised. He hadn't expected Joe to be so decisive, especially with Skylar's fiancé. Wasn't he worried about a trick?

Skylar arrived at the courthouse at 2:55 pm. She had her documents, planning to officially separate from Jeffrey and Sadie after donating blood. Her eyes glinted coldly. She would never be part of the Williams family again.

Joe arrived five minutes later. Skylar met his gaze. Indifference and sophistication emanated from him, his scrutiny evident. Skylar wasn't surprised; she would wonder the same.

"Sign this agreement before we register," Joe said, handing her two documents.

Skylar saw the three-year divorce clause. Their marriage would remain secret, only revealed to Gloria.

"I have no objections. I won't bother you after the divorce."

Joe stopped her. "No regrets after signing. Have you thought this through?"

Skylar nodded briskly. "Yes."

"What are your conditions?" Joe asked.

Skylar hesitated, about to speak