Chapter 26

Steven was silent for a few minutes, presumably covering his phone so Skylar wouldn't hear their conversation. A few minutes later, Skylar heard him say, "It's okay, Skye. It's just a minor issue. I'll handle it. Get some rest. If you still feel unwell, you have to go to the hospital, okay?"

"Alright, I will," Skylar replied. She didn't press him; she knew Steven—her older brother—always took good care of his siblings and wouldn't worry them unnecessarily.

She checked her bank balance. Daniel had given her 50% of her pay for restoring the paintings, with the remainder due upon completion. She now had $800,000 in her account.

After graduating from university, Steven had worked for a scientific research company, but his salary was low, and a ten-year contract prevented him from resigning without significant financial penalty. In her past life, his career had stagnated before her car accident. She resolved to help him this time, but lacked sufficient funds. She fell asleep pondering this.

In the next room, Joe was restless. Unlike his comfortable sleep at Pearlhall Residence the previous night, he was wide awake, which irritated him. He went downstairs for a glass of water. Seeing the light on in Skylar's room, he paused, then approached and knocked three times. "Skylar?"

There was no answer. Was she still feverish? Had she fainted? He noticed light under her door, his gaze darkening as he entered.

Chapter 26 (continued)

Skylar's eyes were tightly closed; she lay quietly in bed, her breathing barely audible. Joe checked her temperature with a thermometer: 99.5 degrees. He considered their contract. If she fulfilled it obediently for three years without ulterior motives, he'd give her additional money upon its completion. His gaze darkened again, remembering her utterance of "Christopher." He expected Paul to soon uncover what transpired between her and Christopher.

Skylar awoke at 6:00 a.m. Though her fever had broken, she felt weak and called Daniel to take sick leave. She then went downstairs to make breakfast. Galaxy Villa's remote location offered limited takeout options; she simply wanted porridge. To her surprise, she found Joe at the dining table with porridge and buns.

"Grandma sent these," Joe explained.

Warmed by Gloria's thoughtfulness, Skylar replied, "Grandma is so nice to me," and messaged her to express her gratitude.