Chapter 27

Skola's face turned beet red. She was astonished. Normally, Joe seemed cold and stern, but he was surprisingly passionate in bed.

"Alright, I'll take a shower first," Skylar said, trying to remain calm. She wrapped herself in the blanket, got out of bed, and looked for her clothes.

Joe gazed at her back and cleared his throat. "I already washed you last night," he said.

Skylar stiffened. Was he that considerate? The thought of lying like a dead fish in the bathtub, meticulously cleaned by Joe, filled her with embarrassment. The mess on the floor—condoms and scattered clothes—only added to her dismay.

Before she could fully process it, a long arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back into bed and into the crook of Joe's arm.

"Sleep a little longer," Joe murmured sleepily.

Both were completely naked, and Skylar froze, hesitant to move. However, her body ached, and she felt exhausted, so she succumbed to sleep.

As she drifted off, Skylar wondered: people said men felt refreshed after sex, but Joe looked so tired. Was he overly exhausted? Was he unwell?

Unaware of Skylar's thoughts, Joe felt unusually sleepy. This was the first time in years he'd felt this way. After washing Skylar and putting her back to bed, he wanted a smoke. But hearing her soft murmur of pain, he impulsively climbed back into bed to hold her, falling asleep within minutes. Ever since they'd shared a bed, his insomnia had improved, and holding her enhanced his sleep.

Meanwhile, at the company, Paul noticed the curious glances from his colleagues. He didn't know what to say. This was the first time Joe had missed work on a Monday. A known workaholic, his absence on a workday—and not for a business trip—surprised everyone. Although curious, no one dared ask.

Paul was the only one aware of the situation. He could only tell the others that Joe needed a break. It was true; Joe needed rest. Paul felt overwhelmed recalling the morning's message. He even considered finding a woman for himself. Joe had mentioned that last night had been "too much," and that he and Skylar needed a day to rest, asking Paul to inform Alexander. The phrase "too much" echoed in Paul's mind all day. No one understood what he felt.

That day, Caleb arrived at Gardner Group, struggling with his crutches. He wanted to see Skylar. Earlier that morning, he'd gone to the police station and spoken with Elliot. After questioning, he learned Skylar wasn't married to him. Caleb wondered who she was married to and if she'd been lying.

Upon his arrival, however, he learned Skylar had taken the day off. He was surprised; knowing her dedication to work and the Frank painting restoration, he found her Monday absence unusual.

Looking at his grandson helplessly, Alexander said, "She's allowed a day off. There doesn't have to be a reason. Even I don't come in when I have things going on." Alexander didn't want to elaborate for Caleb.