Chapter 324

“Mr. Ziegler’s photography skills are on par with a professional's. We've already planned tomorrow's itinerary,” Skylar said, noticing Joe browsing through the camera. “He mentioned a grove of coconut trees that’s supposed to be stunning for photos. I’m so excited for it.”

Joe raised an eyebrow. So, they’d planned everything without him? The itinerary sounded delightful, and the photos promised to be excellent, but he’d clearly been excluded.

“Is something bothering you?” Skylar asked, puzzled by his stern expression.

Joe’s voice was cold and distant. “Nothing.”

Skylar didn’t press further and remained silent. For now, enjoying the meal seemed more important than solving any mysteries.

Twenty minutes later, they finished dinner and got into an MPV. Joe was unusually silent during the ride, and Skylar wisely chose not to initiate conversation. She needed to catch up on her Amazon orders, especially those left unhandled from the previous night. But halfway through, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. Sweat beaded on her forehead.

Joe noticed her unease immediately. “Are you feeling unwell?”

“My stomach hurts… I need to use the restroom,” Skylar said, her voice trembling with pain.

She couldn’t discern whether it was food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea. But whatever it was, she desperately needed a bathroom.

Joe instructed the driver to stop at a nearby hotel and quickly booked a room. Skylar rushed to the bathroom and couldn’t get up for half an hour. When she finally emerged, her face was pale, and she looked utterly drained.

“Let’s go to the hospital,” Joe said, supporting Skylar. He had already called ahead to inform the hospital of their arrival.

Skylar nodded weakly, feeling feverish and lightheaded.

An hour later, Skylar was lying in a hospital bed, receiving an IV drip. Her fever and stomach issues left her in a daze. Seeing Joe by her side, she felt a pang of guilt. “I’ll be fine on my own. It’s already 11:00 p.m. You should go back to the hotel and rest,” Skylar murmured.

Joe looked at her intently.

“No need. I can rest here.” His voice was cold, but his actions were surprisingly heartwarming. He settled into a small couch, his long legs awkwardly fitting into the space. Though this hospital was one of the best in Korel City, it still lacked amenities.

“Thank you,” Skylar whispered.

Skylar didn’t have the energy to say anything more. She thought to herself that she would repay his kindness by caring for him if he ever got sick in the future. As she drifted into a fitful sleep, she heard Joe taking a phone call outside. He was probably being mindful not to disturb her.