Chapter 338

Jenny awoke in the intensive care unit, disappointed to find only medical staff present. Early the next morning, Paul visited. Seeing him, not Joe, Jenny felt disheartened and asked, "Where's Joe?" She had hoped he would be the first to see her after surgery. The major operation had led her to expect his worry and presence. His absence suggested he was with Skylar.

Paul, noticing Jenny's distress, gently explained, "Mr. Martin didn't sleep much last night. He spent the entire day waiting for your surgery. After confirming its success, he went to the hotel to rest. I'll tell him you're awake."

Relieved, though weak, Jenny asked, "Does Joe really like Skylar?" She pondered his past rejections of others, his unmarried status, and his sudden agreement to marry Skylar—even if it was at Gloria's behest. Jenny's emotions churned.

Paul paused, sensing Jenny's feelings for Joe might extend beyond sibling affection. "Mr. Martin and Ms. Sullivan have a very good relationship," he replied.

Sadness washed over Jenny; tears welled in her eyes. After a few minutes, Paul left, messaging Joe about Jenny's awakening. He glanced back, sensing her unhappiness and wondering why she harbored these feelings for Joe—a situation he deemed problematic.

At the hotel, Skylar, brushing her teeth, noticed a prominent hickey on her collarbone. Annoyed, she said, "Mr. Martin, can you stop marking my collarbone?" The hickey prevented her from wearing her favorite spaghetti-strap dresses. She couldn't even conceal it for photographs.

Joe, brushing his teeth nearby, glanced at the mark. He'd kissed her there again last night, his passion fueled by the existing marks—a possessive claim. Her sweet request intensified his desire. "It's because you're too tempting," he said, suppressing his urge to kiss her again.

Skylar's face flushed. "It's because you can't control yourself. I'm not the one seducing you."

"When you tearfully call me 'darling' in bed, your expression and tone are alluring."

"That's because you…" Skylar hesitated. The conversation felt ridiculous.

Joe smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Because I what?"

Skylar took a deep breath, refusing to back down. "Because you keep pushing me. If you have the guts, stop making me call you 'darling' during sex. Or, if you have the guts, stop sleeping in the same bed with me."