Chapter 354

Skylar had no appetite, so she made an excuse: "A college classmate just found out I'm here and wants to hang out. I need to go right away."

Sometimes, disliking someone isn't about them being bad; it's about their energy clashing with yours, creating a desire for respectful distance. Jenny gave Skylar this vibe. Initially, Skylar had a good impression of Jenny, but after several meetings, she felt a lack of connection and knew they couldn't be friends. She even worried about indigestion if they ate together.

Joe looked at Skylar coolly and asked, "Classmate?"

"Yes, I made plans when we left the car. I didn't have time to tell you."

"That's too bad," Jenny interrupted. She clearly wished Skylar weren't there so she could have a private meal with Joe.

Joe glanced at his watch. "I have a meeting later. You can eat by yourself." Then, to Skylar, he said, "I'll send you."

Joe left, leaving the ward empty again. Jenny hadn't even had a chance to speak. Joe usually seemed indifferent, but he'd been watching Skylar intently.

"Camilla, do you think Joe likes Skylar?"

Camilla, having observed the interaction, said, "Yes, I think so." At her age, she could read the situation clearly. Jenny liked Joe, but Joe seemed to only have eyes for Skylar, treating Jenny like a sister. Although Joe didn't express his emotions, he and Skylar seemed well-suited.

Jenny's gloom was evident, even to Camilla.

"Ms. Scott, what would you like for lunch?" Camilla asked.

Jenny, still without an appetite, shook her head. "Anything is fine. I don't have a preference."

"Okay, I'll ask the doctor what you can eat, Ms. Scott," Camilla replied earnestly.

Joe had asked Skylar her destination before getting in the car; her excuse had been a fabrication. She hadn't expected Joe to offer a ride.

"You have a meeting. I'll just call a cab." She planned to spend the afternoon by the beach, cherishing the city before their departure the next day.

Joe's tone hardened. "Get in the car."

"You really don't have to—"

"I'm taking you to lunch," Joe said, his gaze exposing her lie. It was a shame he hadn't become a police officer—how did he know she was lying?

She got into the car without further argument. They drove in silence. Skylar didn't explain her earlier excuse, and Joe didn't press her.

They went to a Taegu restaurant. Joe spoke first. "You don't like Jenny?"

"It's not that I dislike her. I just don't like being in the hospital for long periods. And, with me around, Ms. Scott might feel constrained," Skylar replied, pleased with her answer. Sometimes, subtlety was best. She did dislike Jenny.

(The final sentence, "#Claim Bonus For Free," appears unrelated and has been omitted.)