Chapter 38

"What did the doctor say?" Skylar was concerned about Gloria's condition. She knew Gloria had always had heart problems, undergoing several bypass surgeries and frequent hospital admissions. Many doctors had concluded that Gloria could live, at most, another three years. That's why Joe had made Skylar sign a three-year covert marriage agreement.

Edgar's eyes reddened slightly. "The doctors aren't optimistic about Mrs. Martin Senior's condition. They hope her family can fill her remaining days with happiness, and perhaps a miracle will happen."

Skylar's throat constricted as she stood in the doorway, gazing into the ward. Gloria's sick, chalky complexion was a stark contrast to her usually cheerful demeanor. The drastic change wrenched Skylar's heart with pain.

Joe watched Skylar silently, noting the genuine worry and care in her eyes. Regardless of his poor impression of her, he couldn't deny her sincere concern for Gloria at that moment. Edgar's earlier words also reminded him that this was not the time to annul the agreement.

"I'm not hungry. I'll wait here for Grandma to wake up," Skylar said, sitting on a nearby chair. Joe sat beside her.

Fortunately, Gloria awoke shortly afterward. The pair immediately entered the ward. Seeing them, Gloria weakly grinned and asked, "Did I worry you guys?"

"How are you feeling, Grandma? Do you want us to get the doctor?" Skylar's voice was gentle and pleasant, as if speaking to a child.

"Those doctors can't do much for me. I've already woken up, so what's the point of calling them? Don't worry, Skye. I'm a tough cookie and can withstand a couple more years. Oh, right! Did Joe take good care of you when you had a fever yesterday?"

As Gloria asked this, her eyes darted toward Joe. It seemed she wouldn't let him off easily if he hadn't looked after Skylar properly.

Worry clouded Joe's eyes. He glanced at Skylar when he saw Gloria's stern gaze, unsure if Skylar would betray him.

"He cared for me the entire time and even had the family doctor check on me. I recovered today, so I'm completely fine now. Don't worry, Grandma. Right now, you're our main focus," Skylar reassured her warmly.

Gloria's stern gaze softened. In seconds, she was her kind, friendly grandmother again. "Joe did well. Those are all things he should be doing."

She then looked at Edgar. "Edgar, give me what I asked you to hold onto."

Edgar retrieved a jewelry box from his bag.

"Give it to Skye," Gloria instructed, and Edgar passed the box to Skylar.

"I can't stand that Joe hasn't had time to buy you a ring. So, I bought this from an auction; I planned to give it to you as your wedding ring." Gloria glared sternly at Joe. She seemed angry that he hadn't bought Skylar a ring.

Joe frowned.

Skylar was surprised but didn't open the box. "Grandma, this ring is too expensive. I can't take it."

The ring was worth $100 million. Skylar dared not accept it, nor did she feel she had the right. After all, she and Joe were getting divorced tomorrow. She was too afraid to keep the ring, even for a day. If it were damaged, she couldn't afford the $100 million compensation to Joe.

"Skylar, a ring is merely an accessory, regardless of how expensive it is. How can it be more important than you? Please accept it. This ring is my blessing to you. Come on, dear, put it on for me to see." Tender affection filled Gloria's eyes.