Chapter 590

Skylar's heart raced. "Steven," she said, "I have a few pressing matters that need handling. Joe is rather busy, too. We don't have time to visit Mom now. Could you help me think of a reason to dissuade her from coming?"

"Alright, I'll come up with something. However, you can't avoid this forever. How are you and Joe getting along?"

Steven had been hurt by Annie. He'd overlooked something, though: his own hurt. What about Skylar? Would this affect her relationship with Joe?

Skylar's eyes darted toward the door. Then, humming gently, she said, "We're getting along quite well. Don't worry about us, Steven."

"Alright. I've broken things off with Annie completely. She won't be causing any more trouble. This had nothing to do with anyone else. I was too trusting. I consciously ignored occasional hints about her true character."

"Skylar, stick with Joe, alright? We'll face all sorts of challenges throughout our lives. It's impossible to live a life of perpetual peace."

Skylar's heart skipped a beat. She suddenly had an answer to the problem that had been bothering her. In the past, she'd been too paranoid.

"Yep, got it."

After ending the call, Skylar opened Instagram. There were no important messages. Natalie and Austin were filming and probably busy. They occasionally sent her a few pictures, as did Caleb from his overseas trip. Her lack of response didn't faze them; they knew she was probably busy.

Skylar then checked her Amazon store. Janine could handle things by now. She'd posted an announcement that she was busy and wasn't accepting appraisal requests.

Skylar was relieved after checking everything.

Just as she put down her phone, the door opened. Alexander and Harry walked in, tears welling in their eyes.

"You're alright! That's great. Skye, you've terrified us for the past few days. It's such a relief," said Alexander.

Harry added, "If anything happened to you, I would blame myself to death. I wouldn't have the guts to even meet Viola."

Faced with their concern, Skylar said hurriedly, "I'm alright now. Stop worrying. It's my fault for not telling you before I fainted. I'm too young and inexperienced. That's why the artifact injured me."

"You're impossible! Why are you blaming yourself?" Harry didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He understood why Viola had passed her skills on to Skylar; she deserved it for her exemplary character.

Alexander looked at Joe, who had followed them in. "What did the doctors say? I'll pay for all her hospital expenses."

"The doctor said she needs to be hospitalized for a few more days, then she'll be fit for discharge," Joe replied.

He would pay for his wife's hospital stay; Jipsburg Hospital belonged to the Martins after all, and Alexander was their elder. Joe wouldn't allow him to shoulder the costs.

"That's great," Harry said, nodding in relief. Then, turning to Alexander, he complained, "I've already said I'll pay for it! Why are you trying to take that from me? Do you think I'm penniless just because I live in Liberty County?" He felt bad if he couldn't do anything for her.

Although Skylar had woken up, she was still extremely pale. She watched them argue over responsibility, then changed the subject. "Mr. Solarius Senior, have you handled the figurine as I instructed?"

"Yes, of course. I've put it away as you told me," Harry said, nodding.

Skylar's expression was somber. After a moment of silence, she said, "Once I recover, I'll draw a talisman for you. Stick it onto the figurine, then hand it to me. I'll deal with it."

She could still handle it; it wasn't an emerald statue, just a tiny figurine Harry had forgotten. If he'd admired and caressed it daily, she wouldn't be able to reverse the damage. He would perish like Alexander's friend, and she would be powerless to help.