Chapter 593

Skylar spent three more days in the hospital before being discharged, looking healthy. Alexander forbade her from working and gave her several additional days off.

Over the next few days, Skylar dealt with the phoenix figurine and called Janine to reassure her. She then found an excuse to prevent Janine from visiting.

She only returned to Galaxy Villa at night. The following day, Joe left for work early. Skylar, having not seen Gloria recently, planned to visit her. Just as she was about to leave after tidying up, Joe returned home.

“Haven’t you gone to work?” Skylar asked, surprised.

Joe noticed Skylar was dressed to go out. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, “Are you going out?”

“I haven’t visited Grandma Gloria at Pearlhall Residence in a while. I’m going to see her,” Skylar explained, putting on her shoes.

“I’ll go with you,” Joe suggested.

Skylar was unsure of his motives. She asked, “Aren’t you going to work?”

He hadn’t worked in a week, yet he returned home after only an hour—a stark contrast to his usual workaholic nature.

“There’s nothing I need to attend to at work,” Joe said calmly.

Skylar didn’t question him further. Lucas drove them to Pearlhall Residence.

Skylar had initially planned to take a taxi to the repair shop to pick up her car, which had been ready for days. However, she’d been too busy, and it seemed she would have to go tomorrow.

The car ride was silent, an uncomfortable atmosphere hanging between them. They hadn’t spoken much while Skylar was in the hospital, and now they seemed to have little to say.

A sharp ring broke the silence. Joe answered the call.

Jenny’s voice chirped, “Joe, guess where I am!” Her excitement was evident.

Skylar suddenly felt the need for music; the silence was oppressive. Although Joe hadn’t put the call on speaker, she could hear Jenny. The answer was obvious, even though Jenny asked him to guess. She was at the airport, unless Skylar was mistaken.

Joe asked emotionlessly, “Where are you?”

Jenny had asked him to guess; why did he ask directly?

Joe looked at Skylar. He suddenly took her hand, gently massaging it. Their intertwined fingers made Skylar uneasy.

Jenny hadn't expected Joe's impatience. After a moment of silence, she said unhappily, “I’ve returned to Jipsburg, Joe. I’ve just gotten off the plane and am waiting for my baggage. Can you pick me up?”

Skylar’s hand stiffened. Joe was going to pick Jenny up, wasn't he?

Joe glanced at their hands and said, “I’m busy. I’ll have Rowan pick you up.”

“You’re busy?”

“Yes.”

The call ended abruptly.

Joe looked intently at Skylar and asked, “Why is your hand still so cold?” It was only a slight improvement.