Chapter 661

The quiet, nearly deserted streets of Jipsburg City allowed Joe and Skylar to reach the hospital quickly. Upon arriving at the ward, they found Gloria asleep, her face pale. Skylar's concern was evident in the furrow of her brow.

After leaving the ward, Joe immediately asked Edgar, "How did Grandma suddenly develop heart trouble in the middle of the night?"

Edgar, also pale, was about to respond when a middle-aged man's voice interrupted from behind them. "What is Mrs. Martin Senior's condition? What did the doctors say?"

Skylar, Joe, and Edgar turned to see the speaker: Edwin, accompanied by Molly. This was Skylar's first meeting with Joe's father. She noted the lack of resemblance between father and son; Joe favored his mother.

"Why are you here?" Joe demanded, his eyes narrowing.

The tension between father and son was palpable, exceeding even that between strangers. Edwin's face hardened at Joe's hostility. "Mrs. Martin Senior is your grandmother and my mother. Since she's in the hospital, I came to see her."

Molly interjected, "Mrs. Martin Senior suddenly felt unwell while speaking with your father on the phone. We rushed over immediately. What did the doctor say? Should we bring in a specialist from abroad?" Her eyes briefly met Skylar's. Skylar remained calm and indifferent, as if she didn't recognize Molly. Molly was secretly astonished by Skylar's composure.

Joe coldly told Molly, "Leave."

Undeterred, Molly turned to Edwin, "Darling, I'll wait for you outside."

Edwin said gravely, "Joe, after all these years, you still can't accept her? Let's put this aside. Your grandmother's health is what matters." His gaze swept over Skylar, frosty and scrutinizing. Skylar felt his disapproval and made no attempt to appease him, especially after Molly's earlier behavior.

"What did you say to Grandma?" Joe asked coldly.

Edwin frowned. "What I said isn't important."

"You'd better hope nothing happens to Grandma," Joe said icily, his tone suggesting Edwin was more enemy than father.

Edwin's face darkened. "I'm her son. Do you think I want something to happen to your grandmother? I want her to be healthy more than anyone."

Edgar, standing to the side, sighed inwardly. This was a typical scenario, though Skylar's presence seemed to restrain Joe somewhat. Edwin had never fully embraced his paternal responsibilities, and a recent conversation with Gloria had deeply hurt her. He believed Gloria's age accounted for her decisions and adamantly disliked Skylar as his daughter-in-law. Skylar perceived this from Edgar's expression.

Joe let out a disdainful laugh, the word "father" apparently contemptuous in his ears. Edwin's expression darkened further. He turned to Skylar, his eyes filled with disdain. "Are you Skylar?" he asked coldly, with an air of superiority.