Chapter 663

Molly managed a weak smile. “Joe, there’s no need for hostility. I’ve always thought of you as my son.”

Joe’s expression hardened into a menacing glare. “Get out.”

“Joe!” Edwin roared, his fury evident. He’d hoped time would soften Joe’s stance, but it seemed only to have hardened it.

Molly’s face fell. “I’ll leave now.”

“Just because I don’t voice my thoughts doesn’t mean I’m unaware. I refuse to burden my wife with these matters. Leave the hospital while I’m still rational,” Joe said, his tone icy with contempt. Old grievances gnawed at him, churning his stomach.

The two men before him were middle-aged, yet the stains of their past sins remained vivid in Joe’s mind.

Skylar sensed Joe’s turmoil and gently took his hand, gripping it with unexpected strength.

Joe snapped back to reality, looking down at Skylar. The queasy feeling in his stomach subsided.

Molly, her face pale, left without another word.

Edwin, somewhat restrained, glanced at Edgar and said, “Take good care of Mrs. Martin Senior.”

“I will,” Edgar replied.

After Edwin and Molly departed, Joe’s expression softened.

Edgar, concerned that the earlier scene might have upset Skylar, noted her calm demeanor. He realized Gloria was right—her judgment was always sound.

“Dr. Colon says Mrs. Martin Senior’s condition is stable for now,” Edgar said softly to the young couple. He added, “If Gloria were awake, she wouldn’t want to see you so worried.”

“What did he say to Grandma?” Joe asked.

Edgar glanced at Skylar, then shook his head. “I was busy and didn’t hear their conversation.”

Skylar guessed what they’d discussed.

“I’ll stay with Grandma. You two should rest,” Skylar told Joe and Edgar. Edgar was older and shouldn’t stay up all night; Joe's emotions were understandably raw. Skylar's emotional stability made her better suited to stay.

“Let me stay. There are other staff,” Edgar offered. “You two should return to Galaxy Villa and come back tomorrow morning.”

Joe glanced at his watch. It was midnight. Returning to the villa and back was impractical.

“Alright,” Joe agreed, leading Skylar out of the hospital. Instead of going to Galaxy Villa, they went to a nearby hotel.

Neither felt like sleeping after the ordeal. Joe held Skylar, remaining silent until he sensed her wakefulness. “Were you scared at the hospital?”

“No,” Skylar replied honestly. She’d seen enough of human nature and betrayal to be unfazed. “Don’t let their attitudes bother you,” Joe said, his voice somber.

Chapter 664