Chapter 677

Just then, Joe's phone rang; it was Paul. "Mr. Martin," Paul said.

"Take Dr. Grey to see Jenny. She has a fever," Joe instructed.

"Alright, Mr. Martin."

After hanging up, Joe resumed tidying. Skylar couldn't decipher Joe's intentions. He seemed distant from Jenny. Was he worried about upsetting her?

After ending the call, Jenny eagerly awaited Joe's arrival. "At the end of the day, he still cares," she thought. "He hurried over right after my call. He definitely wants me to be safe."

Jenny hadn't expected a fever. It was probably from visiting Rowan's house last night. Seeing Minerva had hurt her, and Joe and Gloria's disregard for her in the hospital had been a crushing blow. She couldn't bear it, and it made her ill.

Her call had been a test. She'd braced herself for his absence, not expecting his immediate arrival. She had a high fever and felt weak, yet she still stumbled to the washroom to check her reflection.

The woman in the mirror was pale and frail, the very picture of sickness. Yet, her eyes gleamed with anticipation. As long as Joe hadn't distanced himself, she felt empowered.

Rowan was a problem for later. The thought prompted her to take a selfie with her thermometer and post it on Instagram. While waiting for Joe, she reviewed the flood of comments and messages about her health. Friends and colleagues, even some she'd known only two days, expressed concern. But Rowan was missing.

He usually inquired first whenever she was sick and visited immediately.

Jenny checked the time. It wasn't even eight yet. Were Rowan and Minerva still asleep? She felt uneasy considering their rapidly developing relationship.

Lost in thought, the doorbell rang. She rushed to the door, anticipation and excitement bubbling within her. Tears welled before she opened it. But instead of Joe, she saw Paul and Howard. Her tears froze.

Paul wasn't surprised by her deflated expression. He knew she wanted to see Joe. Howard, a longtime acquaintance, asked, "How are you feeling? Did you take your temperature again?"

Recovering her composure, Jenny asked, "Where's Joe? Didn't he come?" Hadn't he told her to wait?

Howard looked at Paul in surprise. He'd assumed Jenny harbored some strong feelings for Joe. This seemed odd.

Paul explained, "Mr. Martin is extremely busy. He couldn't make it. Let Dr. Grey examine you. If it's worse than expected, you'll need to go to the hospital."

Jenny shrank back. "I... alright," she stammered.

Did Joe not care? She had a 102-degree fever. Wasn't that enough?