Chapter 696

Jenny had heard rumors that Skylar possessed metaphysical abilities. Rowan had even asked her for help; she could apparently sense negative energy emanating from objects. It sounded impressive, but Jenny wondered if Skylar was merely boasting to impress Joe.

Jenny's jealousy of Skylar reached a new peak. Paul, Howard, and Drake left the room, unwilling to third-wheel the young couple.

When Paul exited, he immediately saw Jenny. "Why are you here?" he asked.

"I called emergency services," Jenny retorted. "I was on an IV drip, but I've just finished. Why are you in the hospital?" Her tone carried an undercurrent of resentment. He'd asked her to call emergency services; her presence felt like a pointed rebuke of his apparent disregard. Why was Skylar the only one permitted to visit? Jenny knew the doctors here far better than Skylar; they'd even arranged all her checkups after hearing she was hospitalized. Yet, Paul and Joe had been attending to Skylar.

The urge to barge into Skylar's room and assess the extent of her injuries overwhelmed her.

Paul was taken aback by her questioning. He glanced at Skylar's room before replying, "Nothing much. Just needed to handle a few things. Have you completed the admissions process? Need any help?"

"No, I'm all set," Jenny replied, determined not to dwell on it. Paul's secrecy surrounding Skylar's hospitalization suggested a serious injury. Even so, why the secrecy? Jenny suspected Skylar's injury was anything but ordinary.

Jealousy faded; she was consumed by concern over Skylar's serious injury. Joe's protectiveness towards Skylar seemed excessive.

"I'll head back to my room," Jenny said before leaving. "If you see Joe, please let him know I'd like to see him."

Paul noted Jenny's lack of curiosity about the occupants of Skylar's room. She'd seen him and Howard there, yet didn't ask. This implied she already knew who was inside.

Howard murmured, "Jenny's undergone a profound change since we last saw her."

"You're right," Paul agreed. "She has changed."

"For better or worse, I'm not sure," Howard added with a raised eyebrow.

If Joe hadn't been involved with Skylar, Jenny might have had a chance. But Skylar's importance to Joe was undeniable. A rape, for instance, would have catastrophic repercussions.

"Did they utilize the numerous cameras brought to the scene?" Howard asked, a chill running down his spine.

One could cross almost anyone in Jipsburg, but not Joe. He would handle his problems; those causing them would never dare create another disturbance. The Silvers were a prime example, as Molly would soon learn. Though, in Molly's case, it was deserved.

Paul's jaw clenched. "Do you think Mr. Martin would've brought all those men and equipment simply to scare them without causing real damage?"

A twitch played at the corner of Howard's lips. "I wish I hadn't asked," he replied.