Chapter 699
Raindrops hammered against the windows, mirroring the turmoil within the mansion. Molly and Edwin, however, remained oblivious, their smiles unwavering.
Skylar awoke the following afternoon to find Joe beside her, still in his suit from the previous night. Gloria, Alexander, Caleb, and Simona waited outside, their chorus of "How are you feeling, Skye?" greeting her as they entered.
"I was so worried, Skylar," one of them added.
She’d slept well, the IV drip and proper wound care having done their work. "I'm fine. Don't worry, guys," she reassured them. Her skill with acupuncture points, coupled with Joe's timely arrival, had averted a far worse outcome. The thought of what could have happened—rape—still stunned her.
Since her rebirth, misfortune had relentlessly pursued her. Caleb's gaze fell upon her wounded forehead and hands, questioning how she could possibly be alright. The men who'd attacked her were, in his mind, demons, utterly inhumane.
Tears welled in Alexander and Gloria's eyes. Who had kidnapped Skylar? What were their intentions? Though Joe shielded them from the details, their experience allowed them to surmise the truth; a detailed explanation wasn't necessary.
Joe's search party had found her in an abandoned warehouse, surrounded by men and cameras. Aiken had dealt with the perpetrators, silencing them effectively.
Gloria, swallowing back tears, offered, "I have creams that will minimize scarring. They're extremely effective; you won't have any marks." The thought of Viola learning about this filled her with dread. Joe's timely intervention was a blessing; she dared not imagine the alternative.
Alexander added, "I have friends specializing in such creams. Don't worry, you'll be scar-free. Rest well; don't worry about a thing." A deep sense of guilt weighed on him; Skylar's assistance to him had placed her in danger.
"Thanks, Grandma. Thank you, Mr. Gardner Senior," Skylar replied, deeply touched by their concern.
Caleb stood beside her, occasionally glaring at Joe. He blamed Joe for Skylar's kidnapping and injuries, believing he had misjudged him. Joe's terrifying exterior masked an apparent lack of capability; he hadn't even protected his own wife.
Joe remained silent, keeping his distance. Only his occasional glances at Skylar softened his cold demeanor.