Chapter 759
Vera, feeling she was meddling, was annoyed. Examining the two artifacts from the auction house, she had an idea. She instructed a nearby household staff member, “Get me some supplements suitable for the elderly; have them ready within half an hour.”
She hadn't visited Gloria since returning, and this presented a good opportunity to check on her and bring a gift. After all, Gloria was Joe's most important person.
Alexander and Skylar arrived at the company, immediately immersing themselves in work. In the rush, Alexander forgot to call John. The auction purchases proved difficult to manage, requiring Skylar's individual attention.
Meanwhile, Alexander fielded several calls from friends. By the time he finished his work, it was after office hours. He attempted to call John but was unsuccessful, postponing the matter.
As Skylar was leaving, Janine called. She'd slipped on a wet floor at the market, fracturing her leg. With Steven and Charles unavailable—swamped with work and filming, respectively—Skylar rushed to the hospital; someone had already taken Janine there.
En route, Skylar called Joe. "I won't be able to make it to Pearlhall Residence today. Please let Grandma know." She kept the explanation brief, to avoid worrying them. She ended the call quickly, preventing further questions.
Joe, contemplating this, realized Skylar wouldn't have missed visiting Pearlhall Residence unless there was an emergency. Even when busy, she prioritized Gloria. He dialed Caleb's number.
Caleb answered, sounding confused. "Did you dial the wrong number?"
"I did not. Is Skylar off work?" Joe asked.
Caleb, puzzled, replied, "I'm already home. We finished work half an hour ago. I'm not a child—if you have something to ask, ask directly." He wasn't naive; Joe never called without reason. He doubted this was a simple inquiry about Skylar's work schedule. Joe could have asked Skylar directly.
"You're quite sharp. Has Skylar been acting oddly today?" Joe's tone was colder.
Caleb responded, "Oddly? No, she seemed fine; professional, even chatted before leaving. But she did go to the auction this morning with my grandfather and bought some artifacts. Grandfather asked her to handle them."
Chapter 759
"I see," Joe said, ending the call.
Caleb, listening to the dial tone, felt irritated. He felt used and discarded; Joe hadn't even thanked him.
Skylar arrived at the hospital shortly after. Janine's leg was already in a cast.
"Don't worry, Skye. The doctor said it's a minor fracture," Janine reassured her. Given her age, her bones were more fragile. Years of fieldwork and numerous falls hadn't resulted in fractures before.
Understanding Janine's attempt to reassure her, Skylar collected the X-rays and medical reports. "Mom, I'll consult the doctor for any special instructions," she said.
"Okay." Janine sat in the corridor, waiting. Nearby patients admired Janine and commented on her daughter's consideration. Janine smiled, then her expression turned serious, and she instinctively stood.