Chapter 782

The person at the door froze, unexpected. Skylar stepped back, impulsively reaching for a knife in the kitchen. Recent news reports of homicides and robberies had her on edge. Had Galaxy Villa become a target? The police investigation was ongoing; was this killer so brazen? Her heart pounded. She wasn't afraid of a fight, but the thought of a murderer terrified her.

"It's me."

Joe's voice. Relief washed over her. That explained the familiar long limbs glimpsed in the moonlight. It also explained the murderer's elusiveness; those legs suggested formidable sprinting ability.

"It's you," Skylar sighed.

Joe was already approaching. Intending to return upstairs after water, Skylar left the lights off, seeing only his silhouette, unable to discern his expression.

"Who else would it be?" Joe asked.

He'd been to Janine's, Charles having let him in, only then realizing Skylar wasn't there. Garth had then summoned him to Avalon House before he'd driven home in the dead of night. He'd assumed she'd be asleep, but she'd come downstairs for water.

Skylar confessed, "I thought you were the murderer the police are looking for."

"A murderer?" Joe chuckled. "I don't look like a murderer, do I?"

"Yeah, the news reported a robbery and homicide in a mansion. A mother and her three children died; her husband, away on business, narrowly escaped. The murderer's still at large."

"Galaxy Villa has a state-of-the-art security system. Anyone trying to rob you would have to be invincible. Don't worry."

Skylar nodded. "Would you like some water?"

She hadn't checked the time since waking.

Joe hummed his assent. Skylar poured a glass and handed it to him. The darkness didn't hinder their conversation.

Joe finished his water. "Let's go upstairs and get back to sleep."

"Alright."

Upstairs, Skylar checked the time after settling into bed: 4:00 AM. That explained the faint light outside; dawn was approaching. Joe showered quickly, joined her in bed, pulling her close. "Go to sleep," he murmured.

Skylar stiffened. His actions mirrored the night before their divorce discussion.

Drowsiness claimed her. She awoke at 7:00 AM, Joe's arm still around her. Gently disengaging, she slipped out of bed.

As Skylar left the room, Joe opened his eyes.

Downstairs, she prepared a simple breakfast: two sandwiches and milk. Originally, she'd planned to eat, get ready, and go to work, but Joe's late arrival suggested he wouldn't be up early.