Chapter 799

Cameron’s granddaughter flushed and complained, “Grandpa, I’m not thinking about him. He’s just attractive. Honestly, I don’t think I could handle a man like that. I’m not interested in causing myself any grief over him.”

Cameron laughed. “Alright, you’re a smart girl to figure that out. Let’s have dinner.”

“Aren’t we waiting for Skylar and Caleb?”

“They’re staying at a hotel tonight. They have things to do. Let’s eat.”

The fondue bubbled and smoked before them, surrounded by fresh meat and vegetables. Aiken also enjoyed fondue; he remembered paying attention to Skylar’s preferences the last time they dined together.

As they ate, Skylar’s face flushed. This fondue was even spicier than the Jipsburg version—a local specialty, after all. Aiken handed her a napkin. “Why don’t you wipe your sweat?”

“Thank you,” she replied, dabbing her forehead.

Suddenly, her phone pinged. She put away the napkin and checked the text from Paul: “Have you gone back to Jipsburg?”

“Not yet.”

Paul immediately called. “I thought you’d returned to Jipsburg! Where are you? I’ll pick you up. Mr. Martin is drunk and his cold has turned into a fever. I wanted to take him to the hospital, but he won’t go. You’re the only one he’ll listen to!” Skylar heard the panic in his voice.

“Have you taken his temperature?” she asked.

“I have. He’s got a high fever—102.2 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Skylar hesitated, then stood. “Where are you staying? Send me the address. I’ll come right over.”

Aiken had observed her changing expression throughout the call, watching the smile fade from her face. When she ended the call, he asked, “What’s going on?”

“Joe has a fever. I need to check on him at his hotel. I’m sorry. Enjoy your dinner. I’ll leave now. I’ll treat you to dinner when I get back to Jipsburg,” Skylar said, grabbing her bag.

Aiken stood with her. “My car is outside. I’ll drive you.”

She glanced at the sky. “Thank you. Sorry to trouble you.”

Thirty minutes later, his car stopped in front of the hotel. Paul waited by the entrance. Seeing Aiken emerge with Skylar, he froze. Why was Skylar with Aiken? Why was Aiken in Zallory? Was this a coincidence?

Aiken asked, “How is Mr. Martin? Do you need help getting him to the hospital?”

Paul recovered. “Mr. Martin’s fever’s gone down to about 101 degrees. He doesn’t need to go to the hospital yet.”

Aiken nodded. “I’ll be going then. Call if you need anything.”

“Thank you.”

Relief washed over Skylar, hearing of Joe’s improved condition. Entering the hall with Paul, she saw Joe standing there. She stopped abruptly. “Why are you downstairs?”

Paul was stunned. Why was Joe downstairs? Hadn’t he been in bed? Why would he be downstairs with a raging fever?

Joe’s lips tightened. He stared at Skylar with dark eyes. Then he asked, “Have you been with Aiken all day?”