Chapter 806

Joe leaned down and kissed Skylar. The kiss was both domineering and lingering, almost a punishment, growing more intense with each moment. Their bodies were so familiar, every sensitive spot sparking with desire.

When they finally separated, two hours had passed. Skylar lay limp in Joe's arms, utterly drained. The aftermath was silent, yet the sound of their heartbeats resonated loudly and rhythmically.

Once Skylar found her voice, she asked, "What are we now?"

Joe's body tensed. He hesitated for a few minutes before saying, "As long as we're not divorced, we're still a couple. I thought you wanted this too."

Skylar's expression shifted subtly, but she remained silent. She seemed either exhausted or without expectation.

Seeing her silence, Joe's gaze hardened. He wanted to speak, but ultimately felt it unnecessary. He realized his actions had been forceful. He knew how to elicit a reaction from her, and his motives this time were far from pure.

At 10:00 a.m., a car accident occurred in front of Apollo Hospital, resulting in one death and two injuries. Two vehicles collided, killing the cab driver instantly. The two occupants of the private car sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital. The police were investigating the cause.

When Vera's family learned that her relatives, Marlon Ruell and Hayden Slater, had been in the accident, they rushed to the hospital. In just three days, Denton had fallen ill, been hospitalized, and their relatives had been involved in a serious accident.

The Ruell family was tense. Outside the operating room, speculation swirled.

"Could this accident have been a deliberate attack?"

"Creating such a scene outside the hospital… The taxi driver died instantly. It seems like a straightforward accident. But with the recent misfortunes, it does seem odd."

"Let's not jump to conclusions. We should wait for the police report."

Vera's face was grim. She recalled a recent phone call from Alexander to Denton. Alexander had warned that the two antiques she'd won at auction were negative items, bringing trouble. Both she and Denton had dismissed it then. Now, she wondered if the painting was indeed a negative item. The other antique remained at the Ruell Residence; she'd intended to gift it to Buck for his birthday, but now hesitated.

She considered mentioning this, then thought of Skylar. Alexander's remarks might have been influenced by Skylar's interest in the antiques. Perhaps Denton, Marlon, and Hayden's accidents were simply unfortunate coincidences.

"Vera, what are you thinking about? Are you worried about your Uncle Marlon and Aunt Hayden?" Vera's mother, Penelope Weinstein, asked gently. Vera had looked worried since returning from abroad, and now the family faced multiple crises. Anyone would be concerned.

Vera nodded. "I hope Uncle Marlon and Aunt Hayden are alright, and that Grandpa can recover and be discharged soon."