Chapter 813

This would also make Vera more proactive in seeking reconciliation. Joe’s gaze deepened. “Since you’re injured, you should stay in the hospital and receive proper treatment.”

Hearing Joe’s cold, distant tone, Vera felt both panic and hurt. “Joe, do you really have to push me away like this?” Before today, Vera would never have been so irrational; she never wanted to appear weak or reveal her strengths to Joe. But the fire had eroded much of her pride. She had been truly terrified.

“If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up,” Joe said coldly.

“Fine! Joe, it’s my fault for being so self-absorbed, thinking I meant something to you. I won’t call again! I won’t bother you anymore. Are you happy now?” Vera ended the call.

Paul, already gazing out the car window, remained silent. Regarding Joe’s personal life, discretion was best. Joe leaned back, closed his eyes, his expression unreadable. Paul sighed inwardly.

Vera lay in her hospital bed, covering her face and crying. Fearing discovery, she went to the restroom to wash her face. Her pride and self-esteem felt worthless in Joe’s eyes. She regretted her former confidence. She'd assumed Joe, always aloof, wouldn't easily fall for anyone, especially considering his father's infidelity, which she thought would make him value purity. But she'd overlooked that men might prioritize satisfying their desires. Otherwise, she couldn't understand his involvement with Skylar, whom he even kept at Galaxy Villa.

Dr. Kennard Baxter entered and delivered grim news. “Ms. Ruell, your mother’s condition is quite serious. She has a severe lung infection and suffered burns to her respiratory tract, potentially affecting her speech.”

Vera’s face paled. “Will it affect her ability to speak?”

“Yes, it’s highly likely. However, we will do everything we can. Your father’s condition is also critical; he has extensive burns and is in a crucial phase,” Kennard explained.

Vera’s face drained of color. “I trust your hospital’s expertise. Please do everything you can!” Her parents’ situation was far worse than she’d imagined. The fire had spread alarmingly fast—almost as if deliberately set. The police called it an accident, but Vera felt a nagging doubt. She bit her lip, forcing herself to focus on her parents’ recovery.

Skylar awoke to her phone ringing. Half-asleep, she answered. “Skye, are you awake?”

Recognizing Steven’s voice, Skylar’s eyes fully opened. “I just woke up, Steven.”

“Are you hiding something from me? Is there something you haven’t told me?” Steven asked, his tone serious.