Chapter 818

Vera's confidence wavered, remembering Skylar's recent assertiveness. Skylar had said, "If you have any questions, ask Joe. There's no need to ask me." She wanted no entanglement with Vera, sensing Joe treated her differently than others. Vera's face paled; she swayed slightly. Skylar stood and left. Outside the hospital, she messaged Joe on WhatsApp: "I'm leaving now. I have plans with a friend."

After Skylar's departure, Vera sat stiffly on the cold hallway bench, the chill sharpening her senses. She texted close friends: "Joe is married, isn't he?" The replies came quickly: "I haven't heard anything about that," "Isn't he waiting for you?", "Are you announcing something to us?", "Congrats! You two are moving quickly! I just visited you this morning, and you're already getting your marriage certificate this afternoon. Is he afraid of losing you again?", "Congratulations! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!"

A wave of relief washed over Vera; she smiled self-deprecatingly. She'd been rattled. Her friends knew nothing of Joe's marriage; his earlier comment was a test. The recent fire had left her unsettled, overly fearful of loss, clouding her judgment. She replied, "No, we don't have any relationship. Don't spread rumors. I was just asking out of curiosity." She stood and returned to the ward.

Joe and Denton exchanged few words; Denton's condition was poor. However, recent unusual events within the Ruell family had piqued Joe's suspicions. Leaving the ward, he noticed Skylar's absence. As he frowned, preparing to call her, Vera emerged.

"Joe, at the very least, we're classmates, right?" Vera asked, her usual air of superiority returning. Joe replied coldly, "Indeed, we're classmates."

Vera smiled. "Yes, we're classmates. Thank you for visiting Grandpa. By the way, your wife left early. You might want to call and check." She'd taken Joe's statement about Skylar being his wife as truth. Pride prevented Vera from appearing weak before him.

Perhaps her earlier weakness had led Joe to underestimate her, assuming continued pursuit. She wouldn't give him that satisfaction. Joe narrowed his eyes, replying simply, "Hmm."

Skylar received a call from Joe while on the subway. "I didn't have a chance to tell you earlier," she said. He responded, "Hmm, just call me when you're ready to head home, and I'll pick you up."

Skylar thought, Such thoughtfulness? A self-mocking smile touched her lips. With a hint of practicality, she replied, "I'll just take a cab home."