Chapter 829

Jenny unexpectedly encountered Vera. Jenny, looking dreadful after a recent accident, was anxious to avoid ridicule. "I was in an accident," she explained. "I'll be here for a few days."

"An accident?" Vera scrutinized her. Jenny's forehead wound and wheelchair were evidence of significant injury. "Were you badly injured?"

Jenny's face paled. "I'm fine," she said, "but I have a leg wound, so I can't walk. How are you, Ms. Ruell? I saw the news."

Vera replied coldly, "We're fine. Take care of yourself." Then, remembering Skylar and Joe's hospital visit, she asked, "You know Skylar, right?"

Jenny frowned. "Have you seen her?"

"What do you think Skylar means to Joe?" Vera pressed.

Knowing Vera and Joe's history, Jenny was cautious. "I'm not sure what she means to Joe either," she replied.

Vera seemed less confident than Jenny expected. Rumors suggested Vera, usually passive, believed a proactive move would bring Joe running, regardless of the cost. Jenny sensed Vera's panic, noting Vera was unaware of Joe's marriage to Skylar. "Joe probably adores Skylar," Jenny added. "He treats her differently."

"In what way?" Vera demanded, fists clenched.

"A few months before I graduated, Joe brought Skylar to visit her family. They traveled together and took many pictures. It's evident he likes her."

Vera visibly blanched. Jenny felt a surge of satisfaction; even the arrogant Vera was threatened. Seeing Vera's agitation validated her actions.

"How could he like Skylar?" Vera asked icily. She dismissed Skylar as a scheming woman of limited means, believing Joe's affection couldn't be genuine.

"I don't know if his feelings are real," Jenny said wearily. "I'm tired. I'll go to my room." She left Vera speechless.

As a nurse wheeled her back, Jenny smirked, confident she would become the most important woman in Joe's life. Skylar and Vera were merely stepping stones.

Vera returned to her room, disoriented and dejected.

Back in her room, Jenny called Joe three times without success. It was seven o'clock; he must have eaten. He would have seen her missed calls. Why was he ignoring her?

As she considered calling Rowan, someone opened her door. Seeing Joe, she cried, "Joe, you're here! I called so many times! I was terrified! The doctor said my wound might scar! Joe, what will I do?" She sobbed delicately, employing a practiced blend of fear and vulnerability.