Chapter 9

Worried Gloria might be in a hurry, Skylar immediately asked, "Which hospital was he taken to? I'll come right away."

After Gloria gave her the hospital's name, Skylar quickly hung up. Casting an apologetic look at her family, she said, "Something happened to Grandma Gloria. I have to go check on her. I'll be back in a few days once things settle down."

The Sullivans had all heard of Gloria; they knew she was Viola's friend.

After Skylar left, Janine sighed. "The Williamses probably mistreated Skye. As her mother, how could I not sense something was wrong? She's keeping us in the dark because she doesn't want us to worry."

Steven, usually calm and composed, looked grim. "I'll talk to her and check in with her more from now on."

"I'll pay more attention to Skye, too," Charles added.

"I'll fight the Williamses if they dare lay a finger on Skye!" Harvey declared haughtily. He was still a teenager, after all.

Skylar arrived at the hospital promptly. Spotting an anxious Gloria in the corridor, she hurried over.

"Grandma."

Gloria hastily grabbed her hand. "Skye, you have no idea how horrifying it was! It was a chain accident! The car in front of Joe was crushed. I almost didn't see him again!"

Skylar had seen the news on her way. She knew a tragic chain accident had occurred on the overpass, involving more than a dozen cars. One car had been crushed by an overturned tanker; everyone inside had died. The other victims were injured and rushed to the hospital. The news hadn't provided further details.

Seeing Gloria's devastation, it seemed Joe was badly injured.

"Don't worry, Grandma. Joe will be fine," Skylar reassured her. Gloria nodded, tears in her eyes.

Skylar's soothing voice was the first thing Joe heard after leaving the consultation room. Gloria seemed more at ease after Skylar comforted her.

"Joe! What did the doctor say?" Gloria asked anxiously, scrutinizing him for injuries.

Joe replied patiently, "I've had all the necessary tests. The doctor says I'm fine, so rest assured."

"Thank God!"

Finally relieved, Gloria remembered something. Taking Skylar's hand, she said, "Skye rushed over immediately when I called her. You got into an accident just days after your marriage registration—you haven't even had your wedding yet! Look how worried Skye is! Hurry and treat her to a meal to calm her down."

"Grandma, I—" Skylar began, intending to say she wasn't worried about Joe, only Gloria.

Before she could continue, Gloria winked. "I'm getting on in years, and rushing to the hospital tires me out. I want to go home and rest. You two go on."

Gloria had been distressed about Joe's accident. But seeing he was fine, she seized the opportunity to encourage time together for him and Skylar, sensing their lack of closeness. She believed they needed time to develop feelings for each other.

Joe knew Gloria's plan but didn't mind treating Skylar to a meal, as they were married.

"Ms. Sullivan, are you free now?"

"Ms. Sullivan? Skye is your wife! Even if you don't call her 'babe' or 'honey,' you should call her 'Skye!'" Gloria said, displeased. Then, flashing a smile at Skylar, she continued, "If calling him 'babe' is too cringy, you can just call him 'Joe.'"

Joe raised his eyebrows. "Grandma, you should go back first."

Knowing she shouldn't impose, Gloria left with Edgar.

Once Gloria left, Skylar said, "Mr. Martin, you must be busy. I'll leave you to it." She knew why Joe had married her and couldn't go on a date with him.

Joe's indifferent gaze turned surprised. Before he could speak, Paul strode toward them.

"Mr. Martin, I've booked the two o'clock flight. We need to leave for the airport now."

Paul noticed Skylar only when he got closer.

"Ms. Sullivan!" His eyes widened. Grabbing the emerald charm around his neck, he asked, "Ms. Sullivan, can I still wear this?"

Skylar's expression hardened. "Why are you still wearing it?"

Chapter 10 (presumably)

"What's the deal with this charm? Tell me more. I thought you were joking yesterday."

Paul felt his hands go cold; he felt the charm's chill seep into them.

Joe, hands in his pockets, remained silent. After a moment, Skylar explained, "This emerald charm was likely stolen by tomb raiders. Considering its previous owner's tragic death and how much it was treasured, it carries their resentment and hatred."

Paul's eyes widened. "How did you know?"

"Would you believe me if I said it was a guess?" Skylar smiled. Rebirth had its perks; she sensed auras from antiques and could deduce their past. However, such topics were esoteric, and she doubted Paul or Joe would believe her. She chuckled and said, "I have things to attend to. Excuse me." She nodded at Joe and left the hospital.

Snapping out of it, Paul ripped off the charm. His hands trembled uncontrollably. "It was stolen from a tomb! Was Ms. Sullivan kidding? She said it was a guess, but"

It was summer, yet the charm always made him feel cold. He wasn't sure if he was hallucinating, but it felt eerie.

Joe seemed lost in thought, his gaze darkening as he looked at the charm in Paul's hands.

"Have someone investigate it. Then you'll know if she was joking."

"You're right!" Christopher (presumably corrected from the typo "Christopher") left the police station with a sullen expression.

The text has been significantly improved regarding grammar, punctuation, and flow. Some minor inconsistencies (like the inconsistent use of "Skye" and "Ms. Sullivan" to address Skylar) remain, reflecting the original text's style. The correction of "Christopher" assumes a typo; if it was intended to be a different name, that should be adjusted.