Chapter 952

Skylar hadn't expected Minerva to be so forthright. She had suspected Minerva's pregnancy after seeing her dry-heaving in the restaurant. Minerva, knowing Skylar's perceptiveness, assumed her situation was already apparent.

Minerva smiled. "I've scheduled an abortion for a few days from now. The discomfort I've been experiencing for the past month or two is likely due to the pregnancy."

"Are you sure about this?" Skylar saw the hesitation in Minerva's eyes. Minerva's visible struggle and doubt suggested she wasn't truly indifferent to the baby.

Minerva nodded. "It's better for the child not to be born into a family without a father. Also, I'm not prepared to be a single mother." She added, "Can you keep this a secret?" She didn't want her family, or the Jakemans, to know. If the Jakemans found out, Rowan would be pressured into marrying her, despite lacking any affection for her. Had Rowan not been involved with Jenny, Minerva might have considered a marriage of convenience. However, Rowan and Jenny's passionate relationship made that impossible.

Skylar nodded solemnly. "Okay."

Leaving Minerva's, Skylar went to Galaxy Villa. Joe and Howard were home; Howard was conducting a medical check-up. Seeing Skylar, Howard greeted her. "Good evening, Mrs. Martin."

Skylar replied, "Hello, Dr. Grey."

Joe looked up. "There's a strawberry mille crepe cake. Try it and let me know if it's good."

Howard added quickly, "I bought it on my way from a bakery trending on short videos." He'd actually bought it for himself, fearing it would sell out before he finished examining Joe. To his surprise, Joe, usually indifferent to desserts, had requested a slice of the cake Howard had waited an hour to acquire. Howard initially attributed Joe's craving to his injury and dietary restrictions, but now realized the cake was intended for Skylar. He hadn't expected such attentiveness from Joe after their marriage. He was surprised by Joe's complete focus on Skylar the moment she arrived.

Skylar's eyes lit up. "I think I've heard of that bakery, but the lines are always long. Thanks, I'll try it."

As she opened the box, the rich aroma of strawberries filled the air. The cake was clearly high-quality, the slices neatly packed. She took a bite. Her eyes immediately squinted in delight. "It's delicious."

A wave of happiness washed over her. She had been hungry, and this was a pleasant surprise.

After Joe's check-up, while dressing, he walked over. "Is it really that good? Let me try."

Skylar was about to give him a slice when he bent down and took a bite from hers. The gesture surprised Howard; it was more than casual affection.

Seeing this, Skylar asked, "Is it good?"

"Yeah, it's not bad," Joe replied, his gaze fixed on Skylar, not the cake.

Skylar felt self-conscious under his intense gaze. "You…" The way Joe looked at her these past few days carried an indescribable weight. With Howard present, she couldn't address it openly. She turned to Howard. "Would you like to try some?"

"Absolutely!" Howard replied eagerly.