Chapter 955

Skylar recalled Austin's previous gaze at Natalie; it had seemed impure, unlike a boss's look at an employee. Noticing Skylar's distraction with her phone, Joe asked, "Is something wrong?"

Skylar shook off her thoughts. "It's nothing. Once we arrive in Fachington, I'll visit Natalie while you're working."

"Okay."

Vera, at a friend's birthday party, sipped red wine, delaying checking her phone until she reached the restroom. A friend's photo message altered her expression. The message read: "They're on the same flight to Fachington. They seem to be getting along well, and Joe appears quite nice to her. Are you sure you don't mind?"

The photo, though blurry and candid, clearly showed Joe and Skylar sitting close, Joe leaning toward Skylar. Body language was undeniable; Skylar held a significant place in Joe's heart. They were married.

This marriage… initially, Vera believed Joe wouldn't care much for Skylar, a flash marriage arranged by Gloria, lacking emotional connection. She'd hoped her return would diminish Joe's interest. Instead, they were bound for Fachington together.

For days, following the Christopher incident, she'd waited for Joe to initiate reconciliation. Now… she felt Molly was right; Skylar must have employed underhanded tactics, leaving Vera at a disadvantage.

Unable to remain seated, Vera booked a flight to Fachington for the following day and texted Molly, "Please have the items you mentioned delivered tonight."

At Apollo Hospital, Minerva struggled to leave the operating room, each step agonizing in her lower abdomen. In the elevator, leaning against the wall, pale-faced, she barely registered another passenger entering.

"Minerva?"

The familiar voice—Rowan's—wasn't an illusion. Holding a medical report, he looked at her surprised, noting her pallor. "Are you ill?"

"Rowan, I'm dizzy," Minerva replied. Jenny's awkward expression revealed her reluctance to let Rowan and Minerva converse extensively, fearing he might learn of Minerva's pregnancy.

Rowan, while supporting Jenny, remained concerned. "Where are you feeling discomfort?" Minerva's cold stare made him uneasy.

With even colder eyes, Minerva retorted, "This is none of your business."