Chapter 9

Worried that Gloria might be in a hurry, Skylar asked immediately, "Which hospital was he taken to? I'll come over right now." After Gloria told her the hospital's name, Skylar hung up swiftly. Casting an apologetic look at her family, she said, "Something happened to Grandma Gloria. I have to go check on her. I'll come back in a few days once things settle down." The Sullivans had all heard of Gloria. They knew she was Viola's friend. Janine sighed after Skylar left. "The Williamses probably mistreated Skye. As her mom, how could I not tell what has happened to her? She's keeping us in the dark because she doesn't want us to worry." Steven was usually calm and composed, yet his expression turned grim at that moment. "I'll talk to her check in with her more from now on." "I'll also pay more attention to Skye," Charles chimed in. "I'll fight the Williamses if they dare to lay a finger on Skye!" Harvey said haughtily. He was still a teenager, after all. … Skylar arrived at the hospital promptly. Spotting an anxious Gloria in the corridor, she hurried over to her. "Grandma." Gloria grabbed her hand hastily. "Skye, you have no idea how horrifying it was! It was a chain accident! The car right in front of Joe was crushed. I was so close to not being able to see him again!" Skylar had seen the news on her way to the hospital. She was aware that a very tragic chain accident had occurred on the overpass, and more than a dozen cars had collided with each other. One of the cars had been crushed by an overturned tanker, and everyone inside had died on the spot. The other victims of the accident were also injured, and they had immediately been rushed to the hospital. The news hadn't specified other details. Looking at how devastated Gloria seemed, it seemed like Joe had been badly injured. "Don't worry, Grandma. Joe will definitely be fine," Skylar crooned. Gloria nodded with teary eyes. Skylar's soothing voice was the first thing Joe heard once he left the consultation room. Gloria seemed more at ease after Skylar had comforted her. "Joe! What did the doctor say?" Gloria inquired in haste. She scrutinized him carefully, worried that he might be injured. Joe patiently replied, "I've done all the necessary tests. The doctor said I'm fine, so rest assured." "Thank god!" Finally relieved, Gloria suddenly recalled something. She took Skylar's hand and said, "Skye rushed over instantly once I called her. "You got into an accident just a few days after registering your marriage—you haven't even had your wedding yet. Look at how petrified Skye is! Hurry up and treat her to a meal to calm her down." "Grandma, I—" Skylar intended to say that she wasn't the slightest bit petrified. She wasn't concerned about Joe getting into trouble; she was only worried about Gloria. Before she could continue, Gloria winked at her and said, "I'm getting on in years, and rushing over to the hospital really wears me out. I want to go home and rest. Off you go, the two of you." Indeed, Gloria had been distressed upon hearing about Joe's accident. But now that she saw that Joe seemed to be perfectly fine, she had to seize the opportunity to let him and Skylar spend some time together. Thanks to her extensive years of experience, she could tell that they weren't close to each other. In that case, they should work on developing feelings for each other. Feelings took time, after all. Joe knew what Gloria was plotting. Still, he wouldn't mind treating Skylar to a meal since they were already 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 seemed displeased. She then flashed a smile at Skye and continued, "If you find calling him 'babe' too cringy, you can just call him 'Joe'." Joe raised his brows. "Grandma, you should go back first." Knowing that she shouldn't impose on them, Gloria left with Edgar. Once Gloria left, Skylar said, "Mr. Martin, you must be busy. I shall leave you to it." She was well aware of the reason Joe had married her in the first place, so she couldn't possibly listen to Gloria and go on a date with him. The indifference in Joe's gaze was replaced by surprise when he heard her. Just as he was about to speak, Paul strode toward them. "Mr. Martin, I've booked the tickets for the two o'clock flight this afternoon. We have to leave for the airport now." Paul only noticed Skylar once he got closer. "Ms. Sullivan!" His eyes widened as he suddenly remembered something critical. Grabbing the emerald charm resting on his neck, he asked, "Ms. Sullivan, can I still wear this?" Skylar's expression hardened. "Why are you still wearing it?" "What's the deal with this charm? Can you tell me more about it? I thought you were joking with me yesterday." Paul felt like his hands had gone cold. He wasn't sure if he was just overthinking things, but he felt as if the chill of the charm had seeped into his hands. Joe stared at Skylar with one of his hands tucked in his pocket. He had been silent for a while. "This emerald charm was most likely stolen by tomb raiders. Considering its previous owner's tragic death and how much it was treasured, it carries the resentment and hatred of its previous owner," Skylar explained. Paul's eyes grew wide. "This… How did you know?" "Would you believe me if I said it was all a guess?" Skylar smiled and asked. Being reborn as her younger self again had its perks; she could clearly sense the aura emanating from antiques. With that, she was able to deduce their past. However, such topics were too esoteric. Not many would believe it, and she knew Paul wouldn't heed her words easily either. Joe, who had been scrutinizing her, wouldn't believe her either. Thus, she chuckled and said, "I have things to attend to. If you'll excuse me." She nodded at Joe and strode out of the hospital. Finally snapping back to his senses, Paul jerked the emerald charm off his neck. His hands quivered uncontrollably. "This was stolen from a tomb! Is Ms. Sullivan kidding with me? She said it was just a guess, but it doesn't seem like it." It was summer now, but he rarely felt hot after wearing the emerald charm. He couldn't tell whether he was hallucinating or not, but the charm felt somehow eerie to him. Joe was seemingly lost in thought. His gaze darkened as he shot a glance at the emerald charm in Paul's hands. "Have someone look into it. That way you'll know whether she's joking with you or not." "You're right!" … With a sullen expression, Christopher left the police station.