Chapter 784

“Grandpa!” Vera called out twice in her panic. A group of helpers rushed to his side, assisting in examining him. Denton hadn't lost consciousness, but his face was ashen, and he felt weak. “I’m fine…” he murmured. He couldn't see it himself, but Vera and the helpers saw how pale he was—unusually so for a man of his generally robust health. Despite his age, Denton was healthy, undergoing frequent hospital checkups and weekly visits from his personal physician.

“Grandpa, why don’t we get you checked at the hospital?” Vera insisted, sensing something was amiss.

Denton shook his head firmly. “The doctor came yesterday. I’m fine. Why would I go? I probably didn’t get enough sunshine today. Besides, I’ve been stewing in anger all night. For my age, anger’s the worst. It’s nothing. You can go. I’ll look at my paintings; it’ll improve my mood.” He felt strangely unsettled unless he was viewing his artwork, as if something crucial were missing. Looking at his paintings felt as essential as eating and breathing.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Vera remained concerned.

Denton waved her off. “It’s nothing. I’ll call the doctor to come tonight.”

Reassured, Vera said, “Alright. I’ll go then, Grandpa. Don’t worry about Joe and me. I’ve only just gotten home; some things take time.”

One of Alexander’s friends had arrived in Jipsburg and checked into his hotel. While he hadn't explicitly stated his reason for coming, Alexander suspected it involved the recurring negative items. He asked Skylar to accompany him.

“My friend studied under Viola for a time, then family matters forced him to leave Jipsburg decades ago. Now he’s suddenly seeking me out. Something’s definitely up. I’ll go see him. If it’s connected to the negative items, I’ll ask you to come along. There’s a mall across the street; why don’t you stroll around?”

Skylar nodded. “I’ll wait for your message on the hotel’s ground floor.”

Alexander agreed. “Alright, I’ll go upstairs first.” After he left, Skylar found a seat, occasionally looking out the window and texting Natalie.

A cab pulled up to the hotel, and Jenny emerged. She gazed up at the building, her eyes red-rimmed, her expression anxious and hesitant. Her phone rang.

“Mr. Martin,” she answered, “I… I’m at the hotel. Can you give me a little more time? Our relationship shouldn’t be like this.”

He responded firmly, “Why didn’t you say that before getting into my bed? Don’t keep me waiting. My room is 2306. You can go up; I’ll be right along.”

His firm tone devastated Jenny. She could only agree. She would speak to Edwin; their involvement had been a mistake. Even sleeping with him stemmed from mistaking him for Joe. Now, calmed, she couldn’t regret it more. Although there were many hotels in Jipsburg and she wasn't worried about running into acquaintances, she was terrified of encountering Joe. Head bowed, Jenny entered the hotel.