Chapter 800

Were they incapable of withstanding even a week apart? The more Joe considered it, the more his expression soured. He had a fever, his face pale. His anger only intensified his terrifying demeanor.

“I ran into him this afternoon,” Skylar said, regarding him oddly. “How are you feeling now? Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?” If she didn't know better, she would have thought he was jealous of Aiken.

Joe bit his lip. Did she really run into him? Were such perfect coincidences possible? Perhaps his dizziness fueled his emotional volatility.

“I don’t want to go,” he said.

“Um… Mr. Evans from the branch office is asking for me,” Paul announced, sensing the situation deteriorating. “He has a few things to discuss. Should I go now, Mrs. Martin? I’ll leave Mr. Martin in your care.” He spun on his heel and fled, as if a beast lurked in the hall, leaving no time for reaction. Skylar couldn't stop him.

Resigned, she turned to Joe. “Let’s go back to your room. I’ll take your temperature again.” His fever worried her; he needed medical attention.

Joe ceased his tantrum, nodding in agreement. In the elevator, he stared at Skylar, leaving her mystified. “You’ve got to speak up if you’re feeling uncomfortable,” she prompted.

“My heart feels uncomfortable,” he mumbled.

“Why?” Skylar asked, having heard him perfectly clearly.

“You know why,” he replied.

Skylar? Know why? She was speechless, at a loss for words in the face of his feverish ramblings. She chose not to argue; he was ill.

They reached his suite. She located a thermometer, offering it to him. “Take your temperature.” Then, she consulted the medicine's instructions. Joe raised an eyebrow, observing her attentiveness. She wasn't as heartless as she appeared; she still cared. This perspective eased his discomfort; even his temperature seemed to fall.

After reviewing the instructions, Skylar checked the time. “Pass me the thermometer,” she requested.

Joe complied. Skylar examined the reading. “Your fever’s 102.3 Fahrenheit,” she frowned. “That’s severe. Ingesting medication without knowing the cause could be harmful. Let’s go to the hospital.” Hadn't Paul said his fever had subsided? Within half an hour, it had spiked again, explaining his outburst.

Lying in bed, Joe insisted, “It’s just a fever. Nothing serious. I’ll be fine with some medication.”

“Don’t treat your health as a joke,” Skylar said helplessly.

He met her gaze. “Are you worried about me?”

“Yes,” Skylar answered honestly. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

Chapter 200

She added, “Grandma would be worried too.”

Joe’s softened gaze instantly hardened. Sitting up, he took the pills, swallowing one dry. “It’s not like I’ll die from this.”

Skylar was at a loss. His illness made his moods volatile and unpredictable.