Chapter 1004

During the day, Joe insisted he had no relationship with Vera. Yet, here they were, at a bar together. His lie was evident; he clearly believed she lacked proof.

“Joe, I’m not stupid. Thanks to Ms. Ruell for the photos,” Skylar texted before turning off her phone and going to sleep.

In the dimly lit bar, Joe had already consumed two drinks. He felt detached, observing his changed classmates. As he prepared to leave, his phone vibrated. The photos and Skylar's message caused his face to darken instantly. His sharp gaze fell on Vera.

Vera's heart skipped a beat under his intense stare. His frightening expression puzzled her.

“Joe, what’s wrong?” she asked.

The bar's lively atmosphere—old classmates sharing drinks, reminiscing about high school—was a stark contrast to Joe's sudden, terrifying demeanor. It filled her with inexplicable fear.

Joe stood. “We need to talk outside.”

“Outside? Okay.” Vera, initially startled, felt a surge of excitement. Could he be remembering their high school past? Those youthful feelings were irreplaceable; perhaps tonight, they would reconcile. She followed him.

The street's quietude was a stark contrast to the bar's noise. The cool night air had Vera pulling her coat tighter.

“Is there something you need to tell me? We’re alone now,” Vera said, a hint of haughtiness in her voice. As long as Joe initiated, she could be accommodating; she couldn’t afford to be disadvantaged.

Joe’s profile was sharply cold. He didn’t look at her. “Did you specifically photograph just us and send it to Skylar?”

Vera’s disbelief was palpable. Speechless, she stared. How had he found out? Had Skylar gone to him? This was supposed to be their secret, but Skylar had interfered—just as she suspected, she was a schemer. Glancing at her ring, Vera regained her composure.

“Yes, I didn’t think it through. I haven’t spoken much with Skylar since we added each other on WhatsApp. I wanted to maintain our friendship, and she might be curious. If this caused trouble, it’s my fault. I’ll explain to Skylar,” she replied.

Joe’s cold gaze remained. Her recently calmed heart raced again. Affectionate eyes would have elicited a different response, but he seemed to be scrutinizing her, seeing through her. Before Joe, she felt utterly exposed.

She looked down at her ring, hoping it would rekindle his feelings rather than fuel his suspicion. This eased her tension slightly.

“I’ll talk to her. You don’t need to,” Joe said before walking towards a parked car.

Realizing what was happening, Vera rushed after him. But Joe’s car was already speeding away.