Chapter 1013

Jenny remained silent in Minerva's presence. However, witnessing Rowan's lingering gaze as Minerva departed ignited a surge of insecurity. She blurted out several barbed comments about Minerva, even suggesting a reconciliation between Rowan and his ex.

Her impulsiveness and harsh words weighed heavily on her now. She deeply regretted her outburst. This angered Rowan; they'd agreed to avoid further discussion of Minerva. Jenny knew she was wrong.

"But I'm your girlfriend," she pleaded, her tone softening. "Seeing you stare at Minerva, how could I not be jealous? I know I was wrong, and I swear it won't happen again."

Rowan, increasingly intolerant of her lately, softened slightly. "This is the last time," he said.

"Yes, yes! I promise it's the last time," Jenny beamed, relieved.

As they settled, both spotted Skylar. Jenny's face drained of color; her recent plea to Rowan was now on full display. A wave of unfamiliar humiliation washed over her.

Rowan, surprised, offered Skylar an awkward smile. "What a coincidence."

"The cappuccino here is quite good. You two should try it. I have errands to run, so I'll be going," Skylar said, nodding before quickly departing.

Rowan watched her leave, a heavy feeling settling upon him.

"I've always felt Skylar dislikes me," Jenny said, biting her lip. "Now I'm sure of it. She didn't even look at me, only you."

Rowan hadn't initially noticed, but Jenny's observation made him realize Skylar hadn't made eye contact with Jenny. He recalled a similar coldness during a recent tennis encounter. Knowing Skylar wasn't judgmental or condescending, he wondered why she was so distant toward Jenny.

Joe, too, had abruptly begun ignoring Jenny.

"Rowan, I dislike Skylar. I hope I never see her again in Jipsburg," Jenny declared, resentment and jealousy evident.

Jenny mused on the disparity between their nearly identical backgrounds. Skylar enjoyed a privileged life married to Joe, while she was with Rowan, a disgraced heir. This fueled her bitterness and envy.

Rowan, snapping out of his thoughts, turned sharply to Jenny. She flinched under his intense gaze. "Why are you looking at me like that? Rowan, you've changed. It's like I don't even know you anymore."

Rowan studied Jenny, struck by her unfamiliarity. He questioned if this was truly the woman he liked—one who harbored such deep resentment toward more successful women.

"Rowan, what's wrong with you? Stop staring! You're scaring me," Jenny cried, her eyes reddening, her voice trembling.

Rowan suppressed his unease, yet still felt pity. "Jenny, Skylar deserves respect and admiration. You shouldn't be so hostile toward her. Besides, she's Joe's wife. You only graduated college thanks to Joe's support. You can't treat her like that."

Jenny, irritated, concealed her displeasure, nodding submissively. "Fine, I understand. I'll remember that. But can we stop talking about Skylar now?"