Chapter 1034

Skylar stepped outside just as Vera was leaving. Their eyes met unexpectedly. Vera's simmering frustration intensified. "I was just driving by," she mumbled, frowning.

Skylar thought, Driving by? She offered a noncommittal, "Oh."

Vera's anger flared. "Do you know how shameful it is to cling to someone who doesn't love you?" she demanded.

Skylar's gaze sharpened. "Do you know how unethical it is to repeatedly tempt a married man? Unless you have something important to say, stay away from me. As long as I'm Joe's wife, you'd better keep your distance. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to hold a press conference and show everyone our marriage certificate."

Vera's face paled. Revealing the marriage certificate would ruin her reputation in Jipsburg. Recent events—a disastrous auction purchase and her father's injury—had already damaged her standing within the Ruell family. Losing Joe would be catastrophic. She gripped the steering wheel.

"Then let's see if you really dare," Skylar challenged, her smile both teasing and chilling. Skylar's aggression stemmed from Vera's repeated provocations. She was willing to divorce Joe if it meant he could be with Vera, but Vera had crossed a line.

Vera, teeth gritted, repeated, "I'm just passing through." She fled, realizing confronting Skylar was futile. She had misjudged Skylar's resolve. With a burst of speed, she sped away. Skylar watched her go, a slight frown furrowing her brow. Vera's repeated attempts to confront her suggested a lack of confidence in her relationship with Joe.

Later that evening, Skylar found Joe home from his business trip. He took the grocery bags from her, revealing his early return. "You're back," she said.

"Yeah, I got home about an hour ago," he replied.

"Oh... have you eaten?" she asked politely, a distance settling between them since their trip to the courthouse.

"I haven't. Can you make something for me?" he asked.

Skylar found his request slightly pitiful. Could the CEO of the Martin Group really feel slighted because he hadn't had dinner? she mused, dismissing it as her imagination.