Chapter 1035
Skylar said, "I haven't eaten either. I'll make dinner."
Joe watched as she efficiently gathered ingredients from the refrigerator and began cooking. He found himself captivated by her movements, unable to look away. Skylar quickly prepared two servings of beef and lentil soup—a change from their usual pasta. They ate in silence, lost in their own thoughts.
After the meal, Joe cleaned up. Turning to Skylar, he attempted conversation, but she seemed unsure how to respond. After a few minutes, he finally said, "I've been very busy at work these past few days. Let's go to the courthouse next Monday to finalize the divorce."
Skylar was speechless, her expression shifting subtly. Joe watched her intently, a flicker of hope arising from her delayed response. That hope vanished, however, when she finally replied, "Okay."
Later that night, Joe left Galaxy Villa. "I won't be back for a few days," he said. "You can stay here peacefully. After the divorce, the villa is yours. You won't need to move." Before Skylar could reply, he was gone. Alone in the quiet villa, she felt disoriented, then called Janine. Moments later, she left.
The next day, Steven and Charles returned home. Both had been busy with work. They wholeheartedly supported Skylar's decision to take a break. "Mom mentioned your online store is doing great," Steven said, looking at her. "Your income has increased significantly; you're even doing live streams. You don't need to worry about a nine-to-five job anymore. Even if your store didn't earn much, Charles and I could support you." He sensed something was amiss, however; otherwise, she wouldn't have quit so suddenly.
Charles also noticed the tension and exchanged a knowing glance with Steven. They decided against pressing her, choosing to wait for the right moment.
Janine cheerfully went to the kitchen. "You three should catch up," she said. "Don't worry about dinner; I'll handle it."
Once Janine was occupied, Charles asked, "Did someone at work bully you? Or did you argue with Joe?" They had seen recent news about Joe and Vera.
"There are reasons for my resignation," Skylar explained, choosing to confide in them, "but it's not about bullying. Lately, there have been too many negative incidents in Jipsburg. After helping some people with those issues, I think someone's targeting me. After discussing it with Mr. Gardner Senior, we decided to publicly state my resignation while I secretly investigate."
Charles frowned. "Someone's targeting you? Are you in danger?"
Steven immediately asked, "What did Joe say?"
"I don't think I'm in real danger," Skylar replied calmly. "When I say someone's after me, I mean they're watching me. They might subtly spread negativity, causing harm without being easily noticed. As for Joe... I haven't told him yet. We're getting divorced; sharing this would only add to his stress."
Steven and Charles' expressions changed, noticing her detached tone regarding the divorce.
"The reason I'm telling you two is that I can handle this," Skylar continued, seeing their concern. "Lately, there have been too many strange occurrences in Jipsburg. Getting divorced is better for both of us. You don't need to worry about me." She knew keeping it a secret would only increase their worry. Openness wouldn't eliminate their concern, but it would prevent misinterpretations.