Chapter 1065

As Skylar tried to step back, Joe wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. His lips followed quickly, descending before she could react. Shocked, Skylar pushed against him with all her strength, but Joe was immovable. His overwhelming strength rendered her attempts futile. His hand began to slide down the curve of her waist; the thin fabric of her dress offered no protection against the heat of his touch. His palm burned her lower abdomen, accelerating her heart rate. Their bodies were intimately familiar; they both knew precisely how to ignite the other.

Skylar’s breath hitched. "You've lost your mind," she gasped, unable to comprehend his apparent lack of moral restraint.

Seeing her face flush with anger, Joe laughed, his amusement deepening. "You're jealous because I got engaged. That means you still care about me." His tone was certain, devoid of doubt.

Skylar's face fluctuated between red and pale. "Yes, I did care about you. Up until today. But now, I've purged every trace of you from my heart." She angrily wiped her lips, attempting to erase his kiss. "Don't kiss me with the same mouth you've used on someone else. It's disgusting." Even after wiping, the feeling lingered. She pushed him away, intending to rush to the bathroom, but before she could get far, Joe grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.

His dark eyes glittered. "Don't be in such a hurry. Take a look at this first," he said, placing a sticky note in her palm.

Skylar glared fiercely. "It's too late. I've already purged everything." Her curiosity, however, overruled her resolve, and she examined the note. Viola had written it.

"This note was placed under the porcelain. It's for the first porcelain piece you successfully restored," Joe explained.

As Skylar read Viola's message—"Skye, there are some things that cannot be clarified immediately, but I know you will come back. If you see this sticky note, it’s time to make a choice"—her expression shifted dramatically. A choice… whether to continue with Joe or proceed with the divorce.

"Last night, I spoke with Mr. Gardner Senior and saw the letter Grandma Viola wrote to you," Joe said calmly. "In it, she advised us to divorce; otherwise, it would impact you. So your divorce request stemmed from these two letters, right?"

Skylar was stunned, speechless. Joe motioned for her to wait. "I believe Grandma Viola is being manipulated. I remember her telling me her last prediction was for you. Why would she foresee whether you would revisit your nightmares? There must be a hidden truth. Someone wants to see us divorced, and they don't want you involved in Jipsburg."

"So…" Skylar began.

"So today's engagement was a last-minute arrangement," Joe continued. "Lizzie Garza isn't interested in men; we're merely using each other. Her family is facing difficulties, and I hope you can help them soon. They don't live in Jipsburg, so you won't have to worry."

His voice was calm and steady, reflecting his control. In a short time, he'd orchestrated everything. "I've never considered divorcing you," he said, his tone deepening, his dark eyes reflecting only Skylar's image. Her heart skipped a beat.

He…

"Why don't we try to like each other?" he suggested, his commanding tone softening, becoming less authoritative, more pleading.