Chapter 1076

Vera glared at Skylar, her frustration evident. "You!" she exclaimed. "Did you not understand what Skye just said? She made it perfectly clear: if you want to know if Joe likes Lizzie, you're asking the wrong person. Skye isn't Joe. How could she possibly know?"

Natalie couldn't contain her exasperation any longer. "Even if Joe does like Lizzie, what does that have to do with you?" Vera's pretentiousness had become unbearable. Previous articles had painted Vera in a favorable light, making other women seem inadequate. But now, her superiority was clearly a charade. Natalie observed Vera's haughty demeanor with disdain; it was as if Skylar existed solely to answer Vera's questions. Vera was beautiful, yes, but Skylar was equally, if not more, stunning.

Vera's expression remained impassive as she turned to Natalie. "I know you're Jeremy's ex-wife, so I've overlooked your outbursts. But if you continue this, I'll mention it to Jeremy."

Natalie rolled her eyes. "Go ahead. Who cares?"

Vera's expression darkened. The resemblance between Skylar and Natalie was obvious—birds of a feather. No wonder Jeremy had divorced Natalie.

Skylar, unwilling to waste more time, stood up. "Just remember, don't be self-righteous. Mind your own business. Nath, let's go look around."

Natalie immediately followed. She had no interest in further pointless conversation with Vera. Before seeing Vera at the Fachington hospital with Joe, she hadn't thought much of her. But that encounter had revealed Vera's nauseating pretentiousness; she was simply too full of herself.

Natalie and Skylar departed without a backward glance. Vera attempted to stop them, but the crowded mall and the curious stares of onlookers made her hesitate. She knew that wearing sunglasses and a mask in a public place was attention-grabbing, but she desperately wanted to avoid being photographed.

As Skylar and Natalie disappeared, Vera felt a pang of unease. She overheard whispers around her. "Is she a celebrity?" one person asked. "Probably. Who else would be wearing sunglasses and a mask, all covered up in a mall?" The murmurs intensified Vera's anxiety, fueling her fear of reporters and photographers. She quickly left the mall.

Meanwhile, Skylar and Natalie went upstairs, continuing their planned browsing of women's clothing and shoes.

"I used to hear that Vera was this cultured, refined socialite from Jipsburg, known for her class and pride," Natalie said, shaking her head at the memory of Vera's earlier arrogance. "People even said she was Joe's true love, that she didn't care about his relationships with anyone else and could travel abroad whenever she pleased. But now that I've seen her for myself, it's complete nonsense."

Skylar, having encountered Vera before, remained unperturbed. She simply smiled. "There's no need to get upset," she said gently.

"If Vera wants to know if Joe likes Lizzie, she should ask him directly," Natalie grumbled. "Why all this indirect nonsense? I don't understand her."

Skylar chuckled softly. "Maybe she just wants to see if I'd be hurt."

Natalie, clearly finished with the subject, rolled her eyes. Her attention was captured by a beautiful dress. "I'm going to try on this dress. It's gorgeous!" she exclaimed.

Skylar followed Natalie's gaze to a stunning new dress with an intricate, on-trend design. The store was known for its unique vintage style, and Skylar found herself equally intrigued.