Chapter 1104

Joe arrived at the club shortly. A few friends were already there, including Rowan. However, Jeremy, who usually came alone, had brought an actress named Helena. Helena was timid, sitting quietly beside Jeremy, with no apparent intimacy between them. Most others had female companions, but Joe's arrival shifted the atmosphere. Except for Jeremy and Rowan, everyone stiffened; the lively chatter ceased. Rowan, who had consumed considerable alcohol, was unaccompanied. He usually had someone with him on such occasions, except when with Jenny. Their brief relationship, and Rowan's subsequent departure from the Jakeman family for Jenny, had caused a stir in Jipsburg City. Jenny was considered quite capable, but unexpectedly, they had separated shortly after. Some friends had even suggested a female celebrity to Rowan, but heartbroken over Jenny, he refused. He seemed unconcerned with others' perceptions.

Seeing Joe, Rowan said, "Come sit with me." Joe complied. Jeremy, upon seeing Joe, asked, "So, are you really with Lizzie?" He had once deeply cared for Skylar, but his apparent ease in moving on was something Jeremy admired and wished to emulate. He wondered how Joe had so effortlessly let go of Skylar. The others understood some topics were best left unsaid, yet the media had extensively covered Joe and Lizzie, making her a hot topic and the envy of other actresses. Lizzie's engagement to Joe, and the resulting opportunities, were unlike anything most of them, often merely playthings for powerful men, experienced.

"Yeah," Joe replied curtly.

Chapter 1104

"That's good to hear," Jeremy chuckled, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone. He seemed the only one unable to let go. Helena sensed Jeremy's shift in mood, recognizing his lingering feelings for his ex-wife. Witnessing Joe's move on from Skylar made her wonder if he could ever forget Natalie.

The conversation remained light as they continued drinking. Then, someone mentioned Vera. "I saw Vera a couple of days ago. She's changed a lot. We all thought she would be the one getting engaged to you." The alcohol loosened tongues; comments made soberly would have been unthinkable earlier.

"Yeah, Mr. Martin, Vera even posted on Instagram about a trip to Fachington with you. She seemed to imply something was brewing. But Lizzie looks more suited for you."

The mention of Vera was largely a joke. Privately, they held various opinions about her. Previously, they perceived her as aloof, but the Ruell family's status and Joe's connections had kept their thoughts to themselves. In reality, Vera was not the person Joe cared for; their speculations had been largely unfounded.

Joe shot a cold glance at the two speakers, silencing them instantly, their faces paling.

Chapter 1105