Chapter 1105

Helena glanced at Joe. While everyone claimed Joe had gone to Fachington with Vera, she knew he’d been with Skylar. She never imagined Joe and Skylar would ultimately part ways. She’d had a good impression of Skylar; it was clear Joe wouldn't settle for someone ordinary. Coming from a modest background and striving in the entertainment industry, she herself could never attract Jeremy's attention. But she realized she’d developed feelings for him over time.

Just then, Rowan scoffed. “What’s so great about Vera? She was delusional. Don’t mention her; it’s a buzzkill.” He felt the same about Lizzie. Rowan considered Joe heartless, capable of abandoning Skylar without hesitation. He suddenly thought of Minerva, whom he’d dropped for Jenny, and who now shunned him. It was only natural; he'd been heartless. He turned to Joe and asked, “Is Lizzie really that amazing?”

He’d specifically asked those who knew her. She was attractive, scandal-free, and played the violin, yet something felt amiss. Joe seemed to read his mind. “Do you want to meet her?” he asked.

“Forget it,” Rowan replied, a slight grimace on his face. He saw nothing remarkable about her—just a violinist. Lizzie wouldn’t compare to Skylar. He wondered why Joe was so protective of her. Luckily, Skylar wasn’t present; it would deeply hurt her. He recalled encountering Minerva several times while with Jenny, wondering if she’d felt the same way. The more he thought, the more unsettled he became. “I’m leaving. Keep drinking,” he said, rising and stumbling away.

Joe watched Rowan go. A heartbreak had helped Rowan grow, yet some matters between him and Skylar remained unsuitable for Rowan to know. It was best to let his misunderstandings continue.

Once Rowan left, others departed with their partners. Only Jeremy remained. Everyone knew Jeremy wanted to speak with Joe. Helena, perceptive, stood and said, “I’ll use the restroom.”

After Helena left, Jeremy downed a shot of whiskey. “I’ve been trying to blacklist Austin, but something’s off. Do you know anything about him?” His attempts seemed ineffective; Austin clearly had powerful backing. Jeremy had investigated but uncovered nothing, indicating considerable influence behind Austin. Recently, someone advised that blacklisting Austin might be impossible; withdrawing investments would simply allow others to take over, resulting in only temporary impact. In Jipsburg City, eliminating someone was easy for Jeremy, but Austin presented unexpected challenges.

“Austin?” Joe asked.

“Yeah,” Jeremy replied.

“Leave him alone. You can’t blacklist him. His background isn’t simple. Look into the Powell surname. That should clarify things,” Joe replied, checking his watch and standing. “I’m leaving.”

After Joe left, Jeremy frowned. “Investigate the Powell surname?” He’d only considered Austin, never the surname's significance. He pressed his temples, thinking of Natalie drifting from him toward Austin, and Austin’s clear interest in her. The realization caused a sharp pain.

“Mr. Hughes, may I drive you home?”

Helena returned, noticing Jeremy rubbing his temples, and approached softly.