Chapter 1155

In the past few days, Helena had heard a rumor that Austin had replaced his assistant. She wondered if Natalie suddenly wished to return to Jeremy. Jeremy, consequently, remained sensitive about the previous night's incident. The thought elicited a self-deprecating smile.

After leaving the Sullance Group, Skylar went straight home. En route, she passed a recently popular deli. Many people were lining up to try its pasta, served with a secret sauce; even celebrities and social media influencers had visited. With nothing else planned, she parked and joined the queue.

While waiting, she photographed the scene and texted Joe: “I found a trending deli. I'll try it; if it's good, I'll bring you when you're back.”

“Skylar?” A surprised male voice called out.

Looking up, Skylar saw Claudio and her expression soured. This day, it seemed, would not be fortunate. Encountering Claudio was the last thing she wanted.

Claudio, however, brightened at the sight of her. He hadn’t expected a casual pasta run to lead to this.

“Looks like we’re fated, huh?”

Skylar eyed the long line; it would be another half hour before she reached the counter. After hesitating, she decided to leave. A few steps later, Claudio, furious at being ignored, blocked her path.

“Skylar! Didn’t you hear me?”

Lifting her gaze, she flatly replied, “Move aside.”

Claudio, a handsome six-foot-one man in designer clothes, looked like the trust-fund baby he was. Skylar’s indifference astonished his companion, Sasha Robson. “How can you speak to Mr. Martin like that?”

Chapter 1155

Claudio felt angry and frustrated. He’d called Skylar twice, only to be hung up on, and now she was ignoring him outright. Joe had broken up with her, yet she remained aloof. “I’m giving you a chance to apologize,” he declared, attempting to assert his dominance.

Many beautiful women initially appeared aloof, seemingly disdainful and immune to money. In reality, it was merely a question of price; once the offer was right, he could have his way. Skylar, in his eyes, was just a more stubborn woman, believing her time with Joe made her special.

He would conquer Skylar, however. He wanted her to compare him and Joe—to see who was truly superior.

Skylar regarded Claudio as an idiot, seeing no need to engage. She shoved him firmly away.

Claudio stumbled back. “Skylar.”

She glanced at him. “If you come any closer, I’ll report you for harassment. I recorded our previous phone conversations, so I suggest you don’t call me again.”

Claudio’s expression darkened. No woman had ever dismissed him so completely; she dared threaten to call the police. He wondered if she’d lost her mind, believing Joe would protect her—an absurd notion to him.

Sasha stared in disbelief. Everyone in their circle knew Claudio, and few dared offend a Martin. This woman was either foolish or incredibly brave.

“I’ll be waiting for the day you come begging. And Joe will never take you back. If you think you can rely on him, you’re dreaming! Besides…” Claudio began, then stopped, realizing he’d said too much.