Skylar rushed after the MPV, but it was moving too fast to catch. Only when she heard Natalie calling her name from behind did she snap back to reality. Her body stiffened as she stared at the traffic ahead, which had already obscured the vehicle. Confusion washed over her as she tried to process what she had just seen. The person she had glimpsed inside, even from just a profile, looked almost identical to Joe.

A few minutes later, Skylar returned to Natalie, who watched her with concern. “What just happened back there?” Natalie asked, her worry evident.

“It’s nothing,” Skylar explained nonchalantly, trying to downplay the situation. “I just saw someone in a car who looked a bit familiar, and I momentarily forgot I was on the street and chased after it.”

Natalie hesitated, sensing more to Skylar’s words. She could guess who Skylar meant by familiar. Many people resembled others; plenty looked like Joe. But three years had passed, and it seemed Skylar still hadn’t moved on. The thought made Natalie feel a pang of sympathy.

As they reached the shopping mall, they were met with a throng of people crowding the five floors. The massive crowd made entry seem impossible. “What’s going on? Why are there so many people?” Natalie asked a nearby mall security guard, Stuart Maxwell.

Stuart shrugged, as if this were common. Seeing their confusion, he chuckled and explained, “You two are in your twenties, right? It’s the perfect age to be a fan. Didn’t you know? Today, the mall is hosting an event featuring Austin Powell, the award-winning actor.”

Natalie’s expression changed instantly. Stuart added, “There have been celebrities here before, but never with such a big crowd. The entire mall is packed. You two arrived too late, and you definitely won’t be able to get in. For your safety, it’s best not to push through.”

Skylar was also surprised. Three years ago, Austin had suddenly announced a temporary departure from the entertainment industry to take a break. During those three years, he had become virtually invisible, evading paparazzi and reporters. He hadn’t accepted any film roles or attended award ceremonies; yet, his absence only amplified his influence. Even without news or new projects for three years, his first public appearance attracted such a large crowd, clearly showing his enduring power in the industry.

However… Skylar glanced at Natalie.

After a moment of surprise, Natalie smiled and replied to Stuart, “Thank you for the heads-up. So it’s Austin. No wonder there are so many people. I guess we won’t be able to get in. It seems we’re not meant to meet him.”

Stuart chuckled. “You can always go home and watch Austin’s movies. I just saw him in person, and he looks just like he does on screen.”

“Okay, thanks!” Natalie said. After a brief exchange, she took Skylar’s hand, and they left the mall.

As they walked away, it felt almost like a flight. Once outside, Natalie’s mood had noticeably dropped. Skylar noticed but chose not to address it. It seemed there was some backstory behind Natalie’s departure from Austin three years ago.

The next day, Skylar drove to Ruell Residence. Vera had been waiting for her at the front door for several minutes.