Chapter 1211

Skylar replied simply, "Okay."

Fortunately, the rest of the journey was smooth, free of traffic. However, the car remained tense and silent. Ned appeared asleep, eyes closed, while Rosa stared out the window, her expression heavy.

Skylar found herself distracted, watching the road. This route to the hot spring resort was familiar; she'd been there several times, once with Joe. A wave of nostalgia washed over her, transporting her back over three years.

Just then, her phone rang—Jeremy. His calls were rare. Over the past three years, she'd resolved everything related to the Hughes family, aside from the ongoing issues. This call must be important.

She answered softly, "Mr. Hughes?"

"I missed last night's gala. I saw the news, heard from Rowan. Should I meet with him?" Jeremy asked.

Skylar replied quietly, "No, they're not the same person."

Jeremy didn't press. "Alright." He hung up.

As Skylar replaced her phone, Ned's voice broke the silence. "Do I resemble the Joe you mentioned?"

Only Ned could ask that. She didn't hesitate. "Yes, you both look almost identical. I mistook you for him yesterday. I apologize for any inconvenience to you or Ms. Reese."

Ned frowned at the emotional distance in her words. However, Rosa interjected, "Joe has a fiancée, as far as I know. What's your relationship with him, Ms. Sullivan?"

Skylar was startled. She felt both Rosa and Ned's intense gaze. The details of her marriage to Joe were known to only a few, so their curiosity was understandable.

"We're very good friends," she replied.

Rosa blinked, unconvinced. As a woman, she sensed the intensity in Skylar's eyes yesterday when she saw Ned. That intensity suggested either a secret crush or that Skylar was Joe's kept mistress—not uncommon.

After all, three years ago, Joe had been CEO of the Martin Group. His temptations would have been significant. Under those circumstances, faithfulness was hard to believe, unless Joe and Ned shared similar personalities, both averse to intimate relationships.

"I thought you liked Joe, but you're just friends," Rosa remarked with a teasing smile.

Skylar's expression darkened. Ned continued to watch her silently.

Brian drove swiftly, taking advantage of the clear road. They soon arrived at the resort. Skylar exited at the entrance, choosing not to join them. She needed to wait for Janine and the others at reception.

The resort provided a large bus for their group. While waiting, Skylar grabbed a snack.

About half an hour later, Janine arrived with the employees. They proceeded to their reserved villas. The two villas were adjacent, with an open space between them for team-building events.