Chapter 1224

Skylar hadn't expected to encounter Ned so soon, especially after their chance meeting at the hospital that morning. Natalie exclaimed, "Oh my gosh!" staring intently at Ned. He was Joe's double; anyone claiming otherwise would face her wrath. She hadn't paid close attention at the café, but she'd initially mistaken him for Joe.

Ned wasn't supposed to know Skylar, yet witnessing Claudio harassing her ignited his anger. He immediately intervened, offering his assistance. Claudio, startled by Ned's presence, nearly blurted out Joe's name. He knew of the resemblance, widely publicized, but hadn't anticipated it to be so striking. It was unnerving.

"You're not developing a crush on her, are you, Mr. Sowle? She used to be Joe's wife," Claudio quickly interjected.

"Watch your mouth," Natalie retorted, dripping with sarcasm.

Skylar remained impassive. She would always be Joe's wife, and Claudio's pronouncements were unnecessary. "Claudio, if you harass me again, I'll call the police."

Turning to Ned, she said, "Thank you, Mr. Sowle. I know how to handle a scumbag."

"Skylar, don't push your luck!" Claudio fumed, incredulous at her audacity.

Ned narrowed his eyes, confronting Claudio. "You're Claudio Martin, right?"

Claudio eyed him warily. "Yeah, that's me. What do you want? You're not really thinking of helping Skylar, are you? Don't you worry about your fiancée getting jealous?"

Ned had arrived with his fiancée, Rosa. Despite this, he defended Skylar, raising suspicions about his motives. Men rarely resisted Skylar's allure; she captivated attention and hearts. Otherwise, Claudio wouldn't still be preoccupied with her. However, Claudio was aware of Ned's influence; many in Jipsburg sought collaboration with him.

Just as Claudio mentioned Ned's fiancée, Rosa appeared, napkin in hand, fresh from the restroom. "I heard this barbecue place is popular, but isn't it a bit crowded?" she asked.

Initially, Rosa didn't see Skylar, only noticing Ned conversing with another handsome man. Their discussion seemed casual, likely about the restaurant. Since arriving in Jipsburg, Rosa had discovered the local Floan cuisine far surpassed Murida's. Barbecues, stir-fries, and fondues just weren't the same back home.

Finishing her sentence, Rosa sensed a shift in the atmosphere. Her gaze fell upon Skylar. Now it made sense why Ned, typically reserved, was so engaged. Skylar was the reason.

Rosa's expression turned frigid. It seemed they kept encountering Skylar. She wondered if Skylar was following them. "Did something happen, Ned?" she asked, then turning to Skylar, added, "Ms. Sullivan, what a coincidence. We meet again."

Skylar simply nodded. "Yes, quite a coincidence."

Observing, Natalie recognized Rosa, remembering her with Ned at the café. They had seemed close. Yet, Natalie sensed something else – a wariness, a defensiveness in Rosa's regard for Skylar.

Chapter 1225