Chapter 1225

Natalie didn't believe excessive caution regarding Skylar was necessary. Skylar's striking beauty and figure made her irresistibly attractive to men. If Skylar had fewer scruples, Ned might already be her lover.

"Well, it seems you all know each other," Claudio muttered, sensing rising tension. "I guess I said too much." He didn't want to cause trouble, especially since Skylar's return meant ample opportunities to pursue her. He still resented her earlier embarrassment of him in front of Ned and planned his revenge. He was determined to possess Joe's woman.

Claudio departed, but Skylar also intended to leave. The restaurant's popularity meant a lengthy wait.

"I have something to do with a friend," Skylar told Ned and Rosa.

Natalie added, "If we leave now, we'll make it on time."

They promptly exited the crowded barbecue restaurant and melted into the mall's throng.

Rosa watched them go, frowning. "Ned, don't you find it odd how we keep encountering Ms. Sullivan? It seems too coincidental. Should we investigate her?" Rosa felt a growing unease, a need to understand Skylar.

Ned grunted noncommittally, his attention elsewhere. Rosa, sensing his disinterest, refrained from further comment.

She glanced at the long restaurant line. "It's too crowded. Let's try Wiscadian cuisine instead." The wait, coupled with her already sour mood—exacerbated by Skylar's presence—made her impatient.

Chapter 1226

Ned was unconcerned about their dining choices. Even in Mérida, he’d accompany her to barbecue restaurants, though he ate sparingly, his self-discipline unwavering.

"Let's go," he said.

A few steps later, Rosa asked, "Do you like women like Ms. Sullivan? That man seemed smitten. I'd probably find her hard to ignore myself." Skylar's beauty felt unfairly bestowed, fueling Rosa's suspicion that Skylar was trying to seduce Ned, to steal him away. Ned's silence only intensified her insecurity.

"Just tell me," she pressed, "if she tried to seduce you, would you sleep with her?" Her composure faltered, an unusual occurrence. Skylar was a near stranger, their encounters coincidental, yet Rosa harbored a deep-seated fear of losing Ned.

Ned replied, "Yes."

Rosa paled, her expression a mixture of hurt and disbelief. "Ned…"

"You're overthinking it. She won't try anything," Ned said firmly, though his assurance stemmed from instinct rather than absolute certainty. He'd only met Skylar a few times.

Chapter 1726 (This chapter number seems out of sequence; please verify.)