A vague thought flickered in Ned's mind: Skylar shouldn't be so cold toward him. He furrowed his brow in frustration. Ever since meeting Skylar, he'd been plagued by confusing thoughts. This woman seemed to perfectly align with his aesthetic; after just one encounter, he couldn't shake her from his mind. His rationality warned him this wasn't good.

Deep into the night, Rosa also lay sleepless. After returning from the mall that day, Ned had gone straight to work while she returned to her hotel. She'd had someone investigate Skylar. The response arrived: Skylar was a restorer who'd previously worked on Alexander's team—clearly capable. Generally, only the most competent individuals made his team. For unknown reasons, Skylar had left three years ago for Murida, continuing her work there. She'd returned from Murida only days ago. The coincidences felt unsettling.

The multiple encounters between herself and Skylar, both recently arrived in Jipsburg from Murida, made Rosa feel targeted. Ned's unusual attitude toward Skylar magnified her anxiety. Furthermore, Ned's striking resemblance to Joe deepened her conviction that life held no true coincidences. Still, she bit her lip. No matter whom Ned resembled, he was her Ned. He was hers. After three long years, they'd finally reached this point. She wouldn't let anyone take him away. If Skylar truly intended to, Rosa would ensure she backed off.

The next day, Skylar accompanied Mona to a bridal shop. They spent the day selecting wedding dresses. Mona's face radiated happiness as she tried on dress after dress, overwhelmed with excitement.

Chapter 1233

“Steven said if I’m not satisfied, I can have a designer create one for me, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I really enjoy trying on each one,” Mona said, gazing at her reflection, her face glowing with happiness, a smile playing on her lips. She must have done many good deeds in a past life to meet Steven and earn his affection. Moreover, she genuinely liked his family; everyone treated her with sincerity and warmth.

Skylar smiled. “No matter what dress you choose, designer or not, what matters is whether you love it. And let’s be honest, you’re beautiful and have a great figure. You’d look good in anything.”

Mona's cheeks flushed. “Your whole family is good-looking,” she replied, certain their children would be stunning, given the Sullivan family genes.

Skylar replied, “But none of us are as handsome as Steven.”

Mona’s eyes sparkled. “Steven is indeed good-looking, even more so than the celebrities I’ve pursued.” She couldn't imagine life without him. He surpassed any male lead in her novels, possessed a perfect physique—including an impressive eight-pack—and was passionate. In every aspect, she was satisfied.

Seeing Mona's complete infatuation, Skylar felt happy for Steven. Just then, she noticed Ned standing outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.