Chapter 1263

Ned furrowed his brows. "Just tell me the compensation amount. It's important to clarify that Rosa contacting you yesterday wasn't intentional; I was unaware of it."

Upon hearing this, Skylar paused. "My friend is asking for $100,000. Regarding Ms. Reese, I don't mind her contacting me. However, please inform her that we've only met a few times, haven't spoken much on WhatsApp, and there's nothing between us. I'd appreciate it if she didn't contact me further."

Ned's frown deepened, irritation flickering in his eyes. Skylar continued, "I can forgive Ms. Reese. She seems insecure; perhaps you could spend more time with her. Since you have no objections to my proposed compensation, I hope payment is processed quickly. I won't disturb you further."

She rose to leave. Ned's lips pressed together, a mix of frustration and confusion evident as he watched her cold demeanor. Her clear boundaries only intensified his annoyance. Instinctively, he called, "Wait."

Skylar paused. "Is there something else, Mr. Sowle?"

"Add me back on WhatsApp." His voice was low and firm. Realizing the block stemmed from Rosa's actions, he requested her to add him back. He felt, inexplicably, that Skylar shouldn't be distant, that her name should be in his contacts, her picture visible, as if she were beside him. This feeling had been particularly strong at the hospital; even when she set boundaries, he felt an urge to embrace her. It was unsettling, uncontrolled, unlike anything he'd experienced.

Skylar was stunned. "This isn't necessary, is it? You wouldn't want your fiancée to misunderstand?" But the dominance in Ned's gaze evoked Joe. Joe had possessed a similar domineering presence, a deep gaze hinting at unspoken affection.

Ned was momentarily speechless, his lips tight with tension. The air felt colder. Skylar quickly regained composure, separating the images of Ned and Joe. "I'll be leaving now. Goodbye."

Ned didn't call after her. His expression darkened; her rejection stung, jolting him back to reality. He'd acted irrationally, shouldn't have said those things. He likely wouldn't see Skylar again, and he certainly shouldn't have upset Rosa.

He pressed his fingers to his temple, annoyed by his repeated loss of control around Skylar. A dull ache throbbed in his head, intensifying. The woman from his dreams was solidifying into Skylar's image.

He'd always been indifferent to romantic feelings. Many women had sought his attention in the past two years, but none had stirred anything within him. His feelings for Rosa were more obligation than affection. Yet, he found himself inexplicably drawn to Skylar, a woman he'd barely met. Whenever he saw her, he struggled to control not only his heart but also his body's reaction—an urge to embrace and kiss her. He never imagined he'd lose control like this.

He pressed his fingers harder against his brow. Thankfully, he'd soon leave Jipsburg and wouldn't have to see Skylar again.