Chapter 1265

Jeremy's resolve in his relationship with Natalie faltered. Over the past two years, he had grown close to Helena, though the connection lacked depth; he couldn't deny the physical attraction. He knew he couldn't return to things as they were with Natalie; he had lost her. Reaching for a cigarette, he remembered the hospital. "Take good care of her," he murmured before leaving. Austin, eyebrows raised, watched him go, a furrow creasing his brow.

That evening, Skylar returned to Janine's home, Rosestone Residence, where Steven had brought Mona for dinner. Skylar offered to help in the kitchen, but Janine refused, insisting Mona was like family and often joined them for meals. Six dishes were sufficient, she declared, urging Skylar to rest. Accepting Janine's insistence, Skylar considered tidying, but Janine's exceptional housekeeping rendered it unnecessary. She settled on the couch with a book Minerva had given her—a text on negative items—which she had struggled to focus on until now.

Earlier, Alexander had informed her they were close to identifying the culprit, advising her against leaving until the month's end when they anticipated results. She had canceled her flight, intending to meet Paul first. Janine prepared two dishes, glancing at Skylar engrossed in her book. Skylar’s quiet demeanor evoked a sense of pity in Janine, who silently hoped Joe was alive and would return soon. To mask her sadness, Janine hurried back to the kitchen to finish the remaining four dishes, stir-frying the prepped ingredients on two burners.

Meanwhile, Steven and Mona were stuck in 8:00 pm traffic. "Why not tell Mrs. Sullivan to start dinner? They must be starving," Mona suggested, gazing at the congested bridge, likely impacted by a nearby night market. Steven checked the navigation; the bottleneck was only 300 feet. "Let's not worry them; they'll insist on waiting," he said. "Okay, I'll look at bridesmaid dresses," Mona replied, pulling out her phone. As the first of her friends to marry, she wanted perfect dresses. Her friends privately marveled at her ability to "snag" Steven, prompting playful, enigmatic replies about her charm and a mysterious book containing the answers. The memory brought a secret smile.

"What's so funny?" Steven asked, mirroring her joy. Mona, easily cheered, was readily happy. "No secrets from you, Steven. My friends asked how I got you," she confessed. "Oh? What did you say?" Mona blushed, averting his gaze. "I said it's my charm! No bragging, it's true! Without my charm, how'd you lose control after drinking and end up with me?"