Chapter 1301

Caleb possessed a knack for keeping the atmosphere light. He and Simona were especially close, and Stephen had a talent for joining their conversations at precisely the right moments. All three were in high spirits as dinner concluded. However, when the bill arrived, Stephen made no move to pay. Simona, almost instinctively, settled the account herself.

This appeared to be a recurring pattern. Caleb subtly observed Stephen more closely. Sensing Caleb's scrutiny, Stephen quickly explained, "Simona insisted on bringing me here today. I didn't want to dampen her spirits."

Caleb smiled. "Oh, I see."

After leaving the restaurant, Stephen received an urgent call and departed. Simona seemed reluctant to see him go. Noticing her expression, Caleb teased, "Looks like you really like him, huh?"

Simona, without hesitation, admitted, "He's my true love. I liked him from the moment I met him."

"I didn't expect you to be into that type," Caleb remarked, Stephen having struck him as someone concealing his true self.

Simona rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't understand; you've never had a girlfriend. I suggest you find one soon and stop pining for Skylar. There's no chance between you two."

Caleb's expression faltered. "Why not? As long as it's not over, there's still a chance. Besides, I don't like anyone else but her. I noticed you paid the bill just now. Do you always pay when you're out?"

Simona nodded. "You know me, I don't care about those things. Money is just material. It's the same with you—neither of us is lacking in that department."

What they both lacked was genuine love.

Caleb frowned, a new concern arising. He wondered if Aiken had perhaps overprotected Simona. "Have you introduced him to Aiken yet?" he asked.

"Not yet. Maybe in a little while," Simona replied, needing more time to consider. She wasn't ready.

Caleb narrowed his eyes. "As your friend, I'll offer some advice—don't give your heart too freely. The more transparent you are, the more it can backfire. You should probably introduce him to Aiken sooner rather than later."

Simona, impatient, waved him off. "Alright, I get it. Since when is it your job to lecture me? You don't know Stephen. He's honestly the best guy I've ever met. Now that you've had your free meal, why don't you get lost?"

"Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. You'll regret it if you don't think this through. I'm leaving now," Caleb said, knowing further persuasion was futile.

Caleb wasn't overly concerned, however. Aiken wasn't easily fooled. If Stephen proved less than genuine, Aiken's involvement would reveal it.

That evening, Skylar received an international call from Steven.

"How have the past few days been? Is everything going smoothly?" Steven asked with concern.

Skylar replied softly, "Yes. Everything is going well. I met Joe and discussed some of my doubts. While he hasn't regained his memory yet, I think he's starting to question his current identity."

"Good. I'll be heading to Murida on a business trip soon, and I'll stop by to see you and Mrs. Martin Senior. Now that you've found him and confirmed he's Joe, there's no rush. Pushing too hard will only make him less likely to believe you. Take it slow, Skye. I'm sure he'll remember everything eventually," Steven said.

Skylar smiled. "Okay, I understand. By the way, has Maisy tried to visit Mom again? Any updates from the police?"