Chapter 1317

If Joe decided to investigate thoroughly, uncovering the truth wouldn't take long. The thought sent a cold shiver down Rosa's spine, filling her with helplessness and panic. It felt as though everything she had painstakingly built was teetering on the brink of collapse.

Skylar watched Rosa struggle to maintain composure, speaking in a measured tone. "Ms. Reese, remember you're a guest invited by the Neals. You don't have the authority to send me away. Besides, what exactly are you so afraid of?"

Rosa's face twisted with anger. "You!"

Just as she reached for Joe's hand, seeking reassurance, she saw the doubt flickering in his eyes. Her face paled.

Skylar turned to Joe, his expression unreadable. "Joe, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask me later. I'll take my leave now." This time, she didn't call him "Mr. Sowle." He was Joe, not Ned or Mr. Sowle.

Hearing "Joe," Rosa's eyes widened. "Ned has never been Joe! Skylar, why do you constantly mistake Ned for Joe? Enough of these baseless insinuations that only cause misunderstandings—or worse, create discomfort! Can you stop being so obsessed? I've looked into the Joe you mentioned. He's been dead for years and has no connection to Ned. What more must I say for you to believe me?"

She turned to Joe. "Ned, tell her to stop bothering you. You're not Joe, you're Ned!"

Joe's darkening face unsettled Rosa further. His silence confirmed her worst fears—he was starting to believe Skylar. Anxiety surged, leaving her lightheaded.

Skylar nodded slightly and left the orchard. Watching her carefree departure, Rosa's eyes filled with envy. "Ned, why didn't you tell her she's obviously trying to use your resemblance to Joe to get close to you? Who knows if she's part of some scheme? Don't tell me you're into her type—that you'd leave me for her."

Her accusations were sharp, laced with fear and resentment.

Joe turned from Skylar to the increasingly frantic Rosa. The intensity of his gaze made her more uneasy.

"Ned, you—"

"Who do you think I really am?" His eyes, gleaming with unsettling clarity, seemed to strip away any deception.

Rosa's complexion drained. She avoided his gaze, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. "I… I… Ned, I've been by your side since you woke up amnesiac three years ago. We built everything together. Was that all a lie? Are you truly willing to throw it all away because of Skylar's words?" Her trembling hands clenched, her voice wavering with pain.

Joe studied her silently before saying softly, "Let's go back. The party's still going."

Rosa's heart sank. His lack of direct answer confirmed his growing belief in Skylar's words. His patience had clearly worn thin.

Desperately, Rosa glared at Skylar. This was all her fault. Skylar was trying to steal everything she had worked for, everything that was hers. She wouldn't let Skylar walk away so easily.