Chapter 1318

Rosa shouted to a nearby security guard, “She sneaked in! Arrest her!”

Skylar paused. Hearing Rosa’s words, she turned, then stood firm, awaiting the guard.

Rosa raised an eyebrow at Skylar’s unwavering composure. Was she relying on Joe? Rosa couldn’t understand Skylar’s confidence.

Then, Joe’s voice boomed from above, deep and stern. “Since when have you become so despicable?”

Rosa paled. “I—I’m telling the truth, Ned. Skylar snuck in. I saw her; I couldn’t ignore it.”

Joe strode swiftly toward them. By the time the guard reached Skylar, Joe was at her side. “She was invited.”

Skylar looked up at Joe, her eyes shining with surprise and relief. He was defending her. Rosa arrived breathlessly, her heels clicking frantically, only to hear Joe’s words. Humiliation washed over her.

The crowd murmured. Rosa had loudly accused Skylar, yet Joe openly contradicted her. Mortification flooded Rosa’s face as curious onlookers gathered, intrigued by the spectacle unfolding at Nicole’s birthday celebration—a prestigious event. A security guard turned to Skylar. “Please show us your invitation.”

Rosa stared at Skylar, certain she couldn't produce one. Rosa knew Skylar had only come to find Joe.

Just as whispers spread through the crowd, questioning Skylar’s identity, Lionel appeared. Recognizing the guard, he surveyed the scene sharply.

“What’s happening here?” Lionel demanded authoritatively.

“Sir, this woman is accused of sneaking in without an invitation,” the guard reported.

Lionel’s expression darkened. “Ms. Sullivan is a guest of Mrs. Neal Senior. I personally delivered her invitation. You owe her an apology.”

Everyone’s attention shifted to Rosa.

Rosa’s face lost all color. She stammered, “I thought she wasn’t invited. I must have been mistaken.”

Several guests overheard Joe defending Skylar, and whispers circulated. Joe, usually aloof and indifferent—even to his fiancée—was openly protective of Skylar. Curiosity flickered in their eyes as they speculated about her.

Amid the commotion, acquaintances who had previously invited Skylar to their homes for her expertise in removing negative energy and restoring antiques recognized her. Their faces lit up as they approached, eager to greet her.