Chapter 1319

Someone greeted Skylar warmly, "Ms. Sullivan! You're here too? I would have picked you up if I'd known, and we could have come together."

"The last time Ms. Sullivan restored that antique painting for me, she did such a flawless job that even my friend was amazed. No one could tell it had been restored," another person commented. "Speaking of which, my friend also has a painting that needs restoration. She's been hoping to see if you'd have the time. We heard you were in Jipsburg, but it's great to see you back so soon."

"If Ms. Sullivan wasn't invited, that would be absurd! I could understand if I wasn't, but there's no way she wouldn't be included," someone else chimed in.

A cluster of influential Clusian figures gathered around Skylar, genuinely pleased to see her. Their warm words flowed effortlessly as they caught up. Skylar was equally pleased to see familiar faces. "I've had some personal matters to attend to recently," she explained. "But as soon as I'm available, I'll reach out to you first, Mr. Wolfe." She added, "Today's situation is a misunderstanding. I won't hold it against Ms. Reese."

Her poised and gracious response diffused the earlier tension. Rosa's face flushed, a mix of embarrassment and frustration. The thought of today's humiliation spreading among Murida's elite was mortifying. She had no idea Skylar knew so many people here.

Though Rosa had investigated Skylar's background and knew she possessed genuine skill, it only fueled her envy. Skylar wasn't just beautiful; she possessed undeniable talent and an enchanting, almost ethereal beauty that effortlessly attracted men.

As the crowd around Skylar grew, Joe watched intently, his gaze fixed on her, indifferent to his conspicuousness. Meanwhile, Rosa's face burned with embarrassment. Thankfully, most people had stopped paying her attention. Eyes reddening, she looked at Joe and softly said, "Ned." Resentment filled her voice.

Joe looked away from Skylar and said to Rosa, "Rosa, go apologize to Skylar."

Rosa's eyes widened in disbelief, tears brimming. "You want me to apologize to her? Ned, do you even know what you're saying? She came here with ulterior motives, trying to steal my fiancé! Isn't it reasonable for me to assume she wouldn't have an invitation? How could I just stand by and watch a woman like her get close to you? She's the one who should be apologizing—to me. She's the one disrupting our lives, stirring up trouble. She should stay away if she knows what's good for her."

For the first time, pure hatred burned in Rosa's heart, directed solely at Skylar. Joe's expression darkened. Rosa glanced at Skylar, basking in the attention of her admirers. Jealousy gnawed at her, destroying her composure.

"I can't stay here any longer," she said abruptly, her voice cracking. "I'm leaving."

Rosa hurried away, unable to bear the pitying and judgmental stares. Joe's gaze followed her, his brow furrowing slightly. He exchanged a look with his assistant, Calvin Valdez, who immediately followed Rosa.

Once Rosa and Calvin had left, Joe's gaze returned to Skylar, his expression unguarded.