Chapter 140

Shirley raised an eyebrow and suggested, "You're so lucky to be with Mr. Martin." In their circle, having a financial backer ensured a smooth path. Many wished to be associated with Joe, but they only dared to dream of it, lacking any chance of contact.

Skylar knew Shirley's words held a deeper meaning, but she decided there was no need to explain. She likely wouldn't have the chance to attend another such event, nor would she meet these people again.

"You'd be wasting your talent not being in the entertainment industry," Shirley said, studying Skylar closely. Beautiful, desirable, and with a great figure, Skylar could become a top star quickly with Joe's support.

Skylar smiled. "Everyone excels in different areas. I don't really like being in front of cameras."

Shirley shrugged. "You're right. Everyone excels in different things. If I weren't acting, I wouldn't know what else to do."

They chatted casually for a few more moments. Then, the door opened.

"Mr. Jakeman, sorry I'm late. Happy birthday!"

Skylar and Shirley turned to see Annie, who wore a long white dress. She appeared pure and radiant, quite different from her dignified television persona. Even among two female celebrities and models, Annie didn't fall short in appearance.

After apologizing to Rowan, Annie glanced around, somewhat surprised to see Joe. "Mr. Martin, you're here too?"

Rowan waved it off. "You're not late. We haven't eaten the cake yet."

Annie walked toward Rowan and Joe, seemingly oblivious to others. She handed Rowan a gift bag. "This is your birthday present."

"Thank you!" Rowan replied.

Noticing Annie's repeated glances at Joe, Rowan teased, "Didn't you two just meet a few days ago? Joe was on your show. Why does it still seem so awkward?"

A blush spread across Annie's face. "Can you just shut up on your birthday, Mr. Jakeman?"

Joe gave Annie a slight nod in acknowledgement. For them, this nod was a sign of recognition, but the depth of their relationship remained unclear.

Rowan, considering this, looked at Skylar. He wondered why Joe seemed warmer toward his secretary than toward Annie.

Mark whispered from behind Skylar, "Do you know Annie? Joe no longer needs you. Would you consider joining me? I can offer terms no worse than Joe's." He was clearly afraid of being overheard.

Skylar, observing Joe and Annie, was startled by Mark's interruption. Just hours ago, Joe had said he had nothing to do with Annie, but their interaction now suggested otherwise. Joe was inexplicably cold and difficult to read.

She gave Mark a cold look. "Mr. Martin and I are not what you think."

"If not what I think, then what? Do you really think we believe you're just his secretary? Paul is very capable. At most, you're just someone to warm his bed." Desire was already bubbling inside Mark. Up close, he found Skylar's fair, soft skin even more alluring. Such beauty was irresistible.

Skylar frowned. Considering Mark was Joe's friend, she refrained from scolding him. "Besides secretary and a bed warmer, what else do you dare think I could be to Mr. Martin?"

"If you still want to be friends with him, you'd better take back what you just said. I'm not good at keeping secrets. Who knows, I might say something I shouldn't in front of him in a few minutes."

"You little…" Mark was infuriated. He hadn't expected such a soft-looking girl to be so tough.