Chapter 214

Skylar shook her head. "Oh, I'm not tired," she said, hesitating before deciding whether to investigate. The voice she'd heard from the grove had been indistinct, and many people in Jipsburg shared the surname "Hughes."

Since her rebirth, Skylar had gained a new understanding of human nature and its complexities, particularly regarding emotions. It was possible she cared deeply for Natalie and didn't want her to experience the hurt of betrayal she'd endured.

"Were you shocked?" Joe asked again. He knew Jeremy had been unusually close to his secretary lately, visiting this secluded spot several times. But he hadn't expected Jeremy to be so brazen, so openly flaunting his indiscretion. Joe thought Jeremy would deeply regret his actions if he continued.

"Oh, no. I just regret not going to see," Skylar admitted, her thoughts escaping. If she'd caught them in the act, she could have confirmed whether it was Jeremy.

Joe lowered his head, his deep eyes fixed on Skylar. His voice, low and seductive, purred, "Quite bold, huh? Wanna know what it's like to make out in the woods?" He tugged at his tie as he spoke, the words igniting a spark in his throat, leaving it feeling itchy and dry. His Adam's apple bobbed.

Skylar looked up, noticing his Adam's apple move. Joe was undeniably handsome; even that detail seemed alluring. Her cheeks flushed. "Don't overthink it, Mr. Martin," she said boldly. "Just a friendly suggestion—don't do it. There are caterpillars in the trees that might fall when the branches shake. There are mosquitoes in the woods during the summer, and any exposed skin will be bitten. Plus, you might be watched."

Joe smirked. He'd initially thought of her as pure as a high school student; now, she seemed like a sly vixen. He closed his eyes for a moment, suppressing his lustful thoughts.

Two hours later, around 7:00 p.m., Skylar and Joe, sweaty from their golf game, returned to the hot spring resort. The staff provided them with dinner and fresh clothes; soaking in the hot spring immediately after eating wasn't advisable. Skylar glanced at Joe, who was in a video conference, and then went outside with her phone.

Feeling uncomfortable after eating too much, she went for a walk, leaving Joe a message on WhatsApp. The night was quieter. She took a different path, strolling leisurely while chatting with Natalie.

"How did your mom's checkup go?" Skylar asked.

Natalie, bored at home alone, replied, "It's just an old ailment. When she was young, she often drank alcohol and skipped meals for work. Now, she gets stomachaches if she eats too much."

"Are you alone at home?" Skylar asked.

"Yes. Jeremy has a lot of work at the company today. He has to attend an international video conference and will be up all night. There's a bed in his office, so he's sleeping there."

"Poor him; he works so hard," Natalie said, her tone filled with love and concern. "It's all to support the family and provide for our baby. It must be really tough for him."

Skylar gripped her phone tightly. What a coincidence.

"I was thinking of making him soup to warm him up," Natalie continued, "but when I asked how work was going, he didn't reply. He must still be in the meeting. If I went, I'd just be a distraction, so I dropped the idea. By the way, I forgot to tell you, Jeremy has a new secretary. She's a beauty, but I don't think she's as pretty as you. Our Skye's the prettiest," she added.

Secretary? Skylar recalled the voices in the woods—the calls of "Mr. Hughes" and the mention of stockings. It seemed likely the pair were in an employer-employee relationship.