Chapter 232

It wasn't yet dark, but the restaurant was already full. Skylar and Joe arrived first; fortunately, they had reserved a table with the owner. Otherwise, they would have had to wait.

The lively outdoor area buzzed with conversation. After seating themselves, Skylar opened the menu and ordered several dishes she and Steven enjoyed. Perhaps because she'd napped in the car, she felt energized and could have eaten everything on the menu.

"Have a look and see what you want," she said, handing the menu to Joe.

Joe surveyed the extensive list and ordered beef skewers and noodles. He wasn't interested in anything else; he'd never been to a barbecue restaurant before, not for lack of wanting to go, but due to lack of time and company. Now, with Skylar, he felt unsure what to order.

Skylar, sensing this, pondered a moment and ordered more dishes. "I think you might like these," she said.

"Okay," Joe replied.

Steven, nearby, approached. From a distance, he saw a man with Skylar, but the crowd obscured his view. The man looked familiar, yet he was in a suit at a barbecue restaurant. Skylar had told Steven they were going to a barbecue place; he'd opted for a loose T-shirt and shorts, feeling underdressed compared to the man. This annoyed him slightly, though a suit didn't necessarily equate to presence; he'd soon judge Joe's character.

The closer he got, the more familiar Joe seemed. He was sure he'd seen him before.

"Steven," Skylar greeted him.

Chapter 292

Joe stood with Skylar and greeted Steven with a "Hello." Up close, Joe's majestic air—uncharacteristic of someone so young—was even more striking. Steven found him very handsome, the type to captivate young women. But appearances could be deceiving; some people were wolves in sheep's clothing.

Steven scrutinized Joe, trying to read him, but Joe remained an enigma. His certainty of having seen Joe before grew stronger.

"I'm Skye's brother, Steven," he introduced himself.

"I'm Skye's husband, Joe Martin," Joe replied.

Skylar watched their formal introductions, hesitant to interrupt. She'd never seen Steven look at someone so intently, as if assessing Joe's character with a critical eye. She realized his intensity stemmed from her past with Christopher and his protective instincts. This made her feel immense sorrow for her family and loved ones; she'd been blinded by love.

"Joe Martin?" Steven frowned. The name rang a bell.

"What do you do?" he asked.

"I'm the CEO of Martin Group," Joe replied earnestly. Steven's eyes widened.