Chapter 278

Natalie called to complain about Jeremy’s prolonged business trip. Besides the phone call she'd made when visiting Charles at work that day, their subsequent communication consisted of only a couple of WhatsApp messages.

“At first, I didn’t think much of it,” she grumbled. “But the more I brood over it, the more uneasy I become. Is he genuinely so busy that he has no time for me?”

Skylar felt a sense of foreboding. “Did Mr. Hughes say when he’ll be back?”

“No,” Natalie replied. “He just said this situation is more complicated than expected. At first, I thought he’d be back in three or four days, but now it looks like I’ll have to wait another week.” She sighed. “Skye, I feel like I’m becoming a bit of a nag. All I can do is wait for my loved one to return.”

Skylar patiently advised her friend. Natalie’s cheerful nature usually allowed her to shake off unhappiness easily.

Immediately afterward, Natalie changed the subject, talking about the actor Austin. “Guess what? Austin actually tasted the cookies I made! He even took a photo to show me. I might be the first fan to connect with him on Instagram!”

She continued, “His latest movie is hitting theaters soon. You must make time to watch it with me! He’s playing the villain—a scumbag who murders his wife and abandons his daughter. I watched the trailer, and it’s so intense!”

Skylar was intrigued. “Sure, I’ll watch it with you!”

The two chatted for a while longer before ending the call.

As part of her nightly routine, Skylar checked the orders on her Amazon store before bed. For the past few days, she’d received more orders from loyal customers, coupled with referrals from new ones, resulting in a substantial daily income. However, the influx of orders required more time to process, and some customers had multiple queries that needed individual attention.

Then, she noticed a familiar profile picture. The person had left a comment earlier that day: “I think you’re a fraud. You don’t know anything, yet you’re scamming people online. I’m sure many have been conned by you. Here’s a piece of good news for you though. I’m pregnant.”

Skylar frowned but closed the window, pretending not to have seen it. She felt it unnecessary to reply. Plenty of people would stop at nothing to achieve their goals; this was no exception. After all, they were strangers on the internet. She felt sorry only for the man’s betrayed wife. The pain and sorrow the wife would feel upon learning of her husband’s infidelity would be immense. The devastating blow of a mistress establishing dominance in her household…

Skylar abruptly stopped her train of thought, refusing to dwell on it further. Scumbags were everywhere, hurting countless people. Everyone faced setbacks; it was part of growing stronger.

After exiting the Amazon app, Skylar showered and went to sleep.

Chapter 279

In a daze, Skylar felt someone holding her. Initially, she shifted slightly, uncomfortable, but her fatigue made her dismiss it as a dream. She grew accustomed to the soothing warmth against her back, feeling a sense of security in her half-conscious state.

Joe, gazing at the sleeping Skylar in his arms, smiled faintly in the darkness. “Sleep well,” he whispered gently into her ear.

Time passed. As Joe slept, he felt Skylar’s body tremble and tense. She seemed to be having a nightmare.

“Christopher…” she mumbled.

He didn’t catch it at first, but she murmured it again. Skylar was calling out for Christopher.

In the dim light, Joe’s eyes appeared colder and darker than the night. Was a mere scoundrel deserving of her constant fixation? How could she even dream of him? And she was trembling with fear, as if terrified of losing him.