Chapter 429

Skylar's expression hardened at the mention of the Williams family. "They're trying to use me to get to you—to help their company survive," she said.

Their shamelessness constantly surprised her.

Joe chuckled coldly. "How foolish," he said. "Without their underground dealings, they never would have built their company to this size. It's no surprise they've collapsed."

Skylar frowned. "They might still trouble you. I'm sorry about that." The thought of the Williams family clinging to them like barnacles filled her with hatred.

Joe remained unfazed. "Countless people have tried to cause me trouble since childhood. The Williams family is nothing. I wouldn't consider them a problem."

Skylar knew he was telling the truth. "Thank you," she replied.

He stared at her warmly. "We're married. You don't need to thank me." Her excessive politeness annoyed him; she was too distant. His annoyance simmered to a boil.

Seeing his frown, Skylar couldn't tell if he was angry. Deciding it wasn't worth dwelling on, she focused on the delicious food before them.

They ate in silence.

After dinner, Skylar remembered something she'd pushed aside amidst the recent chaos. While Joe washed the dishes, she called Janine.

"Mom, is Steven bringing his girlfriend home this week?" He'd asked her to meet her, and she was curious about the woman he'd chosen.

Janine smiled. "I know you've been busy. That's why I didn't call sooner. Steven's girlfriend has also been busy. They've postponed our meeting until Saturday; that's when they're coming home. They asked me to let you know." Janine's excitement was palpable; she was already planning the wedding.

After a longer chat, Skylar ended the call. Everyone seemed to have been incredibly busy lately.

She wasn't in a hurry to meet Steven's girlfriend. She trusted Steven's judgment; the woman must be wonderful.

Joe emerged from the shower, towel-clad, the moment she hung up. He was accustomed to being in only a towel around Skylar, but she wasn't. One look at him sent her heart racing; he had an exceptionally attractive physique.

Seeing her reaction, Joe grinned. "You've seen me naked. Why are you still so shy?" he teased.

They were intimate almost nightly, knew each other's bodies intimately, yet she still found it unsettling. She didn't understand his duality. How could he be so charming and then so straightforward? It sent her heartbeat wild.

"You don't understand," Skylar retorted. "It's human nature. If you're naked, my eyes are drawn to you." His partially naked form fueled her imagination.

Joe chuckled. "How would you prefer me to look?"

Skylar was so captivated she forgot to swallow. She watched as he dropped the towel, completely exposing himself to her heated gaze. Her eyes involuntarily fell lower.

"Do you like what you see?" he asked. "You're a seductress, Skylar. You're making me want to make love to you."

Skylar quickly looked away. "When have I seduced you? Don't be ridiculous." Memories of the previous night flashed through her mind. She needed a break tonight.