Chapter 5:10

After sending the photo to Jeremy and flaunting it, Andrew recalled something. He blurred Natalie's face but highlighted Skylar. He then posted it on Instagram with the teasing caption: "Rarely do I find a woman I instantly want to sleep with, but she's married—to a detective, no less."

Comments flooded in immediately.

"Married woman, huh? Go for it! Who can resist your charm, Mr. Hughes?"

"Just seeing her in a photo makes me want to sleep with her too. Damn it! It's not even fully dark yet."

"There's a girl around 18 in that new talent show who looks a lot like her. Maybe you should take a look."

"I've noticed that girl before. No way, she's not even close. Not even in demeanor."

The comments quickly devolved into a barrage of crude jokes and suggestions, some even advising Andrew to pursue Skylar aggressively, claiming it would be both mentally and physically rewarding.

Andrew never anticipated Rowan seeing the post. When Rowan did, he rubbed his eyes, doubting his vision. The dim lighting in the fondue restaurant wasn't ideal, but there was no mistaking Skylar. It was undeniably her.

It was just…

Rowan commented, "Her husband's a detective?" He then screenshotted the post and sent it to Joe with the message: "How did Skylar's husband become a detective? Also, check out these comments. They're already fantasizing about your wife, especially Andrew. He's seriously considering sleeping with her."

Rowan enjoyed the spectacle without worrying about the consequences. He knew boldness wasn't his strong suit, unlike Andrew, who constantly changed partners. Andrew had, notably, seemed to frequent the hospital and undergo numerous tests when Marcus had been in trouble.

Andrew was surprised when Rowan commented. It felt like a personal victory. He saw no harm in befriending Rowan. He promptly replied, "That's right. Her husband's a detective. Too bad. But I might give it a try. Maybe she'll divorce me."

Rowan laughed so hard he nearly spat water. "Divorce?" He questioned Andrew's self-assessment. He immediately screenshotted the exchange and sent it to Joe, but received no reply after several minutes, assuming Joe was engrossed in work. After a moment's reflection, Rowan replied to Andrew, "You've got guts."

Andrew, slightly woozy from alcohol and the flattering attention he'd received, felt superior to Jeremy. Coupled with Rowan's comment, it felt like encouragement. Winning Skylar over would earn him respect. Bolstered by this newfound confidence, Andrew prepared to make his move.

Meanwhile, Jeremy saw Andrew's message. Natalie's bright smile in the photo with Skylar tightened his heart. She didn't seem heartbroken at all. He stared at the photo before replying to Andrew: "Don't speak out of turn, or I'll make sure you regret it."

Andrew, already intoxicated, smirked at Jeremy's response. "Everyone knows about your affair with your secretary," he replied. "If you can control yourself, stop fooling around with other women. What are you threatening me for? Do you think I'm afraid of you? I don't have time for your business."