Chapter 521

"By the way," Grayson said, "that boyfriend of yours from the countryside—you need to break up with him tomorrow. Our family can't afford this embarrassment. Got it?"

Annie's voice was heavy. "Alright," she replied.

Annie decided to give it one last try. If all else failed, the Silver family's reputation could be sacrificed. Steven was her final option.

After leaving the restaurant, Skylar met Natalie. Austin was shooting a film scene on their college campus that day. During Austin's break, Natalie took a half-hour break and walked around the familiar campus with Skylar. Despite leaving only a little over a year ago, the campus felt unfamiliar; it felt like years had passed.

"You have to tell me everything," Natalie said, squinting at Skylar. "What's going on between you and Joe? When did you get together?"

Natalie clearly wouldn't let Skylar off without a proper explanation. Skylar briefly recounted how Gloria arranged her marriage to Joe, and summarized their current cohabitating situation.

"So, you had a shotgun wedding?" Natalie's eyes widened.

Skylar nodded. "Yes. So far, I don't see any downsides."

"Do you love Joe?" Natalie asked, immediately regretting the question. After all, how could a shotgun wedding involve love? Moreover, Skylar had just broken up with Christopher.

Skylar hesitated. "We agreed that love wasn't part of the deal. We're just cohabiting. Honestly, it's been good. Grandma Gloria has been kind to me, and I don't have any expectations of Joe, so there's no sense of loss."

Natalie furrowed her brow. She felt Skylar was being unfairly treated, but then realized love might not be that important. After all, her deep love for Jeremy had taken a physical and emotional toll, and they had still divorced.

"How does Joe treat you?" Natalie asked.

Skylar smiled. "He's good to me. We get along well."

Skylar omitted Joe's unpredictable tantrums and unrestrained behavior in bed. It wasn't important.

"I've seen Joe a few times," Natalie said, suddenly smirking. "He doesn't seem easy to get along with. How about you two…" She glanced around. "Have you slept together?"

Skylar blushed slightly. "We're married. It's natural."

Natalie's eyes widened. "You're so bold! I've heard many socialites in Jipsburg want to sleep with him, but he rejects them. Some even say he has… issues. Seeing you like this… is he capable?" Natalie's curiosity was insatiable.

Skylar chuckled wryly. "That's just a misunderstanding."

If Joe had any issues, those spreading rumors were likely worse.