Chapter 539

Skylar slept in the bathtub, easing the soreness in her body. Her mind was calm. Annie and the Silvers had drugged Joe; their goal was to exploit Steven. They saw the gala as an opportunity, but ultimately doomed themselves.

Yesterday, Annie professed her love for Steven, yet that same night she was in Joe's bed. Her love felt cheap. Paul likely had evidence, which Skylar needed.

Forty minutes later, Joe, having showered, noticed Skylar hadn't emerged from the bathroom. Checking his watch, he frowned, strode to the door, and opened it. Finding her fast asleep in the tub, he sighed in relief. He'd momentarily recalled news stories about bathtub deaths.

"Stupid girl," he muttered internally. Didn't she know how dangerous that was? He carefully lifted her from the tub, wrapped her in a towel, and carried her out.

She was completely unconscious. As he lifted her, she snuggled into his embrace, like a trusting cat. Joe's breath hitched; a feather seemed to tickle his heart.

Minutes later, Joe leaned against the hallway wall, holding an unlit cigarette. His cold expression made Paul nervous.

"Annie's father and uncle did it," Paul said. "They bribed workers at the gala and slipped an aphrodisiac into your drink."

Joe chuckled coldly. "Has the Silver family not suffered enough? How dare they scheme against me! I want no trace of the Silvers in Jipsburg from today onward."

"Right. I'll go to the office and make the necessary arrangements," Paul replied, eager to leave. Joe, when angry, was terrifying.

Judging by Skylar's continued sleep, they'd likely been intimate. Joe should have been satisfied, yet a murderous gleam shone in his eyes. Paul was terrified.

"Wait, check the hotel surveillance footage. How did Annie enter my room? How did her parents remove her, only wrapped in a towel? Get the footage and send a copy to Skylar."

"You want me to give it to Mrs. Martin?" Paul asked, stunned.

"She might need it," Joe said. The murderous glare vanished when he spoke of Skylar. Paul, bewildered by the rapid shift in Joe's expression, was terrified. "The footage was sent to my phone last night. I'll forward it to Mrs. Martin later."

Joe hummed in acknowledgment. "I'm not going to the office today. Get someone to bring some outfits for Skylar."

"They should be here soon. Mrs. Martin will be able to wear them once she wakes up," Paul replied, pleased with his thoughtfulness.

Joe raised an eyebrow. "When you get back to the office, talk to Chester Parkson. You'll be getting a raise."

Paul's eyes widened. "Thank you, Mr. Martin! You're an excellent man!"

"When did you start calling Skylar Mrs. Martin?" Joe asked, surprised.

"Oh, I don't remember," Paul stammered. Initially, he'd called her Ms. Sullivan, but had subconsciously switched to Mrs. Martin.

Paul, as an observer, sensed Joe's affection for Skylar. Otherwise, why push Annie away? Joe, himself, had been under the influence of the aphrodisiac. His self-control, even then, was remarkable, showcasing his strong feelings for Skylar. And why else would he wait for her, even if it meant a cold shower?