Chapter 549

Skylar left Steven's hostel. Seeing the luxury car parked by the roadside, she sighed deeply. She had been crying, but thankfully, it was dark. Once inside the car, Joe wouldn't see her face clearly. She hadn't expected him to have such excellent eyesight.

The moment she got in, Joe asked, "Have you been crying?"

"No," Skylar denied hoarsely.

Joe frowned, briefly meeting her gaze before asking, "Did Steven not believe you?" He wondered why such a strong-willed woman would cry.

"Whether he believes me or not is unimportant. The worst part is that I've dragged him into this. Steven is innocent," Skylar explained, looking out the window at the city's lights and traffic, avoiding Joe's eyes. She felt immensely sad. For the first time, she questioned her decision to marry Joe. She wasn't afraid of their challenges—she would face them together—but her family was. She'd hoped Steven's first love would be a cherished memory, not something manipulated and used.

Joe murmured, "I won't let the Silvers get away with this."

From his position, he saw her lost expression, a desire for distance in her eyes. "What are you thinking about?" he asked.

A heaviness settled in Skylar's heart. Meeting his searching gaze—perhaps due to her weakness—she didn't look away. "Joe, let's keep our marriage a secret for three years. After that, a divorce will be inconsequential. Let's follow the original contract terms." She wanted a peaceful separation, and she feared falling for him. If he fell for someone else and divorced her, she wouldn't want to let him go.

Joe's dark eyes glinted coldly. He fixed her with a sharp gaze. "Have you thought this through?"

Had Steven's ordeal scared her? Did she want distance?

Skylar hummed softly. "I'm sorry. I've broken the terms of our contract." Her courage evaporated. The image of Steven on the balcony, the horror of him possibly jumping, flashed through her mind; she wouldn't forgive herself. More importantly, the quickening of her heartbeat at Joe's text reminded her of the reality—her fear of losing control.

Joe pursed his lips, the veins in his forehead bulging as he suppressed his emotions. Suddenly, he ordered, "Stop the car."

Lucas slammed on the brakes, terrified.

The car pulled over. Joe glared at Skylar. "Good, Skylar. You're great!" He opened the door, exiting the vehicle. Turning to Lucas, he coldly instructed, "Take Ms. Sullivan back to Galaxy Villa."