Chapter 561

Although Paul wouldn't dare look at Skylar, and Terence was elderly, Joe didn't want anyone to see her in that dress. He wanted Skylar to show it to him privately at home.

Skylar, still dazed, nodded. "Okay."

As she changed out of the traditional dress in the fitting room, she realized Joe was no longer upset.

That night, he exited the car with a cold, intimidating demeanor.

When Skylar emerged from the fitting room, Joe took her hand, snatched the traditional dress from her, and didn't bother to have Ralph bag it.

He turned to Paul. "Skylar and I are leaving first."

Paul nodded. Terence and Ralph were slow to realize the young lady was Joe's girlfriend.

Seeing their shock, Paul smiled. "Let me settle the balance."

When Joe saw Skylar emerge from the fitting room, his eyes widened in astonishment. Her figure was stunning. No wonder he couldn't resist immediately pulling her away. Whatever conflicts they'd had were forgotten. He later gave Paul a well-deserved raise; his smooth handling of the encounter left no trace.

Back in the car, Joe took the passenger seat. Skylar's car seemed even smaller with him; his long legs had nowhere to go.

"You…" Skylar began, but Joe cupped her face, pulled her close, and kissed her, leaving her speechless. The kiss was intense, commanding, urgent, and prolonged. Skylar's heart raced. A sense of illusion clouded her; she wondered if Joe genuinely had feelings for her, as the kiss seemed to carry genuine emotion.

When Joe finally pulled away, he looked at Skylar's flushed cheeks and slightly swollen lips. His fingers gently combed through her hair. "Put on the traditional dress for me when we get home," he said possessively. He would have gone further if they weren't in the city, but in a secluded spot, perhaps.

Skylar, speechless, asked, "You're going home, too?"

Joe paused, raised an eyebrow slightly, and said, "Where else? I can pretend I never heard you. Don't bring it up again." He was committed to her and wasn't considering divorce; he could handle any concerns she had.

Skylar was stunned. The fluttering in her heart made her acutely aware of her feelings. Looking down at the steering wheel, she finally asked, "Do you like me?"

Joe was momentarily taken aback. He glanced at her lowered eyes and fluttering lashes. "We don't talk about these things," he said, his voice low and serious.

He wondered if he had developed feelings for Skylar. He'd never experienced romantic love and didn't know what it meant.

Skylar tightened her grip on the steering wheel. "Can we talk about it?"

Joe raised an eyebrow. "Talk about what?"

Instead of discussing it, Joe wanted to hurry home. Her image in the traditional dress was vivid in his mind; she was so alluring, it almost made him lose his composure.

Skylar's heart sank at his casual response. She took a deep breath. "What I said last time was sincere. Although it was sudden, after reflecting, I believe we're not suitable. Life is long and full of unexpected events. Even people in love might not stay together a lifetime. So, let's just fulfill our three-year agreement."