Chapter 568

Rowan was patient only when dealing with Jenny. Though he couldn't see her and only heard her voice on the phone, he imagined her heartbreak. She was a woman who effortlessly elicited sympathy.

"He sees you only as a sister," Rowan clarified.

Jenny's voice cracked. "Did he really say that? Did he really say there's no room for a third person at Galaxy Villa?"

She had planned to live with Joe in Jipsburg City after returning, hoping to see him daily and understand his feelings about Skylar. She wondered if his marriage to Skylar was solely to please Gloria, not out of genuine affection. But Joe had outright rejected her, proving his preference for Skylar.

"Yes," Rowan confirmed.

Jenny burst into tears. "Rowan, is Skylar really that amazing? Is she worth hurting me to protect her? He doesn't want me at Galaxy Villa because he's afraid Skylar will misunderstand. He preemptively excluded me, even before Skylar said anything. He's clearly protecting her."

Rowan was momentarily speechless. "Even without Skylar, you and Joe would never work."

"I have other things to take care of. Please don't tell Joe I called," Jenny said before hanging up.

Rowan stared at his phone, then clicked his tongue in frustration.

When Natalie called, Skylar had just begun her workday.

"Skylar, come to my apartment after work. I'm off today and don't want to dine alone."

"Sure, I'll bring dinner."

"I'll be waiting."

On his way to the company, Joe checked his phone. As expected, there were no messages from Skylar, confirming his assessment that she was heartless. However, he had several missed calls from Jeremy. Jeremy only called for important matters, so Joe returned the call.

"Is something wrong?" Joe asked.

"I was trying to reach Skylar. After you missed my call, I contacted her this morning, and the matter is resolved," Jeremy replied briefly, omitting details. There was an unspoken understanding between them; straightforward issues required no lengthy explanations.

Joe recalled Jeremy's earlier mention of Skylar. "Looking for Skylar? What's up?" he asked.

Jeremy, somewhat surprised, truthfully explained Annabelle's attempt to deceive him, ultimately praising Skylar's skills. "Skylar is impressive. I just spoke with Mr. Gardner Senior, and even he had knowledge gaps. He didn't fully understand, but Skylar deduced the details from photos. You should cherish her."

Jeremy almost reminded Joe not to be manipulated, but then recalled Skylar's words: all confusion ultimately depended on willpower. Over the years, many had tried to drug Joe, but his willpower had always prevailed. Even at the charity gala a few days prior, he'd seen through Annie's trick and ended up with Skylar.