Chapter 581

After finishing, Joe dressed and left their bedroom. Skylar watched him go. His words had exacerbated her hangover headache, but thankfully, he'd been joking. However, despite his previous scheming successes, Joe had miscalculated this time.

Skylar learned about the previous night's events during a call with Natalie on her way to work. Joe had picked Natalie up.

“You have no idea, Skye! I was dumbstruck when Joe showed up. You’re doing incredibly well for yourself. He looks like he loves you. Stay with him! Although Joe might seem like an unapproachable iceberg, he cares about you infinitely. He was so gentle carrying you out. Literal boyfriend goals!”

Skylar's knuckles whitened around the steering wheel. She didn't explain the truth to Natalie, who, after all, had been drunk last night. How could a drunk person accurately assess Joe's gentleness or affection?

“Focus on driving. We’ll talk later. I’m on my way to work. I’m leaving Jipsburg tomorrow. Once I’m back, we’ll work on improving your alcohol tolerance. At your current rate, Joe will ‘gobble you up’ in no time!”

Natalie hung up after one last teasing remark.

Skylar was driving Joe's car; hers wouldn't be ready for two days. Although it was the least flashy car in his garage, her colleagues crowded around upon her arrival at the office.

“Skylar, is that your car?”

“No, it belongs to a friend. Mine was rear-ended yesterday,” Skylar replied.

Her colleagues hummed in acknowledgment, studying the car. One said, “I’ve seen this car online. It’s a limited-edition model with a hefty price tag. One can only admire it from afar. Rumor has it there are fewer than ten in Jipsburg. Your friend is amazing to lend you such an impressive car.”

She was clearly jealous.

Skylar smiled and professed her lack of car knowledge. Then she went upstairs with her colleague.

Just as she was settling in, Alexander contacted her, requesting a meeting. He showed her two pictures, saying, “Take a look. These were given to me by a friend, Harry Solarius. He lives in Liberty County after retiring.

“Two years ago, he bought this overseas. Afterward, his family experienced a series of misfortunes—car accidents and illnesses. Coincidentally, I saw this painting in his house. Could it be the cause?”

“Alright, I’ll take a look.”

Skylar examined the pictures, then shook her head. “There’s nothing wrong with the painting.”

“Nothing wrong? Will you come to Liberty County and look at his house?”

Many things had happened to Harry; he’d been busy and unavailable. Recently, a series of strange events had occurred, leading Alexander to suspect some unseen force was at play.

Without hesitation, Skylar agreed. “Alright. You can set a time.”

“Great. I’ll make arrangements. If possible, let's go today. It’s a five-hour drive; we can return tomorrow.”

Alexander immediately called his driver.

Skylar paused, then called Joe. He must have been in a meeting and had muted his phone; he didn’t answer. She texted him: “I’m going to Liberty County to help Alexander with something. I’ll be back tomorrow.” She initially added, “Don't worry,” but decided he wouldn’t worry anyway and deleted it.