Chapter 605

With half an hour until her scheduled time, Skylar relaxed, checking her phone to find a missed call from Natalie ten minutes prior. The surrounding noise and music must have obscured the ringtone. She redialed, and Natalie answered.

“Nath, I missed your call,” Skylar began.

“Mr. Powell refused my resignation; he’s given me a month off instead. I’m surprised he didn’t blame me and insisted I stay. I feel terribly guilty,” Natalie said quietly, her dejection evident in her tone.

“Is it ahead?” the cab driver interrupted.

Skylar, hearing the question, asked, “Nath, where are you?”

“Yes, just up ahead,” Natalie replied to the driver before returning to her call. “I’m in a cab, heading back to the house Jeremy and I share. My mom’s waiting. There are things I can’t keep hidden any longer. I think it’s time to be honest with them. Perhaps it’s best if both our parents know. Maybe Jeremy and I can finally stop dragging this out.”

Skylar wasn’t sure how to advise her. Ultimately, the decision was Natalie’s.

“I believe your parents will support you, Nath. Just stay calm when you see Jeremy. Calm decisions are less likely to be regretted,” Skylar advised gently.

Natalie forced a smile. “I’ve been thinking it over seriously. I’m almost there, so I have to hang up. I’ll sort things out this month, and we can catch up later. Don’t worry.”

After the call, Skylar stared blankly at her phone. So much had happened; Natalie and Jeremy’s situation was unfortunate. If Annabelle hadn’t manipulated Jeremy, he probably wouldn’t have cheated. He should have resisted the temptation, regardless of his feelings for Natalie.

A text message interrupted her thoughts. Joe: “I’ve arrived, downstairs.”

Skylar, having instructed the staff not to announce her arrival, replied, “Come up. Ten minutes.”

To avoid being seen, she parked across the street; her small car would be too conspicuous in front of the restaurant.

“Waiting downstairs.”

“Don’t wait. Order; I’m starving,” Skylar texted, exasperated. She wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise; waiting upstairs or downstairs made no difference to her.

“Got it.”

Skylar breathed a sigh of relief as Joe entered the restaurant and headed for the elevator. Simultaneously, someone else was ascending. Joe’s cold gaze briefly scanned the newcomer, his expression shifting upon recognition. It was Charles, absorbed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to his fellow passenger. Sensing scrutiny, Charles turned sharply, momentarily stunned to see Joe—a face he recognized from Annie’s interviews.