Chapter 610

Aldrich's eyes widened in disbelief as he scrutinized Charles. "What's with you? Why the sudden interest in Joe? Are you trying to find yourself a sugar daddy or something?"

In their industry, integrity often eroded over time. Witnessing less capable individuals achieve fame and success while remaining stagnant could unsettle even the most determined. However, Charles harboring such thoughts was surprising.

Charles' lips twitched. "What are you talking about? If I wanted to pursue that, I would have done so long ago. Why wait until now? I'm just asking out of curiosity."

He worried about being targeted. Wealthy individuals could be unpredictable, indulging in various forms of entertainment. Direct confrontations were easier to avoid, but hidden dangers were far more insidious. Having made career progress, he couldn't afford complications.

Aldrich raised an eyebrow and leaned in, whispering, "You wouldn't be asking about Joe for no reason, would you? Did you see something unusual?"

Gossip about Joe wasn't readily available. Furthermore, if something did happen, the Martin Group's PR team would handle it swiftly and discreetly, ensuring no information leaked.

Charles shrugged. "I'm just curious. I overheard someone mention him in the elevator."

Aldrich lowered his voice further. "Honestly, I've heard rumors that Joe isn't interested in women and might prefer men. People say his assistants are all male."

Charles' expression tightened, and he felt compelled to leave. "I'm going to use the restroom for a moment," he said.

An hour later, Skylar and Joe finished their dinner. As they left, Joe picked up Skylar's shopping bag.

"What's in here?" Joe asked casually.

Skylar almost forgot she'd bought two sets of loungewear. "Loungewear," she replied.

"Loungewear?"

"Yes, one for each of us. But you don't have to wear it if you don't like it. I just thought it looked nice," Skylar added.

Joe's lips curved into a faint smile, indicating an improved mood. "Since you bought them for me, I'll wear them."

Skylar was surprised by his decisive response. "Really?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. She'd envisioned him refusing, disdainfully rejecting the somewhat childish loungewear.

Joe simply nodded indifferently and hummed.

Skylar felt a surge of excitement about going home. As they left the private room, Skylar headed to the restroom, leaving Joe to wait outside. His striking presence commanded attention; even a brief restroom trip offered a glimpse of him.

Charles emerged from the restroom at that moment. His expression changed drastically upon seeing Joe; he seemed startled.

Joe immediately noticed Charles. While encountering someone twice in the same restaurant wasn't unusual, Joe wondered if he appeared intimidating. Charles looked genuinely frightened.

"It's quite a coincidence to meet again," Joe said, his unusually good mood lending his tone a friendlier-than-usual quality.

But Charles' eyes widened in even greater terror. He nodded stiffly. "What a coincidence."