Chapter 611

Charles found it uncanny that they had even run into each other in the restroom. He wondered what karmic forces might be at play. Joe frowned slightly. Charles, too stunned to speak, fled the restroom, escaping faster than he had from the elevator.

Joe’s gaze darkened. Steven, by all accounts, had been remarkably bold; their first meeting revealed no fear whatsoever. The difference between Charles and Steven was striking.

Just then, Skylar emerged. Noticing Joe's narrowed eyes and furrowed brow, she asked, "What's wrong?"

"I just ran into Charles," Joe replied.

Skylar glanced around. "Charles?"

"Yes. I've always found him rather low-key in the entertainment industry. Don't you think he's timid?" Joe inquired.

Skylar was incredulous. "Timid? Charles has always been incredibly bold!" she exclaimed. He'd climbed mountains, forded rivers, scaled trees, even poked hornet nests. He'd been a schoolyard force to be reckoned with—not a bully, but certainly someone no one dared to bully. He was extraordinarily bold. Perhaps even Charles himself wouldn't believe he could be described as timid.

Joe, sensing Skylar's unwavering opinion, decided to drop the subject. "Let's go," he said.

Skylar, asking no further questions, was relieved she hadn't encountered Charles herself. Otherwise, she'd have to explain her relationship with Joe. She felt it imperative to inform her family about their relationship; after all, Gloria had suggested a meeting between both families. Even if they divorced in three years, she couldn't keep their marriage a secret that long. Discovery was inevitable; it was better to be upfront.

As Joe and Skylar left the restaurant, Charles returned to the private room and took several large gulps of alcohol.

"What did you do? Didn't you go to the restroom? Did you see a ghost?" Aldrich asked.

Charles' mouth twitched. "You're right. It was like seeing a ghost." Joe was definitely unusual; Charles sensed something was amiss.

Meanwhile, at Galaxy Villa, two sets of fawn-patterned, sunset-themed loungewear exuded undeniable cuteness. A frozen expression replaced Joe's anticipation as he stared at them.

Skylar tried to suppress a laugh, pretending not to notice his shock. "Why don't you try them on? We can exchange them if they don't fit. If they do, I'll wash them, and they'll be ready to wear." She couldn't help imagining Joe in them; the style seemed something even an eighteen-year-old Joe would shun.

Joe raised an eyebrow. "Let's try them on together."

"Sure," Skylar agreed enthusiastically.

Seeing Skylar struggling to stifle her laughter, Joe smirked. "You've given me several birthday surprises today. I have to return the favor."

Skylar felt embarrassed. "If you don't like them, you don't have to wear them. I realize now they might not be your style."

Joe insisted, "I want to try them."

Eventually, they both changed. Before leaving the walk-in closet, Joe gently pushed Skylar against the wall and kissed her with forceful, passionate intensity.