Chapter 612

Joe and Skylar, clad in matching loungewear, were nestled close together. An hour later, they emerged from the walk-in closet, the loungewear discarded, their destination the bed. The passage of time was indistinct; outside, the night was cold and dark.

Skylar, sweaty and exhausted, leaned against Joe as he carried her to the bathroom's bathtub. "Do you like the return gift? Was it enough effort?" he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

Skylar's face flushed crimson. The memory of the walk-in closet alone overheated her; she couldn't meet his gaze. She was startled when Joe suddenly crouched down. Feigning tiredness, she allowed herself to fall asleep, his audacity eclipsing her embarrassment.

Charles experienced a rare night of insomnia. Tossing and turning, he replayed Joe's unusual friendliness in his mind. These matters were too delicate for his usual confidantes, but he could confide in Steven. It was just past midnight; Steven was likely still awake.

After several rings, Steven answered. "Why are you calling at this hour?" he asked.

Charles replied, turning over, "Steven, I need your analysis on something; otherwise, I won't sleep."

"Go ahead," Steven responded. He'd just returned to his dormitory and hadn't yet showered.

Charles began, "I had stew with the crew and ran into Joe Martin in the elevator. He approached me…" He recounted the encounter in detail, fearing any omission might lead to misinterpretation.

Steven grimaced repeatedly and rolled his eyes in frustration.

"Steven," Charles continued, his voice laced with anxiety, "someone said Joe doesn't like women and prefers men. Could he be trying to involve me in something? Is he trying to become my sugar daddy? If someone as powerful as him targets me, should I leave the entertainment industry? I've only recently established myself and want to make tens of millions before considering leaving. I'm not ready to quit."

His anxiety intensified with each word. Steven rolled his eyes again.

"Steven, say something! I'm going to panic. Do you think my acting career is over? Don't assume I'm straight!"

"Even if I were gay," Charles continued, his pessimism unrestrained, "I wouldn't be forced into anything. Even if I leave the industry, I'll survive. Don't you agree, Steven?"

"You're overthinking this," Steven said, dumbfounded.

"Overthinking? Am I?" Charles retorted.

Steven imagined slapping Charles. How could he be so paranoid? He couldn't believe Charles thought Joe might be interested in men; Joe was nowhere near as attractive to Skylar. Charles needed to take a good look in the mirror.

"Remember my words," Steven advised kindly. "Joe isn't interested in men. His unusual attention today has nothing to do with you. Get some sleep. Don't overthink things; you'll regret it."

Charles frowned. "Not because of me? Then who? Is it because of you? Your company has no connection to the Martins, right?"

Steven had indeed recently achieved significant career advancements; even being interviewed by Annie attested to his success.

"It's not because of me," Steven said, exasperated by Charles's paranoia. "It's because of Skye. The details will become clear later. For now, just relax and focus on what you need to do."