Chapter 715

Joe's expression remained unchanged. When Gloria entered, the lingering scent of smoke greeted her. She was about to reprimand him, but seeing him on the phone with Skylar, she hesitated.

After a brief conversation, Joe ended the call and turned to find Gloria glaring at him. “Skye is injured because of you, and now she’s alone at home recovering. Can’t you spend more time with her? Aren’t you worried she might resent you and leave one day?” Gloria's concern was genuine. She believed anyone meeting Skylar would be charmed, especially considering her stunning appearance. Even strangers could be captivated by her looks alone. Joe was a constant source of worry.

Joe smirked slightly. “No one would dare covet my wife.”

“Don’t be so sure. You need to be more careful,” Gloria retorted, huffing. She had once believed unwavering confidence was always positive, but now realized it could verge on arrogance. Straightening her expression, she adjusted her demeanor. "Let's go," she added. "People are waiting downstairs. Something feels off this time, so be cautious."

Joe nodded solemnly. “Alright.”

Skylar slipped her phone into her bag and headed toward the parking lot. Arriving in the afternoon, she parked near the museum because the library's lot was full. She had to walk through an underground passage to reach her car.

As she approached, someone blocked her path. A hand with perfectly manicured nails rested on the car door handle. “Is this the car he gave you?”

The woman, appearing to be in her late twenties, possessed pale skin, a delicate oval face, and striking, elegant eyes. Her demeanor radiated a natural nobility. Her gaze, scrutinizing and superior, was fixed on Skylar. The tone of her question confirmed she knew Joe. Skylar's expression remained cool and indifferent. “Please move.”

Vera Ruell's face darkened. “I know Joe. This car was a gift from me to him years ago. I didn’t expect he would give it to you.” She had initially thought she might be mistaken, but seeing the license plate confirmed her suspicions. She had come to the museum to donate artifacts and hadn't expected to encounter Joe's companion.

Over the years, few women had remained close to Joe; those who tried rarely fared well. Recently, however, rumors had reached her while abroad. There were reports of a woman frequently seen with Joe—dining together, attending auctions, even spotted at the mall. A few days ago, someone sent her a photograph of Joe and this woman at the cinema. Even then, Vera dismissed the rumors as gossip.

But a closer look at the photo two days prior stunned her. Joe's expression toward Skylar was gentle, almost tender, with undisguised affection—the look a man reserves for someone he genuinely cares for. She immediately booked a flight back, planning to meet Joe. She hadn't expected to encounter Skylar at the museum.

Seeing someone else driving her gift to Joe felt like a stab in the heart. Joe certainly knew how to hurt people.

Skylar was taken aback. The car, casually chosen from the garage, had been a gift. Her previous car had been totaled in an accident, and she hadn't yet had time to buy a replacement, simply selecting a low-key vehicle that suited her taste.