Chapter 716

Skylar clarified, "This car still belongs to Joe. He didn't give it to me," noticing the woman's familiarity with him.

Vera's expression softened slightly. Seeing Vera still blocking the car door, Skylar repeated, "Could you please step aside?"

Vera's expression hardened. "When did you and Joe get together?"

"Do I really need to tell you?" Skylar's tone grew cold.

"My relationship with Joe..." Vera began, her voice faltering, her pale face paling further. "We were high school classmates."

Skylar remembered Molly mentioning Joe's past love living abroad. Had she not appeared, Joe might have been with her—waiting for this past love, keeping women at arm's length all these years. Could this woman be her?

Remaining silent, Vera composed herself, unwilling to show vulnerability before someone she considered a gold digger. It would suggest she cared too much about Joe.

"There's been talk about you and him in our class group chat," Vera said, "People say you've been pursuing him, that your beauty could make you a star. You should consider acting. I could help you sign with a film company, get you the resources to rise quickly."

Many girls dreamed of influencer status, but few achieved stardom. It required more than beauty; breaking into the industry was difficult, signing with a company only the beginning.

Skylar raised an eyebrow, amused. "Thanks, but I already have a job."

Vera frowned, her expression cold. "A job? Is your job spending every day with Joe? Being a man's accessory won't last. He'll probably tire of you and leave you soon. As a woman, I'm advising you. Think carefully."

Vera noticed Skylar's bandaged hand and forehead wound. "Did you make Joe mad? Did he hit you?" She suspected Skylar's injuries stemmed from recklessness. Jealousy surged, and she took a deep breath to calm herself.

Skylar's amusement was evident. "He doesn't have a violent streak."

She opened the car door.

"Wait!" Vera blocked her path.

Skylar eyed Vera's outstretched hand, her patience thinning.

"Don't drive this car," Vera insisted haughtily, her disdain barely concealed. "It was a gift from me to him, and it doesn't sit well with me for you to be using it. Take a cab home. I'll arrange for someone to send this car to Galaxy Villa."

To them, Skylar was ordinary, her beauty a mere commodity in a man's eyes. They valued her little, seeing her as easily measured by money.

Skylar chuckled. "You—"

A deep male voice interrupted, "Ms. Sullivan." Then, "Vera?"

Skylar saw Aiken. He clearly knew Vera.

Vera's frown eased, her haughty demeanor returning with a smile. "What a coincidence. It's been years. You haven't changed a bit."

Aiken smiled politely. "Indeed, it's been a while."

Turning to Skylar, he said, "My sister is at the restaurant across the street. I'm heading there now. Would you like to join us, Ms. Sullivan?"

Aiken's attitude was markedly different—dismissive and insincere with Vera, genuine and considerate with Skylar.