Chapter 718

"Has Mr. Madron not yet arrived?" Charles asked.

Felicia, having worked with Charles on a previous film, hadn't paid him much attention then. He was just another pleasant-looking man from a humble background. Although she recognized him now, his rise to popularity in recent months was undeniable. Still, she considered him unsuitable as the male lead for her current project. Were it not for his connection to Skylar, she might have replaced him.

"Mr. Madron had an urgent matter arise," Felicia said. "Let's discuss things first."

Charles furrowed his brow but sat opposite her. "Very well. You mentioned concerns about the male lead. I'd appreciate hearing them."

Felicia, having only skimmed the script daily, lacked specific criticisms. She smiled. "Let's eat first."

"I ate beforehand and am not overly hungry," Charles replied, maintaining a professional demeanor. "I need to manage my weight before filming. Please eat; I'll wait."

Felicia's smile faded. "Alright, ten minutes."

Skylar returned her car to the garage, storing the keys. She planned to buy a new car the following day and intended to discontinue using this one.

That evening, Joe messaged that he would be staying at Avalon Residence for a few days. Skylar replied simply, "Okay."

Joe noted the curt, punctuation-less response, sensing Skylar's coolness. He texted, "Feeling lonely at home?"

Receiving no reply, he raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. It seemed he held little significance in her thoughts; she was likely preoccupied with family or friends.

A pang of disappointment struck him. He felt the need to secure a place in her affections.

An exclamation point from Rowan interrupted his thoughts. Opening the message, a flurry of exclamation points preceded the final line: "Vera is back! I just saw her! Has she contacted you?"

Joe's gaze lingered on Vera's name. After a moment, he replied, "No."

Rowan's almost instantaneous reply: "Some women are just cold-hearted. Forget her. You have Skylar now."

Joe's expression darkened. "Talk to your fiancée about this. I'm busy."

Rowan sent a rolling-eyes emoji, ending the conversation. Joe lingered on the chat before exiting. A maid then informed him that his uncle, Garth Martin, wished to see him.

Joe responded with a curt, "Okay."

A few days later, while Skylar spoke with Alexander about work, Joe returned home. Seeing her on the phone, he avoided interrupting, changing into loungewear instead.

Skylar's gaze repeatedly fell upon Joe, his striking physique impossible to ignore. Noticing this, Joe offered a subtle smile. Skylar ended her call after a few more moments.

"How are your injuries healing?" Joe asked.

They were completely healed.