Chapter 744

How many men had Skylar been with? It began with Joe, then Aiken, and now Rowan? Vera watched Rowan fawn over Skylar, just as Aiken had, and felt disgusted. Skylar, taking advantage of her beauty, flitted between men. Didn't she find herself shameless? Skylar had met Vera twice, each time encountering Vera's disdain. What was wrong with her?

"What a coincidence," Rowan said, startled, recovering quickly. "Have you finished eating?" This was too coincidental. Why had they run into Vera at this restaurant?

Vera arrogantly tilted her chin. "Indeed, what a coincidence," she retorted. "Have you changed girlfriends again?"

Skylar raised a cold eyebrow.

"Don't say that. Skylar is just a friend," Rowan explained immediately. Misunderstandings were common, but he wouldn't let anyone slander Skylar. She was untouchable.

Vera chuckled disbelievingly. "A friend?" Her skeptical tone was unmistakable.

"A friend I'd trust with my life," Rowan said, lighting a cigarette. If not for his friendship with Joe, he would have exposed Skylar's marriage to Joe. Vera's disdain for Skylar made him uncomfortable.

Skylar calmly said, "I'll go order first."

Once Skylar sat, Vera, frowning at Rowan, said, "I haven't seen you in years, but you're still a wild card. I'm leaving. There's a boat party in two days; I'll see you then. But don't bring her. I don't like her."

Rowan, picking up on Vera's animosity, asked, "Do you know about Skylar and Joe's relationship? Have you seen Skylar before?"

Vera's face hardened. "Her relationship with Joe won't last," she declared, leaving immediately.

If Skylar knew Vera previously, her attitude was… peculiar. Rowan watched Skylar peruse the menu, cigarette clenched between his teeth, and messaged Joe.

After leaving the restaurant, Vera lacked the desire to shop or attend her evening concert. She didn't see Skylar as a threat, but the encounter still disgusted her. Furthermore, her reunion with Joe two days prior felt strange, incomplete. There was an unbridgeable gap between them. Why would Joe allow Skylar to be his only companion? Even to satisfy his desires, he shouldn't have chosen a woman like Skylar.

Vera glanced at her phone. She'd followed a street photographer who'd filmed her and Joe; the video was going viral, thanks in part to her promotion.

Wait, why was the video deleted?

Molly called. Vera, though looking down on Molly, showed deference.

"Mrs. Martin."

"A friend told me you're back together with Joe. Is that true?"

Vera replied, "Jeremy and I are friends, not together yet. Besides, Jeremy has a lover, Skylar. Under those circumstances, Joe and I can't be together. My parents wouldn't approve." She'd only date Joe if he was unattached.