Chapter 767

Joe didn't insist further, standing with his hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on Skylar. Once she finished microwaving the dishes, she noticed him lingering. "Please take the dishes out. Dinner's ready," she instructed.

"Sure," Joe replied.

He wasn't the ideal househusband, but he didn't mind sharing chores. She cooked; he cleaned. Having heated the food, he readily helped bring it to the table. Skylar offered a small smile.

His picture-perfect husband image proved short-lived. While he showered, Skylar found a gossip article headlined, "Secret Couple Unmasked: Their Identities Revealed!" The article exposed Joe, CEO of Martin Group, and Vera Ruell as a couple. Photos showed Vera entering Joe's car, her prominent position a clear indicator of her status.

The accompanying captions buzzed with excitement: "Joe's girlfriend, Vera, exposed for the first time!" "This is truly a perfect match!" "This couple is simply perfect together!" The online fervor surpassed even celebrity relationship reveals.

Natalie, ever vigilant for gossip, messaged Skylar on WhatsApp: "What's going on? Joe never announced your marriage, and now this? Skye, don't be afraid." Having been betrayed herself, Natalie feared for Skylar, especially given Joe's blatant display of his relationship with Vera, suggesting Skylar was easily replaceable.

Skylar imagined Natalie's fury. "These photos and news don't mean much. At worst, Joe and I might end up divorced."

Natalie was relieved. "It's good that you two don't have strong feelings for each other."

Skylar's eyes shifted. "Yes, it's fortunate. Let's not talk about it now. He'll be back from the shower soon," she texted, closing her WhatsApp.

Joe noticed nothing unusual. He was drying his damp hair with a small towel. Since they weren't at Galaxy Villa and shared a bathroom, he'd put on pajamas in the restroom, leaving him slightly damp and uncomfortable.

"There's a villa near our place that belongs to me. We can move Mom there," Joe said, observing Skylar. Her distant expression and altered demeanor raised his eyebrows. She'd seemed fine before he showered.

Skylar declined. "Thank you, but I recently bought a house. My mom will be able to move in soon," she said flatly. The house was spacious, with plenty of rooms; she could easily move there after the divorce.

The photo, showcasing Vera's captivating beauty, didn't include Joe; it only showed her entering the car as the door closed. Joe's expression darkened. His tone grew colder. "Is something wrong?"

"Shouldn't we schedule a time to visit the courthouse? There are a lot of divorces happening lately. We should set a date," Skylar said, meeting his gaze directly. She aimed to control the situation, rather than simply reacting.