Chapter 775

The atmosphere was as tense as a battlefield. Natalie hadn't anticipated encountering Jeremy. Since their divorce, they had barely interacted. Their last encounter had revealed a widening gulf between them, but now, seeing him again, she felt a pang of guilt, as if she had done something wrong. It felt as though they were still married. It took a moment to remember they were divorced. Following Jeremy's gaze, she glanced over at Austin.

To an outsider, it might have seemed like an intimate relationship. In reality, she was simply helping him steady himself. There was no point in explaining; it would only exacerbate the awkwardness.

She forced a small, polite smile and greeted them, "What a coincidence. Are you here for dinner too?"

Jeremy's lips twitched slightly. His eyes remained fixed on Natalie, but he remained silent. His gaze then shifted to Austin. Despite being slightly tipsy, Austin met Jeremy's stare with composure. The silent exchange between them was so intense that even Skylar, standing behind them, sensed something was amiss.

Just then, another person arrived as the elevator doors began to close.

Skylar broke the tension, "The elevator doors are closing."

Natalie's face was pale as she said to Austin, "Mr. Powell, let's head out."

Austin responded gently, "Alright, let's go."

As they stepped out of the elevator, Austin nodded politely to Jeremy. As they passed Joe, his glance seemed to linger on Natalie. The lingering tension from the previous encounter seemed to hang in the air. Skylar had no time to dwell on the meaning of Joe's look.

After leaving the restaurant, the three of them got into the car. Skylar drove Natalie and Austin. The car's atmosphere was oddly silent. No one spoke. Skylar concentrated on the road, dismissing the silence.

Through the rearview mirror, she noticed Austin watching Natalie; he appeared lost in thought. The car's interior was dimly lit by passing streetlights. It was difficult to discern his thoughts as he stared at Natalie.

Skylar sensed something unusual. Austin's gaze wasn't that of a boss toward an employee; it seemed more like a man observing a woman he cared for, with a hint of possessiveness. The realization startled Skylar.

When the light turned red, she glanced at Natalie again. Natalie remained somewhat distant. Jeremy's silence at the restaurant had been unsettling. When the light turned green, Skylar checked on Austin again. He had closed his eyes, resting.

Skylar wondered if she was overthinking things.

Soon, they arrived at Austin's home in a villa neighborhood. Natalie finally snapped out of her daze. "Skye, I'll take Mr. Powell inside first. Wait for me ten minutes."

"Sure," Skylar replied.

Natalie helped Austin out of the car. Skylar remained in the car, watching them. From behind, Austin didn't appear drunk; he walked steadily. Yet, he still relied on Natalie for support. After they entered the villa, Natalie returned a few minutes later, quickly hurrying back to the car.