Chapter 837

Skylar looked like an elegant black swan; her figure surpassed even that of a model. She was breathtakingly attractive, though Felicia attributed this partly to her outfit. Seeing it on Skylar prompted Felicia to try it on herself.

“My apologies,” the promoter said, “but we only have one of this outfit.”

“Why?” Felicia’s annoyance was evident. She was no longer a celebrity, forced to return to the Ingram Residence and the family business. Constantly controlled, she loathed her situation. Her family feared offending Joe on her behalf, making her life increasingly bleak. Shopping had become a brief respite from her daily misery; once, brands delivered new arrivals directly to her door.

Seeing Skylar caused a complex mix of emotions to churn within her. It was all Skylar’s fault! If Skylar hadn't intervened, Felicia would have succeeded in forcing Charles out of the entertainment industry. For weeks, she'd feared ridicule, avoiding public appearances until this unexpected encounter.

Skylar, disliking the outfit, told the promoter, “I don’t really like this outfit. You can give it to her.”

But Joe, replying to a message, hadn't initially seen the dress. Upon noticing how well it flattered Skylar's figure, his Adam's apple bobbed. Many women wore similar styles, but none, he thought, looked as stunning.

“Alright!” the promoter readily agreed.

To avoid appearing pretentious, Skylar relented, returning to the changing room. The dress was unsuitable for the current weather; it would be perfect once temperatures dropped.

Felicia was pleasantly surprised by Skylar's unexpected civility and thrilled to be near Joe. The similarity between her appearance and Skylar's sparked an idea. As Skylar re-emerged, Felicia said, “Mr. Martin, the misunderstanding between Skylar and me was my fault. Could you give me another chance in the entertainment industry?” She was suffocated by life with the Ingrams, estranged from old friends, and abandoned by her suitors. She refused to continue being ignored.

Joe’s expression was blank, his gaze distant. “Who are you?” he asked.

“Mr. Martin, don’t you recognize me?” Felicia exclaimed, incredulous at his lack of recognition after their numerous previous encounters.

Joe's eyes darkened, his patience wearing thin. Embarrassed, but wiser now, Felicia mumbled, “I… I was being presumptuous. My apologies,” before fleeing the boutique.

As she left, Jeremy entered, accompanied by a striking brunette with a new, limited-edition purse. “Mr. Hughes,” she purred, “I love this boutique’s pieces. They accentuate my curves perfectly.” Lost in their own world, they were oblivious to their surroundings.

Joe glared at them. Raising an eyebrow at Jeremy's companion, he then saw Skylar exiting the changing room. “What a coincidence,” she said into her phone, “I’m…”

But her words were cut short. She recognized the girl beside Jeremy—the one she’d seen at the café. Jeremy, sensing he was being observed, looked up and met the gazes of Skylar and Joe.

Chapter 838