Chapter 838

Jeremy's face fell. Running into Skylar and Joe was clearly a surprise. "What a coincidence, eh?" Jeremy began.

Joe hummed in response. Skylar was stunned, and Natalie, bewildered by Skylar's silence, chirped, "Skye, why are you silent? Is your line breaking up? No matter! I know where the boutique is. Give me two minutes, and I'll be with you!"

Before Skylar could reply, Natalie hung up. Skylar listened to the dial tone. She had no choice but to put away her phone.

She'd never had a good look at Helena Hart's face before. Now, she saw the woman clearly—the spitting image of the viral coming-of-age drama's female lead. Helena, a young, cheery woman in the show, had been propelled to stardom, becoming a rising star in coming-of-age productions.

Apparently, Helena knew Joe. "Mr. Martin?" she asked.

Following Joe's gaze, Helena glanced at Skylar, a sense of apprehension washing over her. Helena didn't recognize Skylar as a celebrity. She'd never seen such striking beauty in the industry.

Jeremy nodded at Skylar, who, roused from her stupor, nodded back.

The promoter returned with the purchases neatly packed. "Mr. and Mrs. Martin, they're all packed," she announced.

Joe handed her a black card; her eyes widened. She immediately processed the payment.

"I'll examine their pieces," Helena declared, intelligently dismissing the question of Skylar's identity. She hadn't heard of anyone in the industry connected to Joe, especially with rumors swirling about Vera and Joe's engagement. But Skylar certainly wasn't Vera; rumors weren't always true.

Jeremy had once promised never to involve himself with an entertainment industry "sugar baby." If he'd kept that promise, why was he showering Helena with resources beyond her wildest dreams, even making her a Hughes Group brand ambassador?

She needed to tread carefully, avoiding unwelcome questions.

Jeremy approached Joe and Skylar. "Why don't we have dinner together?" he suggested.

Skylar looked at Joe, awaiting his response before devising a refusal.

"No thanks. We've just eaten," Joe replied.

Undeterred, Jeremy said, "Alright. When you're free, we can play some basketball." He turned to Skylar. "Have you been busy?"

"Things are alright," Skylar replied, already strategizing how to prevent Jeremy and Natalie from meeting. Their last encounter in the elevator had been acutely awkward. Natalie would take time to get there.

Therefore, Skylar said, "I just remembered a night cream I forgot to buy. I'll go get it and meet you back here later."

Joe raised an eyebrow. "I'll go with you," he offered.

She was about to refuse when Natalie rushed in, announcing, "Skye, I'm here! Wasn't I fast? I could find any boutique in this mall blindfolded!"

Natalie beamed, her tan suggesting she'd been spending time outdoors. Though less fair than before, she glowed, a miniature sun dispelling the shadows. Skylar could tell at a glance that Natalie was thriving; she seemed carefree.