Chapter 848

Joe echoed Alexander's sentiments, revealing their shared high regard for Skylar. Despite Skylar's unreasonable demands, they had dutifully informed her. What wounded Vera most was Joe's apparent obliviousness to the impact of his words.

"Think about what I've said," Joe instructed.

Tears welled in Vera's eyes. She sobbed softly, "I can pay her twenty million dollars. That's nothing to us. But I don't know what I've done to warrant an apology. Joe, I feel helpless and miserable."

"Have you met Skylar privately?"

Vera paused. Joe's tone seemed colder. She wasn't sure if she imagined it.

"We've encountered each other, but we didn't speak extensively," Vera replied calmly.

Was he going to punish her for bullying Skylar? Did he care that much? Had he considered her feelings, the hurt this interrogation caused?

Joe continued, "It's your choice: an apology or the Ruells."

He hung up.

Vera stiffened, her grip tightening on her phone. He'd hung up? The audacity! What did it mean? Did he truly want her to apologize and submit to Skylar? Vera had never been so humbled. She would never apologize!

After work, Skylar returned to Galaxy Villa and went straight to the kitchen. She craved handmade pasta. She rolled and cut the dough. Half an hour later, she heard noises from the living room.

Peeking out, her eyes met Joe's. "I'm making pasta," she said. "Do you eat beef?"

Joe noticed flour on Skylar's face. He grinned and agreed.

Skylar returned to the kitchen. Joe changed and followed her. She was already boiling the pasta. The enticing aroma of beef filled the kitchen.

Joe wasn't a glutton. He didn't eat unless hungry, and even then, he could forgo a meal. However, since living with Skylar, he'd discovered the pleasure of eating.

He looked down at Skylar and wiped her cheeks.

Skylar asked, bewildered, "What are you doing?"

"You had flour on your face," Joe explained, his fingers gently rubbing her cheek.

Skylar gazed into his warm eyes, freezing. Then, she quickly stepped back. "Thanks, I can wipe it myself."

Joe's hands remained suspended in mid-air, his fingers still dusted with flour. He saw Skylar distancing herself. The amusement in his eyes vanished.