Chapter 859

Seeing Skylar, Vera was reminded of her humiliating earlier apology. She quickly composed herself, resuming her aloof demeanor. "Is Joe home?" she asked.

Skylar understood the implied question—had Joe returned? It was clear they had met the previous night. "He's back, but asleep. Shall I wake him?" Skylar offered calmly, a lack of arrogance that only increased Vera's discomfort. She'd preferred a display of Skylar's relationship with Joe.

"No, it's fine. He didn't sleep well and drank heavily. This is a gift he left at the club; I happened to be passing by," Vera explained, handing Skylar a bag.

Skylar took the bag and started back inside.

"Wait," Vera called.

Skylar turned. "Yes?"

"Your relationship with Joe… how much does he pay you monthly?" Vera blurted, immediately regretting the question but feeling compelled to clarify things. Her unease about Skylar intensified with each encounter.

Skylar's expression chilled. "If you have questions about my relationship with Joe, ask him."

Vera knew directly questioning Joe was better than pursuing this with Skylar; Skylar clearly disliked her. After Skylar's dismissal, Vera felt completely ignored. She wondered who had emboldened Skylar to treat her so dismissively. Skylar's confidence only strengthened Vera's resolve to confront Joe. The previous night's events and Joe's increasing distance fueled her unease.

Vera stood lost in thought, her lips pressed together. Back in her car, she called Rowan, then, receiving no answer, Jenny.

Jenny answered promptly. "Jenny, what do you know about Skylar?" Vera asked bluntly.

Jenny's voice was tired. "Skylar? She's calculating. You'll see. She'll use any means to attract Joe. Be cautious, Ms. Ruell."

"You mentioned Joe had feelings for her. Is it romantic, or just a sugar daddy arrangement?" Vera pressed. Only a genuine relationship explained Skylar's confidence.

Jenny paused. "It's not typical. Just be wary; she'll likely drive a wedge between you and Joe."

"Thank you. This helps," Vera replied warmly.

As Vera hung up, Jenny added, "A favor?"

Vera, despite disliking Jenny, saw potential. "What is it?"

"Arrange a meeting with Rowan for me—any reason, not under my name. We need to talk," Jenny requested.