Chapter 886
Vera hadn't planned to skirt the topic. She watched Skylar's reaction after speaking. Skylar felt a sense of dรฉjร vu; Annie had said something similar, and Molly had even offered her a check to divorce Joe.
"Why should I propose a divorce?" Skylar asked mockingly. "You should be confident you can get him to divorce me. After all, you two have feelings for each other and have waited years."
If Joe had asked for a divorce, she would have agreed instantly. Clinging to her wouldn't get Vera far.
Vera's expression soured. She couldn't tell Joe any of this; she was too proud. Though Joe's marriage greatly bothered her, she couldn't confide in anyone. Many in Jipsburg believed Joe was waiting for her, that she would be his only wife. Vera believed it too, and she needed to correct the situation.
Initially, Vera thought Joe was trying to spite her; he wouldn't have married Skylar otherwise. But Skylar didn't share that belief; perhaps she fantasized about Joe's love.
Vera took a deep breath. "I asked you to initiate the divorce because I didn't want Joe to feel guilty."
"Your plans are well-thought-out, Ms. Ruell."
"I won't make you divorce for nothing. You weren't married long. I'll compensate you thoroughly. Skylar, be honest. Tell me what you want; I'll give it to you." Vera was prepared for anything. Skylar had previously asked for twenty million to help resolve negative issues; she'd surely demand more now.
Skylar pulled a hundred-dollar bill from her purse, placing it on the table. "This coffee's my treat. I have one condition: Joe must hand me the divorce agreement himself. I'll sign it immediately."
"I hope this is the last time you contact me about this. If there's something between you and Joe, that's your problem. Settle it with him."
Vera frowned, trying to control her anger. Skylar was unshakeable. Did she really think Joe would never ask for a divorce? Vera would watch how Skylar fared.
She pulled out her phone, scrolling through her contacts. She called someone who answered quickly. "Are you Christopher Fowler?"
"I am. Who's this?"
"You don't need to know. I'd like to ask about your relationship with Skylar. Was she your ex? Did she dump you?"
Christopher hesitated. "What are you trying to do? Tell me now. If your intentions are unclear, I'll hang up."
Vera rolled her eyes. "I know you left Jipsburg to open a fondue restaurant. It's losing money, and you're deeply in debt, right? I'll give you another chance at life. How's that?"
"Another chance? What chance?"
"You'll know if you come to Jipsburg."
Christopher was silent, likely terrified. Vera guessed why. "Are you scared of Skylar or Joe? Don't worry. I'm from the Ruell family. No one will touch you under my protection. Even the Martins show us deference."
Christopher bit his lip, then agreed. "Alright, I'll go to Jipsburg!"
On Saturday, Skylar and Joe went to the Martin Group after breakfast. Only a security guard and a receptionist remained. When the receptionist saw Joe with Skylar, he felt he'd seen a ghost.