Chapter 896

Skylar was surprised to see a beautiful woman she didn't recognize. She'd expected the woman to avert her gaze, but she continued staring, as if scrutinizing a rival. Then, she sat beside Aiken.

Skylar raised an eyebrow. She knew Aiken. Was this his girlfriend?

“Aiken, I finally got to see you! You always say you’re busy when I call. So this is what you’ve been up to? Going on dates?” She hooked her arm around Aiken, her question laced with a pitiful tone. Skylar sensed the woman’s adoration and longing.

Aiken stiffened, then dislodged her arm with a glare.

Skylar sipped her water, concealing her awkwardness. Further comment would only exacerbate the misunderstanding.

“I haven’t seen you in a month. I miss you so much,” the woman said, her smile faltering. Her arm was bruised where Aiken had pulled away. Her heart clenched at his glare; terror coursed through her. She'd been too impulsive.

“Do you remember what I told you last time we met?” Aiken asked coldly.

Chapter 896 (Continued)

It sounded casual, but her heart sank. She remembered his blunt declaration: they were nothing more than sexual partners; she was to leave after he paid her. Any romantic illusions would have dire consequences.

Someone had told her she was the woman he'd kept the longest, sometimes bringing her to meet his friends. She'd thought she was different.

Was it because…

“Is she your new lover?” Jealousy edged her tone.

Skylar immediately explained, “We’re just friends. We’re eating together because we visited a mutual friend. We’re not involved, and besides, I’m married.”

Aiken pursed his lips as Skylar desperately tried to clarify her relationship with him. His friends would instantly see his anger. It wasn't Skylar; it was the woman beside him who’d broken his rules. He hadn't wanted Skylar to witness this side of him, and her unexpected presence enraged him.

The woman noticed Skylar’s ring. She realized her folly.

Chapter 396

Aiken’s icy glare frightened the woman. She stood, apologizing to Skylar. “I’m sorry, I misunderstood! I—I was joking. Please don’t take this wrong. I… Please continue your meal. I won’t disturb you.”

Fear made her tremble; she nearly tripped escaping.

Aiken remained expressionless.

Skylar simply replied, “Okay.”

The atmosphere remained awkward until their food arrived. Skylar ate silently.

After a few minutes, Aiken said, “Sorry about that.”

“It’s alright,” Skylar replied with a smile.

She wasn't interested in Aiken's private life. Everyone had their own secrets; they weren't obligated to share.

Aiken’s eyes darkened.

“Skylar?”

Just as Skylar was heading to the restroom to escape the awkwardness, she heard her name. Looking up, she saw John, followed closely by Joe. They had just entered and hadn’t yet sat down.