Chapter 901

Jeremy understood Austin's intentions: he clearly coveted Natalie. Natalie, however, remained somewhat oblivious to romantic pursuits. Until now, Austin had concealed his true motives, revealing both the depth of his scheming and his considerable patience.

"I misunderstood you," Jeremy said solemnly.

Natalie's expression softened slightly. "If there's nothing else, I'll leave."

"Wait a moment," Jeremy called after her.

"Is there something else?" Natalie asked, stopping and turning.

Jeremy stared at her for a long moment before speaking in a low voice. "I am friends with Helena. Natalie, I'm here for you this time."

Natalie's expression changed. "You."

A few days later, Skylar browsed alone in a shopping mall, needing new lingerie. Joe was golfing with friends; he planned an evening of Wiscadian cuisine near the mall. While there, she decided to buy lingerie and a few pairs of underwear for Joe, along with two sets of loungewear.

"Skylar?"

Skylar turned at the sound of her name. It was Vera.

"What a coincidence! I didn't expect to see you here," Vera said, approaching with a warm smile, as if their past unpleasantness never existed.

Skylar replied coldly, "It's quite a coincidence."

"I like the lingerie from this store, too. We seem to have similar tastes," Vera remarked, her words subtly suggestive.

Skylar's smile faltered. "Is that so?"

"Have you made up your mind, Skylar? I think you know what choice you should make," Vera said, her smile vanishing. Her tone grew cold, laced with a hint of threat.

Skylar responded coldly, "I don't intend to answer the same question twice."

"I'm giving you a chance to reconsider, Skylar. If you miss this opportunity, there won't be another," Vera said, lifting her chin slightly. She exuded confidence, as if offering Skylar a choice were an act of charity.

Skylar, unwilling to waste more time, turned and walked away. Vera's expression darkened with anger. She would see how Skylar handled the consequences.

Vera glanced at her phone. Her WhatsApp message to Joe had received a curt reply: "We'll see."

Her birthday was in a couple of days. Friends had planned a party, and many were expected to attend. It would be her first birthday celebration since returning to Jipsburg, a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends. She'd invited Joe, but his response indicated he might not come.

Biting her lip, she felt a sharp pang of pain. She left the lingerie store and the mall, catching sight of a familiar car as she exited—Joe's.