Chapter 903

Skylar shook her head, her eyes glimmering. “They’re all wonderful options; I can’t decide.”

“The planner must truly understand women’s thoughts and dreams,” Joe observed. “Even someone opposed to marriage would want a wedding after seeing these proposals.”

Skylar remembered Vera's recent return, coinciding with Joe's wedding planning. It puzzled her that he remained committed to marrying her.

“Let’s choose one, then,” Joe said gently, looking at Skylar.

A flicker of disorientation momentarily unsettled Skylar, but she quickly dismissed it. Minutes later, her gaze drifted to Rowan, seated across from an elegantly dressed woman whose mature charm was evident even from a distance. It wasn't Jenny.

“What are you looking at?” Joe asked, noticing Skylar's absent stare.

“I saw Rowan,” Skylar replied, averting her gaze.

Rowan, deeply engrossed in conversation, didn't notice her. Joe raised an eyebrow, followed her gaze briefly, then looked away.

“Rowan and Minerva.”

“Minerva?” Skylar recognized the name; Minerva was Rowan’s fiancée. They were likely on a date.

“If nothing unexpected happens, he’s here to discuss breaking off the engagement,” Joe said, sipping his red wine.

Skylar remained silent. It was clear Rowan and Minerva were separating so Rowan could be with Jenny.

Ten minutes later, Skylar went to the restroom. She overheard a familiar voice—Jenny’s—from the adjacent stall.

“Yes, Rowan and I are together now. He’ll clarify things with Minerva today. He never wanted to be with her; their relationship was a façade to please their families. There were no real feelings. I don’t mind his prior engagement.

“Minerva liked him for a long time? I’m sorry. I didn’t consider it before, but a woman deserves someone who loves and cherishes her.

“Am I worried the Jakeman family will object? No. I trust Rowan will ensure Minerva steps aside. Even if she has feelings for him, it doesn't matter; it reflects poorly on her to pursue someone who doesn't reciprocate.

“Rowan has been fond of me for years. Despite many others, he’s never shown genuine interest in anyone else—certainly not Minerva.

“I’m done. I’m going downstairs to wait for him. He should be finished with Minerva by now.

“If Minerva is sensible, she won’t cling to him. Rowan said he doesn’t care about my past; he only cares about our future.”

A toilet flushed; Jenny exited. Skylar followed, washing her hands. She understood the situation. While Skylar had never met Minerva, she felt Rowan had handled things poorly, inadvertently hurting Minerva.

Returning, Skylar saw Rowan and Minerva rising to leave. Rowan’s expression remained somber; Minerva departed immediately. Rowan, once she was gone, seemed to regain his composure, leaving with a dejected look.

“Even if Minerva agrees, the Jakeman family won’t allow it,” Joe observed, noticing Skylar watching them.

Skylar nodded. “Ms. Reid seems like a kind person.”

“Yes, she’s from a respected family. Carefully chosen by the Jakemans,” Joe replied.

Minutes later, leaving the Wiscadian restaurant, Skylar and Joe saw Rowan and Jenny locked in a passionate embrace, oblivious to their surroundings.