Chapter 909

After breakfast, Skylar took a two-hour nap. Waking and going downstairs, she found Joe still there.

“You didn’t go out?” she asked.

Dressed in athletic wear, Joe replied, “I was waiting for you. I thought we could go for a walk and hike together.”

The villa neighborhood was quite large, with a nearby hill popular with weekend hikers. The climb wasn’t strenuous—just an hour to the top.

Skylar brightened. “Give me a minute. I’ll change into my athletic wear.” She’d passed that hill countless times, always intending to hike it for the view of Jipsburg City, but never finding the opportunity.

After changing, they set off. Half an hour later, they reached the hill’s base, encountering many hikers descending. She glanced at her watch—it was 11:30 a.m. “I heard there’s a vegetarian restaurant at the top. Would you like to try it?”

“Sure, let’s give it a try,” Joe agreed.

They continued their hike in perfect weather, enjoying the scenery and occasional glimpses of the city below. Skylar’s mood lifted with each step; they maintained a steady pace, pausing only for water.

In under an hour, they reached the summit, finding a long queue at the restaurant. While waiting, Skylar quietly enjoyed the panoramic, now distant, city view.

Just as they were about to be seated, someone called out Joe’s name.

“Joe? What a surprise! You… you’re here hiking too?”

Skylar turned, recognizing the voice. It was indeed a surprise. Vera smiled brightly. Beside her stood a gentleman resembling her. “This is my cousin, Justin Bowen. Justin, this is Joe Martin. You should know him. And this is… Skylar Sullivan.”

After introductions, Justin, already familiar with Joe, extended his hand. “I’ve seen Mr. Martin at several events, but we never had the chance to speak. It’s quite a coincidence we’ve run into each other.”

Joe hesitated before shaking Justin’s hand.

Sensing the awkwardness, Vera intervened. “Justin, it’s the weekend, not a workday. You don’t need to be so formal.”

Justin chuckled, realizing his mistake. “Right, right. My mistake.”

“Since we’ve run into each other, why don’t we eat together? It’s fortunate we met you, or we’d still be waiting. I didn’t expect the restaurant to be so crowded.”

Though Vera continued talking, her conversation was solely directed at Joe, completely ignoring Skylar.

Skylar didn’t mind; the scenery captivated her, allowing for quiet contemplation and daydreaming.

Justin remarked, “I’ve heard from my assistant this restaurant is known for its unique vegetarian dishes. It’s the only one of its kind in Jipsburg.” He subtly observed Skylar, standing beside Joe. Familiar with the Ruells’ recent troubles, he instantly recognized her name. He was struck by her striking beauty and apparent youth—perhaps seven or eight years younger than himself.

He wondered about her relationship with Joe. Seeing Joe hiking on a weekend with a woman was unusual, as was Vera’s uncharacteristic chattiness. He wondered if Skylar was the cause. Furthermore, Joe’s companionship with a woman was unexpected, given his previous lack of romantic entanglements. Justin had always assumed Joe was waiting for Vera. But now…