Chapter 916

Joe and Vera looked youthful in the photographs, clearly taken during their school days. Christopher showed them to Skylar one by one, hoping to reveal Joe's true nature and warn her against his charm. In each picture, Joe and Vera gazed at each other, their deep connection palpable. Whether genuine or expertly captured, they seemed the perfect couple, stunningly attractive and radiating the warmth of a school romance that inspired envy.

“See? Joe and Vera are meant to be,” Christopher insisted, his voice heavy with emphasis. “They’re tangled in misunderstandings, vying for dominance. You're merely a pawn, helping them realize their true feelings.” His message was stark: Skylar needed to abandon her hopes for Joe.

Skylar responded with a frigid glare. “Get lost.”

Despite his manipulative efforts, she remained unresponsive. His face darkened, but he quickly recalled his purpose in Jipsburg. His eyes welled. “Babe, can’t we go back to how things were? They have their youth and love, but don't we? Our love was enviable. We can have it all back. This diamond ring is yours—I knew it the moment I saw it. Let's get married. I'll love you and only you, forever,” he pleaded, his voice thick with emotion.

A year ago, those words might have swayed her. Now, they felt hollow, insincere.

Skylar dialed 911. “I’m being harassed. The location is…”

She had only endured his rambling to discern his plan. The photos were intensely personal, likely possessed only by Joe, Vera, or close friends. Why did Christopher have them? Even online rumors lacked such clear, close-up images.

When Christopher realized she was calling the police, his expression contorted. “You! You don't care about our relationship at all! What will you do if Joe discards you? You can’t afford to defy the Ruells! Are you not afraid they'll target you, cost you your job with Mr. Gardner Senior? I'm doing this for your own good, yet you called the police!”

He couldn't believe her ruthlessness. He'd hoped time apart would soften her anger, perhaps even rekindle their past. Instead, she was colder than ever, treating him as nonexistent.

Remembering his promises to Vera, he reached into his pocket. Before Skylar could react, he sprayed something in her face. “Don’t blame me for this.”

That was her last coherent thought before darkness fell. Christopher quickly retrieved a jacket from his bag and dressed her, supporting her limp body as he guided her to the roadside.

A car arrived shortly after. Just as they were about to leave, Skylar's colleagues walked past. One glanced at Christopher and murmured, “That girl looks like Skylar.”

“Does she?”

They looked again, but her face was hidden against his shoulder. She appeared simply inebriated.