Chapter 929

Before leaving the mall, Skylar spotted a gigantic light pink octopus toy. It was adorable. She took a picture and sent it to Joe, texting, "I want this."

Joe replied swiftly, "You can buy it, but don't bring it home."

Skylar imagined his reaction to the picture. Few, if any, similarly plush items graced their home. Ultimately, she didn't buy the large one; instead, she purchased a miniature version and placed it in her car.

After finishing her shopping, she loaded everything into the back of her car and drove away. The elderly shoppers had proven formidable opponents; Skylar hadn't even ventured near the fresh produce section.

She then prepared to return to Galaxy Villa, laden with her purchases.

As she pulled out of the parking lot, Joe called.

"Are you done shopping?"

"Almost everything on the list. Need anything else?"

"Nope, I'll wait for you at home."

He was home early; Skylar had expected him to be occupied until nightfall. It was barely three in the afternoon.

Stopping at a red light, she glanced around out of boredom. Suddenly, she saw Jenny with another girl—taller than Jenny, with an icy demeanor. It was Minerva.

They were conversing, though Skylar couldn't hear their words. Then, Minerva slapped Jenny across the face.

Bystanders immediately gathered around Minerva, likely questioning her actions. Minerva remained cool and calm, unfazed by the accusations. She simply wiped her hand, as if the slap had soiled her palm.

A horn blared behind Skylar.

She refocused on the road, accelerating away from the intersection. She could no longer see them in her rearview mirror.

Skylar wasn't worried about Minerva; she was composed and self-possessed. Jenny posed no real threat. However, Skylar hadn't anticipated Jenny's transformation. She was vastly different from the naive young woman Skylar had met in the hospital.

Skylar reflected on this, hoping she would never compromise her moral compass, even in the throes of deep love.

Minerva remained calm, her expressionless face betraying no hint of having just struck someone. Even after repeatedly wiping her hands, she seemed dissatisfied. She hated Jenny, and Rowan too. The thought of having slept with Rowan disgusted her.

"You can do whatever you want with Rowan. It's none of my concern. Jenny, the next time you scheme against me and use such vulgar language, a slap won't be the only thing you'll receive. Understood?"

Her unemotional tone left Jenny and her friend speechless.