Chapter 93

When Joe first met Skylar, he knew she was beautiful and stood out from the crowd. She looked gentle as she busied herself in the kitchen; her soft gaze could soothe even the most weary soul.

Skylar smiled when she saw Joe at the kitchen door. "I've prepared two dishes. Would you join me for a meal?"

"Okay," Joe replied.

Perhaps being home eased his headache. He felt more relieved. He'd drunk several glasses of alcohol at the gathering, barely eaten, and hadn't been hungry. Yet, the sight of Skylar's smiling face sparked a sudden appetite.

After changing upstairs, he went downstairs. On the dining table were two dishes and two plates of pasta—salad and steak. Though simple dishes, she made them look exceptionally appetizing.

As soon as she sat down, Skylar thanked him. "Mr. Martin, thank you for today."

"No trouble at all. You don't need to thank me," Joe replied, slightly displeased by her formal address. It sounded distant. However, he wasn't overly bothered. He added, "I should thank you. I've been enjoying your cooking."

Skylar smiled. "Let's eat. If we keep thanking each other, the food will get cold."

"Okay."

Joe rarely ate salad, but he finished half his plate. Despite its simplicity, Skylar's preparation made it delicious.

After the meal, Joe said, "I'll send you to work tomorrow morning. The chauffeur will pick up Grandma and then you after work."

"Thank you," Skylar replied, nodding.

Suddenly, she remembered something. She stood up, found her bag, and took out a paper bag containing small tea bags. "I had the herbal store prepare these for me. They're similar to the ones you take, but I adjusted a few ingredients. They might help you sleep better," she explained.

A skeptical look crossed Joe's face. He wondered if she was being overly kind.

As she cleaned the table, Skylar added, "I've also prepared some herbal sachets for a foot bath for Grandma. She can take them home tomorrow."

Joe rose. "I'll wash the dishes."

"It's fine. I'll do it. You looked unwell. Headache again?" Skylar carried the plates to the kitchen. With only two of them, the dishes wouldn't take long.

Joe was surprised by her perceptiveness. "Probably from the drinks tonight," he mumbled.

Headaches after drinking were common, so Skylar didn't comment further.

Joe leaned against the couch, watching her wash the dishes. Their time together had brought them closer.

He zoned out, staring at the tea bags. After a while, he heard someone speaking, but couldn't make out the words. He turned to Skylar.

She repeated, "Do you need a head massage?"

Joe's face turned cold. "I only helped you today for Grandma's sake. Don't overthink it."

"Aren't you overthinking, Mr. Martin? I only offered because you looked unwell. Since you don't want my help, I'm going to my room," Skylar retorted, clearly upset. She felt he'd misinterpreted her kindness as ulterior motives. She wished she'd simply let him suffer.