Chapter 931

As Rowan was lost in thought, Jenny called. "Rowan," she said, "I ran into Minerva with my friend. She slapped me. I tried to convince her to call off the engagement, but she refused. I've been plagued by the question of whether I'm interfering with your relationship with Minerva. Should I have stayed away? You two are perfect for each other. I'll just drag you down," Jenny sobbed. She pretended to be the victim.

Rowan's suspicion of Jenny had grown after listening to the recording. However, hearing her complaints, he felt Minerva had been bullying her. In contrast to Minerva, Jenny had nothing; Rowan was her only lifeline. Since he'd promised Jenny marriage, he'd considered various ways to cancel the engagement.

"Don't confront Minerva in the future," Rowan advised worriedly. "She's not like you, and she won't listen. If you anger her without me, you won't win. Understood?"

Jenny bit her lip. "She slapped me. Are you going to let it slide?" Her cheek still throbbed.

"Then what do you want me to do?" Rowan asked.

After a pause, Jenny said, "When you see her, don't initiate conversation. Draw clear boundaries. Then the slap won't have been for nothing."

Rowan was silent before agreeing, "Fine." Jenny sensed his hesitation. He might not realize it, but she could tell he wasn't as unmoved by Minerva as he appeared. Perhaps he liked her. No, that couldn't happen.

When Skylar returned to Galaxy Villa, Joe was there, as expected, but so was Steven. Skylar was surprised. "Steven, weren't you overseas? When did you return?"

Steven was about to stand, but Joe beat him to it, taking Skylar's shopping bags. Steven cracked a small smile at Joe's subconscious gesture. This was his first visit to Galaxy Villa, his first glimpse of Skylar and Joe's private interaction. Initially, he'd been concerned; he'd seen online gossip, and Charles had mentioned it. He'd finally come to see for himself. Sometimes, gossip wasn't reliable.

"I arrived in Jipsburg last night," Steven said with a smile. "This morning, I ran into Joe at lunch with colleagues. I heard you two are going to Fachington in a few days. Is that true?"

"Yes, we decided that a few days ago," Skylar said, beaming. "Steven, you've grown thinner." She was happy to see him, but he looked noticeably thinner, likely overworked.