Chapter 932

Joe watched Skylar and Steven fuss over each other, completely ignoring him. Skylar had only glanced at him briefly upon entering, thanking him for the bags but saying nothing else. She grinned cheerfully at Steven, leaving Joe feeling a little unhappy.

"I lost a few pounds overseas because I couldn't get used to the local cuisine," Steven explained, adding, "But I'll regain them in a few days." He didn't seem concerned about his weight; he simply hadn't adapted to the foreign food.

Skylar checked the time. "I'll make dinner. Steven, what would you like? We have fish. Fish and chips?"

Steven's eyes lit up. "You know me best, Skye," he exclaimed, clearly craving it.

As she rose, she noticed Joe's gaze. "What would you like?" she asked.

He was placated by her question. "Poached eggs," he replied.

Steven eyed Joe skeptically. Could such a simple dish satisfy him? He thought Skylar's culinary skills were being wasted.

While Skylar worked in the kitchen, Steven watched her occasionally.

"Why don't we lend her a hand?" Joe suggested.

Steven immediately agreed, "Sounds good."

They spent some time chopping vegetables, washing dishes, and tidying up as Skylar cooked. Their large kitchen was a necessity; it wouldn't have been spacious enough otherwise for three people working simultaneously.

Steven, an accomplished cook, contributed two additional dishes to Skylar's planned three. Seeing this, Joe made a fruit platter, which Skylar cleverly upgraded by suggesting coconut juice, transforming it into a fruit mocktail.

Soon, several appetizing homemade dishes were ready.

"Beer?" Skylar asked, opening the fridge to reveal several cans.

Joe and Steven glanced at each other and nodded simultaneously. "Yeah," they replied.

They rarely entertained guests at Galaxy Villa. Even Gloria had only visited once. Pearlhall Residence provided cleaning and food delivery services, so it was usually just Joe and Skylar. She was delighted to see Steven, as they hadn't met in a long time. Despite her low alcohol tolerance, she opened a beer for herself. As they ate and drank, night fell.

Joe and Steven hit it off immediately, finding common ground in their work conversations. Joe even offered Steven some advice. Skylar listened to their discussions without interrupting. They occasionally included her by asking about her work, but her job was rather mundane, so she instead mentioned some troubling recent developments.

"I believe someone's trying to create conflict between the most powerful families in Jipsburg," Skylar stated sternly, turning to Joe. "You should investigate who these families have offended in the past." The hidden enemies were the most dangerous to confront.

"We have some leads," Joe replied.

"You need to protect Skylar," Steven stressed. "If they realize she thwarted his plans, he might try to harm her."