Chapter 958

Joe hesitated before answering the phone. "I'm in Fachington. What's up?" he said.

"Okay," came the reply.

Nearby, Skylar selected pastries, noticing Joe's expression turn serious as he spoke. She assumed it was work-related, given his busy schedule in Fachington. She didn't give it much thought, focusing on choosing pastries, including some Natalie would enjoy.

Approaching Joe as he ended the call, she inadvertently glanced at his phone screen: a call from Vera. Her heart sank. "I'll handle the checkout," she offered.

"I'll take care of it," Joe replied, taking the pastries.

"Thanks," Skylar murmured.

While Joe paid, Skylar watched the pedestrians. Her phone buzzed—a message from Vera. Having just spoken to Joe, Vera was already contacting her. The message read: "Are you and Joe in Fachington? We spent two months there and visited almost everywhere. Would you like a travel guide?"

Skylar lingered on "We visited." Joe had traveled extensively; few places remained unseen. It seemed Vera and Joe shared a considerable history.

Before Skylar could fully process this, Joe returned. "Are you tired?" he asked, concern in his eyes.

Skylar nodded slightly. "Yeah, a bit."

"Then let's head back to the hotel?"

"Okay."

Back at the hotel, Skylar showered. Joe was gone, likely working with Paul. The ten-hour flight had exhausted her, so she went straight to bed.

Chapter 959

Meanwhile, in Jipsburg, Vera threw her phone on the bed in frustration. "Skylar, you're something else. Just wait until I expose you. I'll make sure Joe knows you've deceived him."

Joe worked late, returning to find Skylar asleep. He showered quickly and joined her in bed.

Skylar stirred. "You're back?" she murmured sleepily.

"Yeah, go back to sleep," Joe replied, pulling her close. She soon fell into a peaceful sleep. Joe, too, drifted off.

The next morning, they slept late, adjusting to the time difference. After breakfast, Skylar saw Natalie's reply from the previous night: Natalie would pick her up later; Joe would be working. Skylar had the next couple of days with Natalie.

Joe mentioned, "I'll finish work the day after tomorrow, then we can start taking wedding photos."