Chapter 985

When Skylar answered the call, she spoke directly. Joe's cold voice responded, "I'm almost there."

"Really? That quickly?" Skylar was surprised.

Joe confirmed with a low, distracted sound. His mood seemed sour over the phone. Skylar's lips twitched. Joe and Vera had spent the afternoon reminiscing; there seemed no reason for his displeasure. She wondered if he was upset about her late-night call.

Feeling unsettled, Skylar ended the call and turned to Aiken. "Mr. Parkinson, could you arrange for someone to pick me up from the hotel at 7:00 am tomorrow?"

Aiken, after a thoughtful pause, agreed. "Sure." He glanced at his watch. "It's already past 1:00 am. Why don't you and Mr. Martin stay here tonight? It's more convenient."

Their earlier conversation had clearly lacked warmth. As Skylar began to respond, noises came from outside the villa. Aiken looked out. "Mr. Martin's here."

"Alright, see you tomorrow," Skylar said, noting the inconvenience of leaving her belongings at the hotel.

Stepping outside, she saw Joe leaning against his car, his long legs prominent. He looked over as she approached. Under the streetlights, his eyes seemed even more enigmatic, his emotions unreadable. He was clearly in a bad mood, radiating a cold, distant energy. His expression darkened further upon seeing Aiken.

Walking to the car, Skylar turned to Aiken. "See you tomorrow."

Aiken nodded. "Thanks for your help tonight. See you tomorrow." He then turned to Joe. "Sorry to bother you."

Joe pressed his lips together, offering a faint smile. "It's nothing."

The drive back to the hotel was unusually tense. The driver, sensing the discomfort, glanced at them in the rearview mirror, careful not to stare. Exhausted and wishing to avoid awkwardness, Skylar attributed Joe's mood to Vera, leaned back, and fell asleep.

Seeing her soundly asleep, Joe's face tightened, his lips pressed firmly together. He thought, "See him tomorrow?" He wondered if she planned to see Aiken again. They had met that day, and she already seemed eager to see him again. Had he not picked her up, she would have stayed at Aiken's villa. The thought agitated him.

They soon arrived at the hotel. "Wake up. We're here."

Skylar opened her eyes at Joe's words, feeling dizzy and groggy. The car nap hadn't been restful. She exited the car, sluggish, and headed for her suite. Glancing back at Joe as she approached the bathroom, she asked, "Do you want to shower first?"

The elevator ride, after the short car nap, made her feel more alert. She was happy to wait. Besides, Joe showered quickly. He relaxed slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why don't we shower together?"