Chapter 999

It was as if Joe were searching for proof of Skylar's love. A knock came at the door as she pondered this.

“Mr. and Mrs. Martin, lunch is ready. You may eat upstairs,” Paul announced from the doorway.

Skylar glanced at Joe, still on the phone, and opened the door. "Mr. Martin is still busy," she said.

Paul, noticing her unhappiness, wondered if they had argued. He smiled and said, “Okay, I’ll tell them to serve the food later. Is there anything you’d prefer, Mrs. Martin?”

“No, anything is fine,” Skylar replied honestly. She lacked an appetite; skipping breakfast and expending so much energy had left her hungry.

Paul wisely refrained from further inquiry. Seeing Skylar's mood, he suspected Joe might be equally affected and remained vigilant.

“Let’s have lunch now,” Joe said, ending his call. He walked to the door, naturally taking Skylar's hand.

As Joe approached, Paul realized that while Skylar appeared unhappy, Joe seemed utterly content—relaxed and cheerful, unlike someone who'd had a fever the previous night. A palpable joy radiated from him. Paul was puzzled.

Moments later, Skylar and Joe arrived at the restaurant on the 26th floor. Paul had already ordered, and the food arrived immediately.

Skylar gradually regained her appetite, eating silently, her head down, avoiding Joe. Joe, however, understood her upset. He'd been too forceful earlier and had hurt her.

“I’m sorry for earlier,” he admitted.

Skylar was surprised by his apology.

“Is there anywhere you’d like to go this afternoon?” Joe continued, his voice gentle and affectionate.

Skylar’s anger softened. “Don’t you have anything planned?”

“No, I just want to spend time with you,” Joe replied patiently, a stark contrast to his earlier ruthlessness.

Skylar had a few places in mind and showed him photos on her phone. “I did some research, and there are a few places I want to visit.”

“Alright, let’s visit them all,” Joe said generously, determined to atone for his actions.

Just then, someone approached and stood before them. Sensing their presence, Skylar looked up to see Vera. What a coincidence.

Joe’s smile vanished at the sight of Vera.

“What a coincidence! I didn’t expect to see you here,” Vera said, seating herself beside Skylar without invitation.

Skylar's face hardened. Fortunately, she was nearly finished. It seemed Joe wouldn’t have time for their outing, so she decided to go alone.

Dabbing her mouth, Skylar stood. “I’m done. You two continue.”

Vera seemed surprised by Skylar's abrupt departure. “Skylar, are you going out later? Why don’t we go together?”

Skylar glanced at Vera and saw a ring on her finger.