Only then did Shermaine notice Kylie and Sarah sitting across from her. She picked up the lipstick from the floor. “Is this yours?”

The moment Kylie saw Shermaine, her smile faded considerably. “Thanks, it’s mine.”

It wasn’t unusual to drop something when your hands were full, but when a woman’s lipstick rolled to a man’s feet, it was hard not to read between the lines.

Sarah could clearly see what Kylie was up to, and honestly, anyone with eyes could tell that Kylie had set her sights on that handsome, refined man. Shermaine certainly wasn’t blind to it either.

Joshua had attracted his share of admirers before. There was Wendelyn, for one, but Shermaine had never considered her a threat. Wendelyn had a crush on Joshua, but the moment she faced any real competition, she’d lose her nerve completely.

The only time she’d worked up the courage to approach him was at the Jean family gathering, and that was only with liquid courage. Shermaine had gotten a good laugh out of that pathetic display.

But Kylie was playing in a completely different league. She seemed willing to pull any trick in the book to get Joshua’s attention, and she had the boldness, charm, and cunning to back it up. What was more, she acted like Shermaine didn’t even exist.

Even if Kylie didn’t know that Joshua was already Shermaine’s legitimate husband, she certainly knew about their engagement. There was no way she could be unaware of that.

Shermaine stared at her with a cool expression. “Did you eat breakfast this morning?”

Kylie’s mind went blank for a moment. Not wanting to appear rude, she forced a smile. “Yes, I did.”

“Really?” Shermaine’s tone remained casual. “You should eat more then. Build up your strength so you can hold your lipstick steady.”

Kylie’s smile faded a bit more as she caught the dig in Shermaine’s words. Around them, people tried to hide their snickers behind their hands.

“I just gave you some helpful advice,” Shermaine said as she settled into the seat next to Joshua, casually crossing her long legs. “Don’t you think you should thank me?”

Left with no choice, Kylie forced out, “Thanks for the advice.”

“You’re welcome,” Shermaine replied smugly.

Sarah watched the scene unfold, feeling her anger rise. She’d thought Joshua was going to Rodunst on a business trip, but here he was with Shermaine.

No wonder he didn’t have his assistant with him. She’d assumed the assistant was flying economy and hadn’t come to the VIP lounge.

While Kylie’s dropped lipstick seemed suspicious, Sarah thought Shermaine didn’t have to be so aggressive. Shermaine was nothing but a loose woman who had other men on the side. She didn’t deserve Joshua.

Sarah glared at Shermaine with obvious hostility.

Shermaine found the whole thing bizarre. Sarah had been hostile toward her from the moment she appeared, but there had to be a reason for disliking someone. She didn’t particularly care, but she was curious.

Joshua returned and said, “I ordered your watermelon juice.”

“Thanks.” She took the juice, bit down on the straw, and took a sip.

Joshua had encountered plenty of women who tried to seduce him over the years. Ever since Kylie kept stealing glances at him during Shermaine’s graduation party, he’d figured out that this woman might be setting her sights on him.

That was why he made it a point to avoid unnecessary interaction with her. If she didn’t get the hint and back off, he would make the situation crystal clear for her.

From what he could tell, Kylie had no intention of giving up on her little scheme.

It was June, lychee season, and the flight attendants had provided perfectly fresh fruit for the passengers.

Joshua peeled one of the sweet, translucent fruits and held it up to her lips. “Here, Sheary, try it. It’s really sweet.”

Shermaine set down her juice and opened her mouth obediently.

The lychee was incredibly juicy, and as she bit down, the sweetness immediately burst across her tongue in the most delightful way. She loved how perfectly sweet it was, and her lips glistened slightly from the fruit’s natural moisture.

Joshua gently wiped the corner of her mouth with his thumb, then spread out a napkin and gestured for her to spit out the pit when she was ready.

The other passengers couldn’t help but stare in complete envy at the scene unfolding before them. ‘What a perfect husband.’