Chapter 1202
Ned and Skylar locked eyes.
Skylar’s eyes filled with tears, a surge of encontrollable emotions welling up inside her. She waited for the man in front of her to respond.
Ned’s gare was deep and unreadable, seemingly devoid of emotion. However, he kept his eyes fixed on Skylar unusually long
There was something about this woman before him that sparked a strange, subtle familiarity within him. It felt as though he should know her
But logic told him otherwise they had never met. Maybe it was the way her tear–filled eyes made her look fragile, evoking a sense of pity in him.
“Ned…” Rosa called gently.
Ned gave Skylar one last deep look before pulling his gaze away and responding, “I grew up in
Murida”
His answer was firm and decisive, leaving no room for doubt.
Skylar’s body went rigid at his words.
Shortly after, Ned and Rosa conversed with the others, and the crowd quickly forgot the unsettling moment.
It was only when Caleb and Rowan whispered to her that Skylar snapped out of her daze. Distracted, she glanced at the two men. “I’m fine,” she murmured.
Caleb and Rowan were both taken aback by the situation. After all, no one could have expected to find someone who looked exactly like Joe. It was as if they were carved from the same mold.
Not only Skylar but even they were shaken. No matter how hard they looked at it, they couldn’t distinguish the difference—Ned looked just like Joe.
But he had grown up in Murida, there was no way he could be Joe.
“Are you sure you’re okay? We can leave now if you want,” Caleb asked, his tone filled with concern. He wasn’t interested in charity galas like this anyway and was more than willing to leave at any time.
Skylar shook her head. “No need. I’ll stay until it ends.”
Her gaze discreetly drifted back toward Ned. Perhaps it was the intensity of the way she had just looked at Ned, but it stirred a sense of hostility in Rosa.
Their eyes met, and Rosa’s face tightened with a guarded, icy expression.
Chapter 1202
Skylar suddenly felt as if something was pressing against her chest, making it hard to breathe.
“Do you want to step outside for some fresh air?
Aiken appeared next to her without her realizing when he had arrived, his voice soft and concerned.
Skylar nodded slightly. “Okay.”
They made their way to the rooftop. Compared to the bustling event downstairs, the rooftop was quiet and peaceful.
The cool evening breeze brushed against Skylar’s face, and the heavy weight that had been suffocating her started to ease.
“Would you like something to eat?” Aiken asked.
Skylar shook her head and replied, “I had some cake earlier. I’m not hungry. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.”
“Good to hear. Ned and Joe really do look alike. If he hadn’t personally denied it, everyone would believe he’s Joe.” Aiken’s voice remained soft.
Skylar’s thoughts wandered again. “Yeah, they’re really alike.”
Their height, features, and even voices were identical. She couldn’t help but wonder if two people in this world could look so completely alike.
Aiken noticed her distraction and didn’t press further. He simply stayed by her side in silence. After hearing Ned’s answer firsthand, it was hard for Skylar to accept it right away.
She had been so hopeful, only to have all those hopes dashed. Anyone would struggle to accept
- it.
About ten minutes later, Skylar’s phone pinged with a WhatsApp message. She snapped back to reality and glanced at her phone.
It was a message from Minerva. She asked how she was doing and if she wanted her to come up for some company.
Skylar glanced at her phone, suddenly realizing it was already 7:00 pm. The auction should be starting soon.
