Chapter 821
Skylar took the emerald pendant and examined it closely. It was evident that the emerald pendant wa quite old, though it had been well preserved.
However, the quality of the emerald pendant was not exceptional.
Skylar recalled Charlene’s family background. Charlene’s parents worked in factories with modest wages and sending Charlene to college had been a significant challenge.
However, Charlene was now employed and earning a stable income, so her family’s financial situation should be improving.
However…
“Are you sure this emerald pendant was passed down from your great–grandfather?” Skylar asked.
Charlene’s eyes flickered, and she avoided Skylar’s gaze. She said, “That’s what my great–grandfather said. No one in our family knows for sure if it’s genuinely a family heirloom. Skylar, can you tell me if it’s real and how much it’s worth?”
“It’s a genuine emerald pendant from the Golden Age, not a fake. But… it wasn’t passed down from your great–grandfather, was it? Charlene, your family shouldn’t keep this item.
“Your family won’t be able to handle the trouble it brings. Where did you get it from? Who was the original owner?”
Skylar’s gaze grew sharp as she bombarded Charlene with questions, making her face turn pale.
Moreover, Charlene couldn’t bring herself to meet Skylar’s eyes. His body was trembling uncontrollably She couldn’t believe that Skylar had seen through her. The current situation of being questioned was something Charlene hadn’t anticipated.
“I don’t understand why you’re doubting me. Skylar, we were college classmates and even roommates We’re that close, so why would you doubt me? Although my family is quite ordinary, it doesn’t mean we don’t have anything valuable.
“I just hadn’t mentioned it before. I remembered I have something to do, so thank you for today. I need to leave now.”
Charlene quickly took back the emerald pendant from Skylar’s hands and attempted to leave.
Seeing this, Skylar frowned and warned, “I’m not exaggerating. Your family can’t afford to keep this item. It could cost lives.”
This was a negative item designed to target influential families.
Ordinary people who possessed it couldn’t withstand it and would face ruin and disaster. If Charlene’s great–grandfather had truly passed down this family heirloom, her family might not even be in this world
today.
Charlene’s face turned pale. She muttered, “It can’t be that bad. If we can’t keep it, we’ll just sell it.”
Without giving Skylar a chance to respond, Charlene quickly turned and walked away.
As Skylar started to follow, her phone rang. It was Joe calling.
“I just spoke with Mr. Ruell Senior. He doesn’t believe in negative items. You knew that the Ruell family doesn’t believe in such things, didn’t you?”
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Chapter 821
Skylar responded, “Yes. Mr. Gardner Senior personally called to inform them, but they don’t believe in such things. If they don’t believe, there’s nothing that can be done. However, even if they did believe and wanted to resolve it, my two conditions remain unchanged and must both be met.”
Joe paused for a moment before asking, “Did you meet with Vera privately?”
Skylar raised her eyebrows slightly and pressed his lips together.
Skylar wondered if Vera had complained about her to Joe. She pondered whether Joe was about to question her.
“Yes, I’ve met her.”
Joe fell silent for a moment.
Skylar said nothing.
“Where are you? I’ll pick you up,” Joe finally said.
Skylar replied, “If there’s nothing urgent, I won’t be home early today. I still have some things to handle.”
“Okay.” With that, Joe didn’t insist on picking her up or ask about her other plans and ended the call.
Skylar was somewhat surprised that Joe didn’t confront her. As she prepared to leave, her gaze suddenly fixed on a spot outside the window.
Chapter 822
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Outside the window, a short–haired woman, Regina Marsh, was holding Jeremy’s arm. Their behavior was intimate. She had an ice cream in her hand. After taking a few licks, she smiled and held it up to Jeremy.
Although Skylar couldn’t hear their conversation, it wasn’t hard to guess. Regina was likely inviting Jeremy to share her ice cream.
It wasn’t unusual for a couple to share an ice cream.
Jeremy didn’t take a bite but gazed at her with a soft expression. The two of them walked to the roadside, got into a car, and drove out of Skylar’s sight.
She raised an eyebrow slightly. It seemed like Jeremy had moved on from Natalie.
A few minutes later, she got back on the subway and headed to the film set.
Charles was doing a cameo for a movie, and Austin was the male lead. Natalie was also part of the crew, so Skylar thought it would be a good opportunity to visit them.
Paul finally had some free time.
He slept for a few hours after getting off the plane and returning home. Then, he was called to the Apollo Hospital to handle the aftermath of Jenny’s car accident.
He slept again after returning from the hospital.
When he finally dragged himself out of bed, he checked his email.
He and Joe had been on a business trip abroad for the past few days, and his inbox was overflowing with various documents he hadn’t had a chance to review.
Now that he finally had the time, he began going through them one by one.
After all, that was why he earned his money. He was capable but also diligent. It was hard–earned money. There were just too many emails.
After going through the emails one by one, Paul’s attention was suddenly caught by one of them.
It wasn’t a contract or any official document but rather a series of photos and several videos. They had been sent to him a few days ago, and the sender was Louie.
He had almost forgotten about this. Louie had previously mentioned that he had taken some photos and videos. Paul had asked him to email them.
But then he got caught up in the business trip, and the days were so hectic that he had completely forgotten about it.
Today, Jenny had a car accident. He had just taken care of the hospital arrangements. Now, thinking about Jenny, he strongly believed she was hiding something.
He opened his email and scrolled through the photos one by one. As he did, his expression changed dramatically.
It was almost unbelievable. No, he was downright shocked.
He would never have thought in this direction if he hadn’t seen these videos with his own eyes.
After downloading all the videos and photos, he poured himself a drink to calm his nerves.
Chact 822
Paul wondered how he was going to tell Joe about this and if he should wait until Monday to report it
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Meanwhile, Jenny had just woken up in the hospital. As she regained consciousness, she saw a nurse in the ward.
After asking about her situation, she remembered being in a car accident.
In a tunnel, Jenny was riding her motorcycle, trying to let off some steam. She had been feeling stifled lately, overwhelmed by Edwin’s pressure.
She needed an emotional release. Unexpectedly, she ended up in a car accident.
After asking the nurse, she confirmed that Joe had been notified and had visited her before she woke up. Joe had also covered all her medical expenses.
“He must have been really shocked. He must have been worried about me after the accident. He must have feelings for me. For him, I will persevere. No matter who tries to stop me, I will not yield or retreat. I know that in the end, he will save me,” Jenny whispered tearfully.
Her heart was full of love for Joe.
apter 823
hapter 823
hen Skylar arrived on the set, a scene had just ended. Austin had transitioned from his role as a cold- arted assassin back to his real self and then walked over to Natalie.
1
s he took the thermal flask from her, his eyes softened with a gentle, warm smile. kylar witnessed this scene perfectly.
1
Mr. Powell, your performance was amazing! I was really scared,” Natalie said. Her eyes sparkled with Imiration for Austin.
1
he almost saw Austin act every day. The scene of awe from the live performances was so overwhelming at even now, she was still amazed.
‘atching Austin act always felt like stepping into the scene as if he were truly the character.
ustin truly lived up to her idol status.
eeing Natalie’s adoration, Austin smiled with a hint of affection. “Were you really scared? The next scene a fight between Charles and me. We’ll both end up battered and the scene will be quite gory. You can > back to the hotel to rest and come back in two hours.”
lehe, I’m not that easily frightened. I can’t leave my post,” Natalie replied with a laugh.
s they chatted, they didn’t notice Skylar’s presence.
kylar looked at Austin with a significant gaze.
was Charles’s words that made both of them turn their attention. “Skye, you’re here.”
skylar, did you just arrive? You missed Mr. Powell’s incredible performance,” Natalie exclaimed. She ished over to Skylar and lavishly praised Austin.
er tone was filled with admiration for her idol.
ustin’s eyes showed a bit more indulgence when he heard that.
kylar responded with a smile, “It’s a pity I missed it, but I can watch the next scene.”
Maybe you should skip it. The next scene is quite intense, you might be scared. Seeing it in person is fferent from seeing it on screen. Why don’t you two take a walk nearby instead?” Charles quickly tervened.
a while, he would be covered in fake blood and various injuries. He didn’t want to frighten Skylar. was a rare chance for Skylar to visit him on set. If she ended up crying from fear, Steven would efinitely be angry with him.
kylar understood Charles’s concern. “Charles, I’m not that easily scared.”
hey had been mischievous together since they were kids and had done their fair share of trouble.
harles chuckled and said, “Alright then. If you’re scared, just leave quickly.”
fter a few more words, Charles and Austin went to get their makeup done while Skylar and Natalie hatted nearby.
id Charlene come to see you?” Natalie asked.
‘ou knew?”
“1
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Chapter 823
Natalie nodded. “She came to ask me first. Recently, she heard about your work from some classmates and was worried it might be rumors, so she came to inquire. How is it? Is her family heirloom valuable? | think they want to sell it.”
Skylar’s expression grew serious. “What she showed me wasn’t her family heirloom. It’s likely something they found or acquired through dubious means. It’s a negative item.”
“What?” Natalie’s eyes widened.
From what happened with Jeremy, she was aware of the existence of such negative items and the impact they could have. Even if she didn’t understand, Skylar’s serious expression made it clear that the situation
was severe.
“After I explained the situation, she didn’t believe it and just left.”
Natalie asked in shock, “What if she sells the item? Will that prevent her from getting into trouble?”
“It won’t be so easy to sell,” Skylar replied.
Natalie frowned and said, “Should I ask Charlene?”
She sent a message to Charlene, but it only showed one gray check mark.
“She blocked me!” Natalie exclaimed.
Skylar tried to send her a message on WhatsApp but then noticed that she had blocked her as well. “She blocked me too.”
Natalie couldn’t believe it. “Is Charlene out of her mind? Even if it’s not her own item, she wants to keep it? Especially since it’s a negative item.”
Skylar only frowned.
Suddenly, Skylar recalled a scene she had seen at the café and asked, “Have you been in touch with Jeremy recently?”
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Chapter 824
Natalie shook her head. “I haven’t been in touch with Jeremy lately.”
Since their last argument, they hadn’t seen each other. When she went home to visit her parents, they didn’t bring up Jeremy.
It seemed like her relationship with Jeremy was over,
Skylar didn’t say anything more.”
Soon, the bloody scene that Charles and Austin had talked about earlier was being filmed. Their duel was incredibly intense and truly shocking, creating a powerful sense of immersion.
Austin’s acting was superb, and Charles was also highly skilled. When the two of them performed together, it felt like a true match.
“Charles’s acting is really impressive. I’ve seen many actors act opposite Mr. Powell, and a lot of them struggle to keep up. It always makes me want to step in and perform for them,” Natalie whispered to Skylar.
Skylar smiled. “You should give it a try. You might get a chance to act with Mr. Powell one day.”
Natalie knew her limits. “I don’t have the courage for that.”
They chatted and laughed until the scene ended.
The four of them had dinner together. Since they had another night shoot, they just grabbed a quick bite at a nearby restaurant,
By the time Skylar got into a cab, it was already 9:00 pm.
When she arrived at Galaxy Villa, the house was brightly lit. Joe was waiting for her.
“Had a drink?” he asked, glancing at her.
Skylar nodded slowly. She didn’t drink much.
However, her tolerance for alcohol was never good. Even a small amount could make it seem like she
had consumed more.
She sat down across from Joe. Perhaps because she had been drinking, she didn’t think much before asking, “Is there something you want to ask me?”
Then she let out a light laugh. “Don’t tell me you’re here to reprimand me. If so, I’ll just tell you now, haven’t bullied Vera.”
She continued, “And even if you were here to reprimand me, it’s important to consider whether it’s justified. What’s your relationship with her, and what’s your relationship with me?”
Joe listened as Skylar talked to herself. His frown shifted to a light smile. “Oh? What kind of relationship do we have?”
Suddenly, Skylar moved closer to Joe. She sat down beside him. She then cupped his face in her hands and squeezed his cheeks.
His skin looked truly good, and he was also very handsome. It seemed like a fair deal, no matter how she looked at it.
“We’re just fulfilling each other’s needs,” Skylar muttered to herself, almost as if she was trying to convince herself.
Chapter 824
Joe’s eyes turned icy as he removed her hands from his face. “So, to you, we’re just fulfilling each other’s needs.”
Chapter 825
Skylar coldly sneered. “What else could it be?”
She didn’t care about having her hands removed. Standing up, she headed upstairs.
The air conditioning in the restaurant where she had eaten with Charles, Natalie, and Austin hadn’t been strong enough, and it had gotten too hot, making her feel sweaty and uncomfortable.
She decided to take a shower first.
Joe’s icy gaze followed her as she went upstairs. Skylar sensed his stare but shrugged it off. If Joe was going to make trouble for her because of Vera, she wouldn’t be easily intimidated,
If it came to it, she was prepared to confront him directly.
1
Skylar was working on some antique repairs three days la. when a colleague suddenly knocked on her door.
“Skylar, someone’s here to see you. She claims to be your college classmate and seems pretty urgent. Do you want to go check it out?”
Skylar put down her work. “I’ll go take a look.”
Downstairs, in the waiting area, she saw Charlene.
Charlene approached her with an anxious expression. Her face shifted between embarrassment and discomfort.
She said, “Skylar… I was wrong the other day. I thought you were jealous of the valuable family heirloom had, which is why you made those comments. I then made a petty move and blocked both you and Natalie. I realize now I was wrong.”
“You must have more to say than just an apology,” Skylar said. She observed Charlene’s condition with a composed expression.
Charlene looked like she hadn’t slept well in days. Her face was pale, her hair was dry and messy, and her eyes were red and swollen.
“Actually, you were right about the emerald pendant that day. My mom found the emerald pendant. She saw two people arguing by the side of the road, both driving cars worth a few million dollars.
“The emerald pendant must have fallen during their scuffle. My mom picked it up and brought it home. My dad likes to watch treasure appraisal shows and thought the emerald pendant must be valuable. However, he was afraid of being scammed.
“At first, I wanted my mom to return the emerald pendant, but my dad refused. Eventually, I… got carried away. After all, if this emerald pendant could really sell for a few million dollars, it would solve all our family’s problems.”
“But then… my mom fell off her bike on her way home from work and injured her back. My dad has been having nightmares almost every night these past few days. I… I’ve been experiencing a series of minor but dangerous accidents these past few days.
“If I hadn’t been lucky enough to avoid them, something like falling debris could have killed me. Yesterday, I tried to sell the emerald pendant at several places, but the owners all said the same thing–l should return it to its rightful owner.
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“I don’t know what to do now! Is it true that this thing is bringing misfortune to our family? Could the person who lost the emerald pendant sue us? When I left an auction house yesterday, I saw them making a phone call, and I think someone might be following me.”
It was clear that Charlene was very frightened, speaking in a rush.
Skylar understood Charlene’s recent experiences.
With her family in trouble and the fact that the emerald pendant’s owner was searching for it, making it impossible to sell, Charlene came to believe Skylar’s words.
Skylar had anticipated this.
The fact that the emerald pendant was lost by someone who carried it with them showed its importance. The emerald pendant was a negative item. It could disrupt a person’s mind and create a magnetic field, making them hard to let go.
“Skylar, can you say something? I’m so scared. My dad is too afraid to go out today. He keeps talking about the nightmares he’s having.
‘I’m so terrified that I can’t even sleep. I know I was wrong,” Charlene said, tears streaming down her face as she saw Skylar remain silent.
She was afraid that her moment of panic and irrational decision to block Skylar and Natalie had angered Skylar too much for her to forgive.
“Does your mom know who the emerald pendant’s owner is?” Skylar asked.
Charlene’s eyes flickered. “I…”
“If you come to find me, then there’s no point in lying any further,” Skylar said. Her expression grew colder Charlene realized she couldn’t keep hiding the truth. She bit her lip and said, “My mom knows who it is.)
She was scared because she knew.
“Who is it?” Skylar pressed.
“She said it’s Edwin Martin, the father of the current CEO of the Martin Group. The person who was arguing with Edwin was someone from a bar.”
Charlene lowered her head as she spoke, “My mom works as a housekeeper at the bar now, and heard from others that the emerald pendant belonged to Edwin.”
It wasn’t surprising if it was Edwin.
He had the means to spread the word after the emerald pendant went missing.
“Let me see the emerald pendant again,” Skylar said.
Chapter 826
Charlene rummaged through her bag and found the emerald pendant within seconds. She had placed it in a small box to prevent it from getting damaged.
“Here it is. Please take a look at it.”
Skylar examined it closely. Scenes flashed across her brain. She found out who it belonged to. She caught glimpses of Edwin as the movie played out in her head. His sexual appetite had been growing more voracious and uninhibited as the years passed.
This emerald pendant…
“I’ll take a picture of it. Then, send it to the police station. I’ll give you three talismans for luck. Bring them with you wherever you go. Only remove them after a month,” said Skylar while capturing a picture of the emerald pendant.
Charlene was terrified out of her mind. She nodded, not really processing what Skylar said.
“You’ve got to stop being greedy. If not, what awaits you will make your experience up till now feel like a walk in the park.”
She wouldn’t disobey Skylar’s instructions for anything.
Charlene regretted disregarding Skylar’s advice two days ago. If she’d taken heed of Skylar’s warnings, she wouldn’t have been in this situation.
After Charlene left, Skylar called Joe. He must have been busy as he didn’t pick up.
Thus, she texted, “Will you be coming home tonight? I’ve got something to tell you. It has to do with your father.”
Half an hour later, Joe saw her text. He replied, “I’ll be going home.”
What did she have to say about Edwin?
After a moment of thought, Joe called for Paul. He asked, “Has Edwin been causing trouble for Skylar recently?”
Paul was bewildered. He answered, “Not that I know of. He wouldn’t have the balls to give Mrs. Martin a hard time after what happened last time, would he? Shit! That’s why I felt like I’d forgotten something in the past week. I couldn’t for the life of me recall what it was
Suddenly, it came to me!”
“Well, what is it?” asked Joe coldly.
Paul responded immediately, “I’ve got pictures and videos. You’ll know what it’s about after going through them.”
He’d wanted to tell Joe about this on Monday. However, they had a slew of international conference calls. on that day. Yesterday, he’d been busy all day. Paul had also been preoccupied with a variety of issues until Joe called for him. As a result, he’d forgotten all about it.
As to Jenny, she’d been weirdly silent. She hadn’t been asking for Joe. Otherwise, Paul would’ve remembered these pictures and videos.
Joe clicked on one of the pictures. He narrowed his eyes in an icy glare.
When Paul saw that Joe was looking at a picture, he advised. “The video is more direct and scandalous.”
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Joe opened one of the videos. Upon seeing Jenny and Edwin writhing in bed, Joe threw the phone to Paul. His eyes were stinging. Joe ordered, “Organize these photos and videos and send them to me as evidence.”
“Oh, alright!”
At the hospital, Jenny confirmed with the doctor repeatedly, “Is my leg really going to be scarred for life? Don’t you have a department for plastic surgery here? Could you ask one of the main surgeons to come over?”
“This would depend on how well you recover. Don’t stress about it,” said the doctor.
Wasn’t the fact that they’d saved her life more important than a possible scar on her leg?
Jenny hadn’t exactly been in the pink of health. She’d undergone a few operations and suffered allergic reactions to multiple drugs. How could a mere scar compare to her life?
Chapter 827
However, Jenny didn’t share the same sentiments. She complained, “It mustn’t leave a scar. It would look horrible on me.”
She had to be perfect from head to toe. If not, Joe would look at her in disdain.
Since Jenny wasn’t receptive to his advice, the doctor left after explaining her condition.
Jenny felt as though he’d wronged her. The doctors here had a horrible attitude. How could they be so impatient? Was it appropriate to dismiss her worries just like that?
She called Joe, wanting to complain. However, he didn’t pick up. Thus, Jenny resigned herself to calling Paul.
“Is Joe busy? Mr. Ziegler, I’ve been drifting in and out of consciousness at the hospital for the past few days. Thus, I haven’t seen Joe. I’m feeling much better today. Could you ask Joe to come to the hospital after work?” Jenny pleaded weakly.
Paul replied, “Mr. Martin is extremely busy. He doesn’t have time to make a trip to the hospital. Ms. Scott, could you speak in a normal tone? You’re creeping me out.”
She should’ve spoken plainly. Pretending to be weak by speaking with vocal fry made goosebumps rise all over Paul.
Perhaps Paul was too unfeeling. He knew nothing about how to comfort a woman. Even hearing her talk like that annoyed him.
The color drained from Jenny’s face. She said, “M–Mr. Ziegler, you’ve always harbored a dislike toward me. I get the feeling that you don’t like it when Joe sees me. I don’t understand. Have I done something to warrant such loathing from you?”
The most important issue was that Paul always treated Skylar respectfully. He never brushed her off. It made Jenny look very bad when compared.
“Ms. Scott, don’t put on an innocent act. You know whether you’ve done anything wrong. Mr. Martin has paid your medical fee. You’re on your own now, so you better watch it.”
Clearly, he didn’t want to speak to Jenny
More than he needed to.
Jenny felt like she’d been wronged by Paul. She was intent on believing Joe had to be concerned over her because of the serious car accident she’d been in.
As to Edwin, he hadn’t sought her out ever since he found out she’d gotten into the accident.
Other than the possible scar on her leg, Jenny enjoyed her hospitalization. After all, she didn’t have to deal with Edwin!
Joe had gotten back to Galaxy Villa before Skylar did.
A dinner spread was laid on the table when she arrived. Joe had ordered them from a hotel. Smoke still wafted off the dishes. Joe must’ve counted the minutes till she would be home.
They didn’t begin the discussion immediately upon sitting down by the table.
After dinner, Joe started, “You can tell me about it now
Skylar pulled her phone out and showed him the picture she took of the emerald pendant. She asked, Have you seen this pendant before?”
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Joe thought she would be showing him pictures of Edwin and Jenny in bed together, just like Paul had. “Is this an antique?” Joe observed it closely. He could tell it was a weathered antique. However, he couldn’t discern much else.
He wasn’t well–informed when it came to antiques. With Skylar by his side, he didn’t need to be. Skylar glanced at him and replied, “It is a Golden Age antique. Look at the carvings on the pendant. It’s consistent with those commonly seen on talismans. It results in the gradual inability to control one’s thoughts and behaviors.”
“So its a negative item.” Joe couldn’t wrap his mind around what was going on. Skylar’s text had seemed urgent. He didn’t think she just wanted to give him an introduction to this negative item.
“My guess is that your father wore this emerald pendant for a minimum of five years.”
Chapter 828
Chapter 828
Joe understood.
“This is Edwin’s pendant?”
“Yeah.”
Skylar explained how Charlene sought her out so he understood what had happened.
Joe was silent for a few minutes after her explanation.
Then, he chuckled, “This explains why he suddenly turned into such a monster two years ago. He’d passed as a half–decent human being before that. The negative item only exacerbated his true colors.”
Joe had never hidden his loathing of Edwin from Skylar
“He’ll probably claim it from the police soon. I think you need to handle this. This negative item affects his blood relatives as well as himself. In a few years, his health will be in shambles. Edwin would spend most of his time hospitalized,” warned Skylar.
Joe’s expression turned grim. He asked, “How does it affect me?”
Skylar’s expression was complicated as she answered, “You’ll have a rocky relationship. If you have children, your family would fall to pieces.”
Every single man who’d possessed the emerald pendant suffered a similar fate. There were no exceptions. Even on their deathbed, they’d think that they were unlucky and had given into their lust too easily.
Joe glanced at her. Did she say his family would fall to pieces?
He hadn’t been expecting such a conclusion.
“Do you have to be the one dealing with the emerald pendant?” Joe posed the question after a few moments of silence.
“Yeah, it needs to be me. In addition, I think there are other negative items with the Martins, other than the jade pendant,” guessed Skylar.
From what had happened recently, Skylar could guess what the man behind the scenes was aiming for. He wanted to destroy the dominating families of Jipsburg.
This person was unable to contend with them when it came to business deals. They would only achieve their goals through such sinister plots. How evil.
Joe fell silent. Then, he said, “I’ll make the arrangements. Sorry for troubling you with this.”
Skylar looked down and said, “No worries. This might affect Grandma, after all.”
She couldn’t sit and watch misfortune befall them if Gloria was at stake.
Joe smirked coldly, Gloria was more important to Skylar than he was. This position…
It made Joe feel out of sorts. He stood up and declared, “I’ll be going out.”
Vera went to see Buck. Then, she visited Penelope. Their hospital rooms were right beside each other’s. She was the one who suffered the least injuries. Thus, she was able to get out of bed and wander around.
For the past few days, she had been submerged in anxiety. Just now, she’d taken a nap. However, it
Chapter 828
wasn’t a restful nap, as she had been tortured by a nightmare.
She dreamt about the Ruells‘ crisis.
Just as she was returning to her room, she saw Jenny in a wheelchair. Their eyes met.
“What happened to you?” Vera scanned Jenny from head to toe.
Hadn’t she said that she was working at Joe’s company?
Joe had raised Jenny. She looked like a fragile flower who needed to be nurtured in order to survive. Most of them knew the romantic intentions Jenny harbored for Joe.
While she referred to Joe as her brother, she wanted to date him. Thus, Vera disliked Jenny.
Jenny wasn’t expecting to run into Vera. She’d seen that the Ruells had gotten into an accident on the
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news. There had also been a fire. Although they both stayed at Apollo Hospital, the inpatient department there was gigantic. The chance of them running into each other was minuscule.
Jenny didn’t want to stay in her room. She needed some air.
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Jenny ended up running into Vera.
Jenny was in a terrible state now. She looked hideous. However, she didn’t want Vera to make fun of her. Thus, she explained, “I was in an accident. I’ll be staying here for the next few days.”
“An accident?” Vera gave her another once over. Jenny had a wound on her forehead, not to mention she was in a wheelchair. She must’ve sustained many injuries.
“Were you badly injured?”
The color in Jenny’s face drained. She said, “I’m fine. However, there’s a wound in my leg so I can’t walk. How about you, Ms. Ruell? I saw the news.”
Vera replied coldly, “We’re fine. Take care of yourself.”
Suddenly, she thought of Skylar and Joe’s visit to the hospital. They had been here to see Jenny, hadn’t they?
“You know Skylar, right?” asked Vera.
Jenny frowned and replied, “Have you seen her?”
Vera pressed on, “What do you think Skylar means to Joe?”
Jenny knew of Joe and Vera’s history, so she was very alert when it came to her. She answered, “I’m not
sure what she means to Joe either.”
Now, it looked like Vera wasn’t as confident as she’d been in how she’d get him to divorce Skylar.
In the past, they thought that Vera was the passive one in the relationship. If Vera took the first step this time, Joe would come running no matter what it cost him.
Of course, these were the rumors circulating among their friends.
Perhaps it was her imagination, but Jenny felt like Vera was starting to panic. So she wasn’t the only one feeling so.
Jenny recalled that Vera had no idea Joe had married Skylar. She immediately added, “Joe probably adores Skylar. He treats her differently.”
Vera balled her fists and asked, “In what way?”
“A few months before I graduated, Joe brought Skylar with him to visit her. They traveled together and took many pictures while there. It’s evident Joe likes her.”
Vera paled visibly.
Jenny felt much better knowing that an arrogant woman like Vera would feel threatened as well. At least she wasn’t the only one suffering. Upon seeing Vera agitated, Jenny believed that everything she’d done had been worth it.
“How could he like Skylar?” Vera asked coldly.
Skylar was a scheming woman. She basically had the word “poor” stamped across her forehead. Joe definitely didn’t adore her for real.
“I don’t know whether his feelings for her are real. I’m tired. I’ll be going back to my room to rest.” After finishing, Jenny returned to her room, leaving Vera frozen in place.
As a nurse wheeled her back to her room, Jenny smirked. She was confident that she’d be able to
Chapter 829
become the most important person in Joe’s life.
It didn’t matter whether it was Skylar or Vera. They were nothing more than stepping stones to her.
Vera trudged back to her room, disoriented and depressed.
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Jenny couldn’t help but call Joe after returning to her room. She called him thrice consecutively, but he didn’t pick up.
It was seven in the evening; Joe must’ve had his dinner. There was no way he hadn’t heard his phone ringing. Even if he had muted it, he would’ve seen her missed calls from the afternoon. Why was Joe ignoring her?
Just as she was contemplating whether to call Rowan, someone pushed open the door to her room. Jenny immediately looked over.
Upon seeing who it was, Jenny was over the moon. She exclaimed, “Joe, you’re finally here. I called you multiple times but you never picked up. I was terrified! The doctor said that my wound might leave a scar. I don’t want it to. I don’t want my leg to become hideous. Joe, what will I do now?”
She sobbed daintily, just like she’d done when she’d been young. Jenny expressed just the right amount of terror and cowardice.
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If Jenny observed him closely, she would’ve noticed that Joe was different today. His face was a blank slate. It caused a chill to run down Jenny’s spine.
Finally, Jenny realized that something was off while dabbing at her tears. She froze and said, “Joe…”
She glanced at Paul, who was standing behind him.
Paul’s words from the afternoon echoed in her head. In addition, Joe’s iciness toward her confused and scared her. It was as though what she believed to be within her grasp was now well out of her reach.
“Have you been keeping something from me?” asked Joe.
His monotone made her tremble. Jenny paled as her heart sank.
Could it be?
No, it was impossible.
There was no way he would find out.
Her every meeting with Edwin had happened discreetly. No one would know. Had Skylar told him something? Why did she have to be such a horrible woman? Why was Skylar intent on hurting her?
“I haven’t been keeping anything from you. Has someone said something to you?” Jenny felt her throat tighten as she posed the question nervously.
Paul chuckled internally when it became clear that Jenny planned to continue lying. If he hadn’t seen those pictures and videos with his own eyes, he might’ve believed that she was helpless. Unfortunately, he had seen them.
Joe looked away and said to Paul, “Deal with her.”
Then, he walked out.
Jenny froze in bewilderment. She muttered, “Joe…”
Why had he left? He hadn’t even said much?
She was utterly confused. Terror seized her bit by bit. Gradually, she managed to guess what had happened.
Jenny struggled to get out of bed. However, her injured leg prevented her from doing so.
“Stop mocking around. Mr. Martin won’t be coming back after he’s left. Just now, he gave you a last chance. You took it for granted,” said Paul.
She stared at him, horrified. Then, she asked, “What last chance are you talking about?”
Jenny fisted her blankets tightly. Her nails nearly pierced through the fabric. She was so nervous she thought she could hear her breathing.
Had they all found out? No, it was impossible. Even if Skylar framed her, Joe wouldn’t believe her just like that.
“I sent you some stuff. Look through them on your own later. You’ve been fired. Never seek Mr. Martin out. I’ve found some evidence to confirm that your mom never saved Mr. Martin. From today onward, you’re not to mention his name to yield certain benefits, Paul instructed emotionlessly.
The truth about that accident had come to light a while ago.
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Considering Jenny’s relationship with Joe, she wouldn’t get the chance to see him anymore.
Then, Paul left.
Jenny’s mouth was hanging open. Her ears rang. She only came to her senses after a long time. When she found her phone, she was suddenly terrified of opening it to check her WhatsApp.
What happened had to be a nightmare. It had to be.
Her mom had saved Joe. How could she have tried to harm him?
In addition…
Paul must’ve sent her some fabricated evidence. She would make Joe trust her once again. Jenny would succeed in doing so.
Chapter 831
Sweat trickled down Jenny’s forehead. She bit her lip and clicked on the message Paul had sent her. There were a bunch of pictures and videos.
There was no need to watch the videos. She knew what they entailed by looking at the pictures.
Jenny paled as her phone slipped out of her grasp. She didn’t want to face the truth. “How could this be? Who took the photos and videos? How did they do so? I had been taking preventative measures all this time. How could someone have taken these?”
“No, Mr. Ziegler, these pictures and videos are fakes. They were edited–all of them. I’m not the woman in those videos. Please help me explain what happened to Joe. He mustn’t believe in all this.
“Who sent you these? The technology available to create fakes has become especially advanced. How could I be the woman in the video? How could you and Joe not know who I am? Both of you have known me for years. Please, don’t believe it. Could you ask Joe to pick up my calls?”
All of her messages elicited no response.
She called Joe a few times more. He didn’t pick up. She’d probably been blocked.
After a while, Jenny had a meltdown in bed.
“I don’t get it. I don’t understand! Why’s everyone giving me a hard time? Why is Skylar able to garner Joe’s and Gloria’s affection? Yet, they insult and humiliate me. I don’t understand!”
After sobbing for hours, she scrolled through WhatsApp to find Skylar’s contact information.
After that, Jenny sent Skylar multiple accusatory voice messages.
“It was you, wasn’t it? You found someone to stalk and photograph me. You resorted to dirty tactics to destroy my life. Skylar, you’re shameless! Aren’t you afraid that karma will bite you in e ass?
“Your dreams have come true now. Joe will never believe me again. He won’t love me anymore. I’ll be abandoned by everyone I know in Jipsburg soon. How cruel! Skylar, I hate you. Even if I hadn’t been in the picture, did you think you’d get the last laugh?
“Joe doesn’t actually love you. He wouldn’t. The Martins wouldn’t accept you as their daughter–in–law. Right, there’s Vera too. For every day she remains in Jipsburg, you’ll suffer nothing but fear and panic. Joe will leave you sooner rather than later!”
Skylar noticed that she had messages coming in one after another. Looking at them, she realized they were all from Jenny.
Her expression turned grim after listening to a few of them.
Joe must’ve found out about Edwin’s affair with Jenny. Someone had photographed them as well.
Skylar blocked Jenny.
There was no need to explain. The point wasn’t whether Skylar had sent someone to tail and photograph her. Jenny wouldn’t believe her.
Suddenly, she heard noises downstairs. Skylar walked out of her room and glanced down.
Joe looked up at her.
Their eyes met.
After a moment of silence, Joe asked, “Could you come with me to see Edwin tomorrow?”
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“Alright,” agreed Skylar.<
Joe’s eyes darkened.
Skylar glanced away. She didn’t want to know what he was thinking about. If she pondered on it, she might’ve been bewildered.
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The next day, Joe sent Skylar to work. Then, he picked her up early.
Just as Skylar got into his car, Edwin called.
Joe’s visit had probably gotten Edwin excited and surprised. Perhaps he thought this was a gesture of goodwill.
Edwin asked Joe when he would be getting there.
40 minutes later, they arrived.
Upon seeing Skylar, Edwin immediately frowned and asked Joe, “Why have you brought her with you?”
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Chapter 832
Didn’t Joe know Edwin loathed Skylar?
Joe drove a wedge between Edwin and Molly because of her.
She was nothing more than a poor woman. Yet, she dreamed of becoming part of the Martins. That would remain nothing more than a fantasy.
Skylar was expressionless. Edwin didn’t want to see her, nor did she want to see him. If not for Gloria, she wouldn’t have made the trip.
“Your house is one of the assets of the Martin Group. It doesn’t belong to you. I can bring whoever I want to,” Joe asserted coldly.
Upon hearing his words, Edwin grew furious. He roared, “You!”
Had Joe come here just to piss him off?
Edwin could tell that Joe would never respect his fatherly authority.
“Darling, the helpers have finished preparing dinner. Let’s head in,” Molly cut in, interrupting their stare down.
Before Molly turned around and walked away, she gave Skylar a once over. Joe definitely brought Skylar with him for a reason.
Now, Molly thought of what happened whenever she looked at Skylar, following how she’d failed to organize Skylar’s gang rape.
If possible, Molly would give Skylar a taste of what she had been subjected to.
Molly’s appearance gave Edwin a chance to back down, which he took. He turned and walked into the
mansion.
Joe and Skylar trailed after him.
It was evident Edwin valued Joe’s visit heavily. He’d asked the helpers to prepare a luxurious dinner spread.
Molly pretended like nothing had happened. She chatted with Joe and Skylar graciously. However, it was all courteous, shallow, small talk.
Edwin’s expression brightened up. He said to Joe, “You could assign more tasks to your subordinates at the office. Your cousins could also share out your responsibilities. With this, you won’t be as tired.”
Skylar felt extremely awkward sitting beside them.
Edwin had let himself go under the influence of the emerald pendant. It had probably been a result of his incapability and lack of determination.
“Show me the emerald pendant you reclaimed from the police,” Joe ordered impatiently.
Edwin froze. He asked, “How did you know I went to the police station? You even know I’ve got an emerald pendant.”
It was something he wore everyday. Other than his one night stands, no one knew about it.
“If I want to find out something in Jipsburg, the information will be handed to me on a silver platter.”
Edwin looked like he’d been slapped.
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While asking others to help him look for the pendant, he couldn’t help but bring Joe into the conversation. In Jipsburg, Joe’s name got him further than his own name did.
“It’s just a regular emerald pendant. What’s so interesting about it? If you like it, I’ve got a few more in my study of different shapes and sizes. You can pick something out if you’d like.” Edwin wouldn’t give his pendant up just like that. After all, he’d just found it.
“I want to take a look at this one, Joe insisted forcefully.
Molly noticed something was up. She said, “Joe, why are you set on looking at Edwin’s pendant? I’ve seen it before. It’s just an antique emerald piece. There’s nothing special about it. It would probably cost a few millions to purchase. In addition, it’s not suited for young people. It’s nothing to look at.”
“She’s right. It’s nothing special. Finish your dinner. After that, I’ll take you on a tour of my study. I’ve assembled a collection of antiques in my study. You can pick whichever one you want,” Edwin proposed. He guarded the pendant with his life.
Edwin felt uncomfortable when it wasn’t around his neck in the few days he’d lost it. It was as though he’d lost his soul along with the pendant.
Thus, this emerald pendant was now his most precious treasure. He couldn’t lose it once more.
Skylar looked up and glanced at him. Then, she stared at Joe.
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Edwin’s refusal was within their expectations, so they weren’t surprised. Negative items tended to befuddle people.
However, Molly’s attempt to stop them elicited their suspicion.
Joe asked, “Was the pendant given to you? Or did you win it in an auction?” asked Joe.
Edwin sighed. What a relief! Joe hadn’t continued demanding he take it out. He replied, “Oh, I bought it while I was overseas. It only cost eight million dollars. What a bargain.”
“It definitely isn’t a regular pendant. You wouldn’t have sent a search party to look for it if that was the case.” Joe changed the topic and continued asking for the pendant. He was forceful with his demands. Even Molly inhaled sharply at his request.
Edwin’s face was devoid of color as he complained, “I’ve told you. It’s just a cheap little thing. Why do you need to look at it?”
As he spoke, he pulled it out.
People wouldn’t believe it if word got out, but Edwin was terrified of Joe. This had been a point of embarrassment for Edwin multiple times.
However, he knew Joe’s tactics. If not, why would Edwin have stayed out of the country for years?
Once Joe was handed the pendant, he confirmed that it was the one in Skylar’s picture. Then, he looked at her.
Skylar nodded.
After making sure, Joe looked up and said, “I know what you’ve been doing overseas. It might have something to do with his pendant. Do you know that many negative items have been popping up in Jipsburg?”
Edwin froze upon hearing the mention of negative items. He averted his eyes as though he was terrified that they would pick up on something.
Then, he said, “I heard Mr. Doherty’s family members bring up the topic of a negative item. However, this pendant of mine isn’t one. I’ve worn it for years. Don’t believe that those items would kill others. Isn’t my current health proof that it won’t happen?”
“I think you’ve overthought it. This is just a normal emerald pendant. Edwin has worn it too long and got attached to it,” added Molly hurriedly.
Joe raised an eyebrow and intoned, “Oh?”
Clearly, Joe and Molly knew that it was a negative item. Despite knowing its nature, Edwin still wore it. Something was definitely up.
“I’ll keep it with me or now. Let’s take a tour of your study,” Joe said. He pocketed the pendant, ignoring Edwin and Molly’s distraught expressions.
Joe took Skylar’s hand and walked upstairs.
“Joe, this is my favorite emerald pendant. I can’t give it to you. If you liked anything else, I would’ve given it to you, except for this!” Edwin was extremely vehement in his displeasure as he trailed behind them.
Molly added while panicking, “Yeah, I’ve got a few pretty antiques with me. You two can choose a gift if you like.”
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Joe ignored them entirely.
While Joe walked upstairs, he whispered into Skylar’s ear, “Immediately inform me if you pick up on anything wrong. Leave everything else to me. You don’t have to pay them any attention.”
Skylar looked back at Edwin and Molly. Their panic was written across their faces.
Suddenly, she felt like Joe’s future was a little bleak. A father like Edwin who didn’t know what was best for him was a ticking time bomb.
For some reason, Skylar felt like there was a weight upon her shoulders. She had a bad feeling about this.
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Chapter 834
Skylar hadn’t figured out why she felt that way when they stepped into Edwin’s study.
Edwin’s study was big, but it didn’t show many signs of use. A glass cupboard held a few antiques that looked quite valuable.
Skylar followed Joe over and studied every single one of them in detail.
“I can give you anything you want from this collection. However, I can’t part with the emerald pendant in your hand,” Edwin hurriedly said after catching up with them.
Joe ignored him, looking at Skylar instead.
She observed them one by one. Then, she shook her head. There was nothing wrong with the antiques.
Skylar scanned her surroundings. None of the decorative items in the room were negative items either.
“None of these are interesting enough for me. I’ll be taking the pendant with me,” announced Joe. He took Skylar’s hand and left Edwin’s study, paying no mind to Edwin’s protests.
Edwin was about to explode with fury. Joe had shown up just to piss him off, hadn’t he? He knew Edwin valued the pendant, so he came to take it away from Edwin.
“No way. I’ve worn the pendant for years and gotten used to having it with me. I’ll feel out of sorts if I give it to you,” refused Edwin.
Joe was basically robbing him.
It didn’t matter whether the pendant was a negative item or not. What mattered was that it would help him achieve his goals and remain happily alive.
Joe stood in place. He looked down at Edwin disdainfully. Edwin’s heart raced.
“I don’t care about what you’re trying to achieve using this crap. From this moment onward, stop whatever it is, commanded Joe coldly.
Edwin was rendered speechless for a moment.
Molly insisted stiffly, “It isn’t a piece of crap. It’s a lucky talisman your dad likes to wear. Don’t think of this pendant as something evil just because other families were dealt an unfortunate hand. Right now, you’re no better than a robber.”
“I think you know the consequences of wearing the pendant,” Skylar interjected. She stared into Molly’s eyes.
Molly froze for a moment. Then, she broke eye contact with Skylar as though she had something to hide. She huffed, “What would I know? What consequences would it bring? It’s just an emerald pendant. I’m no longer indulging in superstitious traditions at my age and you shouldn’t too. It isn’t a good thing to be superstitious.”
“If I find another similar object, you’ll suffer the same fate as Lester,” Joe threatened. There was no need to waste time giving them advice. Threats were especially effective.
Molly quietened, looking affronted.
Edwin’s eyes widened.
The asshole! Joe was a little shit! He was Edwin’s son. How audacious of Joe to threaten him!
Edwin trembled with anger. He remembered Lester Ross‘ fate. Death would’ve been preferable over what
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he went through,
Even today, Lester could only dream of returning to the country. He’d been Edwin’s most trusted friend. They were as close as brothers. Who knew Joe would deal with him in such a cruel way?
Now, he even used Lester against him as a threat!
A few minutes after Joe and Skylar left, Edwin could no longer contain his anger. He grabbed a vase and threw it at the door with a loud crash.
All the helpers were terrified. They didn’t even dare to move a muscle.
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Molly woke from her stupor. After realizing that Joe had taken the pendant, a thought popped into her head. She said, “He hasn’t picked up on
Mat’s going on, has he? Do you think he might’ve found the fountain pen we had Jenny give him?”
Edwin had forgotten all about this. At Molly’s reminder, he paled.
Slowly, he calmed down. Then, he replied, “I don’t think so. If he had found out about that, he wouldn’t have settled with just taking my pendant. Losing it was my mistake. I forgot we were in Jipsburg. I let the news get out on how I was seeking it out. It was only a matter of time before he knew.”
Joe was the bane of his existence!
“Now what? He’ll definitely destroy the pendant now that he’s taken it from us. Have you forgotten what the master said? Only by wearing the pendant for long stretches of time will Joe’s power diminish. When that happens, you’ll rule over the Martins. No one will be able to hold a candle to your power.” Molly frowned.
Edwin inhaled deeply and said, “I’ve been wearing it for years now. Have you seen any sign of Joe weakening? On the contrary, he’s been gaining his footing in the Martin family. Perhaps it’s just a psychological trick.”
Molly was stunned. Edwin used to keep the emerald pendant close to him as though it was his most priceless treasure. He wouldn’t have referred to it as a psychological trick.
After returning to Jipsburg, things were spinning out of control!
She glanced back at Edwin. He seemed to not be too bothered by having the pendant taken from him. The fury that had burned in his eyes was cooling.
A few months ago, the master told them that Joe wouldn’t be able to hold on for long. However, in their Joe, he seemed completely fine. There was nothing about him that suggested he was on the brink of death.
recent meetings with
In early photographs of Joe, he looked much more grim than he did now.
Suddenly, Molly thought of Skylar.
Her appearance had caused a change in the situation Molly thought had been set in stone.
All the families in Jipsburg should’ve sunken into a state of chaos. Yet, that wasn’t happening. A lot of the negative items had been destroyed.
FRIE
Someone from the Doherty family had told her that Skylar helped them.
Skylar was so young. Was she that capable?
“Alright, stop annoying me. If it’s gone, so be it. Either way, we’ve still got the fountain pen. It’s still in Joe’s office. It would be great if it hurt Joe, but if it doesn’t have much of an effect on him we can do nothing about it,” Edwin said. He didn’t understand why he suddenly wasn’t too concerned over the pendant. This feeling snuck up to him out of the blue. He couldn’t put a finger on it.
Molly paled as she balled her fists. Her efforts would’ve been for naught if this scheme didn’t yield results.
No, there was still the fountain pen. It was hidden perfectly. There would be no accidents on that front.
Skylar dealt with the emerald pendant on the way back to Galaxy Villa.
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“I’ve got a suggestion.“.
Skylar glanced at Joe, whose jaw was clenched.
“Do say,” replied Joe. The chill in his eyes dissipated.
Skylar proposed, “Put a surveillance team on them. I think they know the person behind all the negative Skylar proposed, “Put a surveillance team on th items whom we’re trying to find In addition, they’ve probably interacted with each other more than once.” items whom we’re trying to find in addition, the
Joe nodded and said, “I’ve had people watching them for years. However, I left a few things and people out of my consideration. I’ve sent someone to look into it. Soon, I’ll be given a list of people who have interacted with them frequently.”
“In reality, you aren’t safe. Have they gifted you anything recently?” Skylar was concerned. She felt like she was missing something.
Joe thought for a moment.
Then, he shook his head and assured Skylar, “They can’t touch me.”
Suddenly, Lucas stepped on the brakes.
Chapter 836
It was a relief that they’d put on their seatbelts.
“Mr. Martin, there’s been an accident.”
Skylar and Joe’s eyes met. Ther; they looked in front. A car in front of them had suddenly braked the car after knocking a man down.
Although only a few minutes had passed since the accident, a crowd had gathered around the man, and the road had become extremely congested.
Skylar observed the left wheel of the car in front of them. Blood pooled beneath it. It looked like the victim was badly injured.
“Mr. Martin, based on the situation before us, this road will remain congested for quite a while.”
They would be lucky if they could leave in 30 minutes.
Skylar glanced at the time. It was 7:00 pm already.
Joe scanned his surroundings and suggested, “There’s a mall over there. Would you like to go?”
She followed his gaze and saw the aforementioned mall. She had been there before.
The seasons were about to change. It was a good time to go shopping.
“Alright, let’s go.”
They got out of the car and passed the car in front of them. Medics and police had arrived at the scene. There was no doubt that the victim would be sent to the hospital soon.
Suddenly, Skylar thought of the accident she’d been in before her rebirth.
When her legs were fractured by the car running over her, Skylar felt it. The agony terrified her whenever she recalled it.
“Are you afraid?” Joe noticed that Skylar had paled considerably after looking at the scene of the accident.
It was a bloody scene. The victim appeared to have lost consciousness.
Skylar wasn’t scared. She just didn’t want a repeat performance of what had happened.
Life was unpredictable. The only thing she could do was protect herself.
Joe and Skylar strolled through the mall leisurely.
First, Skylar bought a set of skincare products. She was about to finish her current set. Then, they sauntered over to look at female outfits.
When Skylar saw some she liked, she went to try them out. Joe waited for her patiently on the couch. She didn’t want to keep him waiting, so Skylar changed quickly.
She left the dressing room and admired how it looked on her. She tried on a summer dress and paired it with a woolen cardigan. Skylar approved of how it looked at her.
www.
The simple dress and the cardigan cost about ten thousand dollars. Although Skylar was working and making her own money now, she still believed it was too expensive.
Although she’d been in this mall before, she’d forgotten that the clothes here cost an arm and a leg.
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Just as Skylar was about to take it off in the dressing room, a woman announced, “Her outfit looks good. I like it. Bring me an identical set in the same size as hers. I’d like to try it.”
Her voice sounded familiar, but Skylar couldn’t quite place it. She turned back, only to find that it was Felicia.
Felicia froze for a second upon seeing Skylar. She wasn’t expecting Skylar to be the one trying the clothes out, nor had she expected Skylar to have such an excellent figure. She made a simple outfit look remarkably sexy, However, it looked far from cheap on her.
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On the contrary, Skylar looked like an elegant black swan. In other words, she had a better figure than a model. She was dangerously attractive.
However, Felicia believed that her outfit contributed to that. Seeing how it looked on Skylar drove her to try it on.
“My apologies. We only have a singular piece for this outfit,” said the promoter.
“Why would that be?” Annoyance twisted her features.
Felicia was no longer a celebrity. She had to return to Ingram Residence and was forced to join her family’s company. She was being controlled at every turn, and she loathed it. In addition, all her family members were terrified of offending Joe because of her. Life was looking down.
She’d gone shopping as a reprieve from her daily life. Felicia used to have brands deliver the season’s newest arrivals to her doorstep.
Upon seeing Skylar, she felt immensely uncomfortable. A complicated mix of emotions swirled within
Felicia.
It was all Skylar’s fault!
If Skylar hadn’t stepped in, Felicia would’ve succeeded in forcing Charles out of the entertainment
industry! For the past few weeks, she hadn’t dared to leave the house in fear of getting laughed at. She wasn’t expecting to run into Skylar on her first foray back into public.
Skylar didn’t want that outfit. She told the promoter, “I don’t really like his outfit. You can give it to her.
Just as Skylar finished speaking, Joe countered, “The outfit isn’t bad. We’ll take it.”
He had been replying to a message and hadn’t gotten the chance to take a good look at her outfit.
Now, his Adam’s apple bobbed upon seeing the dress hugging her figure. Many people shared this style but none looked as good as Skylar. At least, that was what he thought.
The promoter replied immediately, “Alright!”
If Skylar continued refusing, it would make her out to be too pretentious. Thus, she didn’t speak out against it. She immediately went back to the changing room and changed back into her clothes.
This outfit couldn’t be worn just yet. In a few days, temperatures would drop. This dress would be perfect
in that weather.
Felicia was happily surprised by Skylar’s treatment of her as a stranger. She was ecstatic to be in Joe’s
presence too.
When Felicia thought of how similar she looked with Skylar, her eyes flashed. As Skylar entered the changing room, she said, “Mr. Martin, what happened between Skylar and me was a misunderstanding. Upon reflecting on it, I realized that it was my fault. Could you give me a chance to re–enter the entertainment industry?”
Felicia had had it with her current situation. She was stifled by the atmosphere with the Ingrams.
All her old friends began keeping their distance from her. Her suitors had disappeared as well. Felicia no longer wanted to live a life of getting ignored by others
Joe was expressionless. He stared at Felicia as though she was a stranger to him. Then, he asked, “Who are you?”
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“Mr. Martin, don’t you recognize me?”
How could this be? They’d seen each other multiple times.
Joe’s eyes darkened. He didn’t reply. His patience was dissipating.
Embarrassment colored Felicia’s features. Thankfully, she’d grown a little smarter.
“I… I was being too presumptuous. My apologies.”
Then, she escaped from the boutique.
Just as she left, Jeremy walked in with a short–haired beauty on his arm.
She carried a new, limited–edition purse. She praised, “Mr. Hughes, I love the pieces from this boutique. It accentuates my curves.”
They were lost in each other’s eyes and oblivious to everything else around them.
Joe glared at them. Upon seeing the woman beside Jeremy, he raised a brow.
At the same time, Skylar came out of the changing room and said to Natalie over the phone, “What a coincidence. I’m…”
Before she could finish her sentence, she caught sight of Jeremy and the beauty by his side. It was the girl she’d seen at the café.
Jeremy realized someone was observing him. He glanced away from the girl and met eyes with Skylar and Joe.
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Chapter 838
Jeremy’s face fell. Clearly, running into Skylar and Joe was a surprise.
“What a coincidence, eh?” started Jeremy.
Joe hummed in response.
Skylar was stunned by the situation. Natalie was bewildered by Skylar’s sudden silence. She chirped, Skye, why have you gone silent? Is your line breaking up? No matter. I know where the boutique you mentioned is. Give me two minutes and I’ll be with you!”
Before Skylar could say anything else, Natalie hung up. Skylar was left to listen to the beeping line.
She had no choice but to put her phone away.
In the past, she hadn’t had the chance to get a good look at the woman’s face. Now, she could see her clearly.
She looked like the female lead of a viral coming–of–age drama, Helena Hart. It depicted a love story happening within the walls of a college. Helena played the role of a young, cheery woman. It propelled her to stardom. She was the newest rising star of coming–of–age shows.
Apparently, Helena knew Joe. She asked, “Mr. Martin?”
She followed Joe’s gaze and glanced at Skylar. A sense of danger took over her. Helena didn’t think Skylar was a celebrity. She’d never seen a woman with such blinding beauty in the industry.
Jeremy nodded at Skylar. She woke from her stupor and nodded back at him.
The promoter came back with the pieces packed into neat bags. She said, “Mr. and Mrs. Martin, I’ve packed them up.”
Joe handed her a card. Upon seeing that it was a black card, her eyes lit up. She immediately tapped it to their terminal.
“I’ll look at their pieces,” declared Helena. She was intelligent enough not to dwell on who Skylar was. She hadn’t heard of anyone in the industry who had relations with Joe, not to mention rumors were flying around about Vera and Joe’s impending engagement. However, Skylar definitely wasn’t Vera. Rumors weren’t always true.
In the past, Jeremy had promised he’d never get involved with a sugar baby from the entertainment industry. If he’d kept to that promise, why would he appear before Helena and shower her with the resources from her wildest dreams? She’d even become the ambassador of multiple Hughes Group products.
She had to be sensitive to the situation. If a question was unwelcome, she wouldn’t pose it.
Jeremy approached Joe and Skylar. He asked, “Why don’t we have dinner together?”
Skylar looked over at Joe and waited for his response. Then, she would find a way to refuse his
suggestion.
“No thanks. We’ve just eaten,” replied Joe.
Jeremy was unfazed. He said, “Alright. When you’re free, we can play some basketball together.”
He asked Skylar, “Have you been busy?”
“Things are alright,” said Skylar.
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She was thinking about how to prevent Jeremy and Natalie from meeting. In their last meeting in the elevator, the air hummed with awkwardness. Natalie would’ve needed time to make her way over.
Thus, Skylar said, “I just thought of a night cream I forgot to buy. I’ll head over to purchase it. Then, I’ll meet you back here later.”
Joe raised a brow and proposed, “I’ll go with you.”
She was about to turn him down when someone rushed in. She announced, “Skye, I’m here! Aren’t I fast? I can find any boutique in this mall with my eyes closed!
Natalie beamed brightly. She’d become much tanner. Perhaps it was because she’d been spending a lot of time outside. Although she wasn’t as fair as she used to be, she was still glowing.
She was like a mini sun. Her appearance swept away all the darkness. One look at her and Skylar knew she had been doing very well recently. She seemed carefree.
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Jeremy stiffened. His face paled as he turned back slowly to watch Natalie walk in.
At the start, Natalie hadn’t noticed Jeremy. She caught sight of Skylar upon coming in and treated Jeremy as another customer. After all, he had his back to her.
When Jeremy turned about, Natalie halted in her tracks. Her smile froze on her face. She never expected to see Jeremy in a boutique, of all places.
Knowing a mall too well wasn’t always a good thing.
“Are you here to shop too?” Natalie started the conversation.
Jeremy looked at Natalie with dark eyes. There was an air about her that was unfamiliar to him.
“Mr. Hughes, what do you think of this piece?”
Helena strutted out of the changing room. She observed herself in the mirror before turning to Jeremy.
Yet, Jeremy was staring at a woman she didn’t know. In addition, he was so intent on studying her that he didn’t even hear Helena speak to him. She repeated, “Mr. Hughes?”
Everyone noticed her presence when she addressed him for the second time.
Natalie realized something upon seeing how Helena looked at Jeremy, not to mention the fact that they were at a boutique together.
In the past, Jeremy had constantly been busy. He never went shopping with Natalie. Although she felt a little bitter about it, she pushed such feelings away. It was good for him to start a new relationship.
Natalie knew Helena. She was the female lead of a campus drama that had been going viral. After taking up the post as Austin’s assistant, Natalie was in the loop with what went on in the entertainment industry.
“You’re Helena Hart, aren’t you? I’ve seen the drama you acted in. Your acting is impeccable. You look great in this piece!” Natalie praised.
In reality, she thought Skylar would’ve looked better. In her eyes, Skylar had the perfect figure–she was a natural–born model. That being said, Helena had an excellent figure, too–at least it was better than hers.
Natalie had grown a little plumper recently. She liked her figure now. If not, she felt she had the figure of a
man.
She had to acknowledge that Jeremy had always liked women with curves. Only he didn’t know his preferences.
Divorce was an opportunity for rebirth.
“Thanks,” said Helena with a smile.
She observed Jeremy imperceptibly.
“How did you get here so fast?” asked Skylar.
Natalie walked closer and explained, “I used to shop here all the time. I’ve gone into nearly every single shop here.”
Then, she turned to Joe and said, “I would like Skylar to come shopping with me. I’ll bring her back to you a café around here with wonderful coffee. I’ll treat you to a
In half an hour. Would that be alright?”
cup.”
Joe hummed expressionlessly.
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Natalie immediately pulled Skylar away with her.
As she paced Jeremy, she noticed he was looking at her. Her eyes flashed, and she stopped walking.
Natalie said, “Jer, I wish you nothing but happiness.”
Joe didn’t hear it. Helen, who’d been standing before the mirror, didn’t hear it as well.
Jeremy’s expression changed abruptly. She called him Jer like how she used to at their first meeting decades ago. He balled his fists. He could tell that Natalie was delivering her most genuine wishes. She believed Helen
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Natalie hooked an arm around Skylar’s and walked out with her. She hadn’t noticed Jeremy’s change in expression. His eyes were stuck to her as she left.
Jeremy didn’t even realize when Helena sidled up to him.
Not only did that woman know Jeremy, but she also knew Joe and Skylar. That was her name, wasn’t it?
In addition, Jeremy looked at her in a weird way. It was as though he couldn’t see anyone else when he was staring at her. Her instinct flagged Natalie out as a threat. She said, “Mr. Hughes, let’s continue shopping.”
Jeremy shook himself out of his daydream. He looked down to hide his red–rimmed eyes. Then, he said,” That’s enough shopping for today. Let’s go.”
He turned to Joe and added, “I’ll take my leave now.”
Joe nodded. He glanced at Helena thoughtfully. Then, he walked out.
Natalie and Skylar walked into a shop selling male clothes.
“I don’t have much savings. I can’t gift Mr. Powell luxury suits. However, I can manage a tie. You’ve got great taste. Help me pick one.”
Austin’s birthday was in a few days. Everyone in the company secretly prepared gifts for him.
Natalie had come to the mall to pick a gift out. Initially, she planned to take pictures and send them to Skylar to select one. She was surprised to find out Skylar was in the mall. This was even better.
Skylar was relieved to realize Natalie truly didn’t care that Jeremy had a new girlfriend. She focused on selecting ties with Natalie and asked, “How about this one?”
“This one looks good. However, it doesn’t look like something Mr. Powell would wear. On the other hand, it looks like Mr. Martin’s style. Why don’t you buy one for him? You’re already here, after all,” suggested, Natalie.
Skylar thought of how Joe had just paid for her clothes. A tie would be an adequate token of exchange. “I would like this one.” Skylar pointed it out to the promoter standing there. She continued, “Help me bag it
up.”
Then, she continued helping Natalie pick a gift.
It didn’t look like Natalie had a favorite one. She chatted with Skylar. “Jeremy has got a new crush, and I’m really happy for him. I’ve made sense of things. I’ve got to look to the future rather than get lost in the past.
“When I reflect upon our time together, I realize that Jeremy and I aren’t really suited for each other. I’ve heard of Helena. She’s professional and hardworking. Her career hasn’t been smooth sailing for the past six or seven years. She’s probably an excellent woman.
“It looks like you’ve let go of your relationship with Jeremy. Skylar believed Natalie had grown and changed.
Natalie was exposed to many new experiences since getting to know Austin. She opened herself to the wonders of the world.
She nodded and replied, “At the start, I couldn’t get past what happened. However, I’ve opened my mind to possibilities since the divorce. Skylar, love isn’t the only thing in one’s life. Look, no matter what
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happens, you’ll always be my best friend! Mr. Powell is a great boss, and Hank is a great manager
“My parents have stopped worrying about me. They even began following Mr. Powell’s career closely Everything is proceeding in a great direction.”
Jeremy was also moving forward.
Everyone was safe and happy with their own life trajectory and goals. Wasrit that awesome?
The two women browsed through a few more shops. In the end, Natalie selected a woolen scarf. He could wrap it around him on planes. It would also be useful when winter rolled around, thus making it an extremely practical gift.
Joe didn’t drink coffee in the end. At this hour, it would jeopardize his quality of sleep.
He stood outside the mall and smoked.
His heart sank when he thought of how things were going on between Joe and Skylar. Before he realized it, he’d gone through four cigarettes.
When Skylar came out, she saw Joe smoking. He seemed to be in a bad mood.
Joe looked up and saw Skylar. He asked, “Are you done shopping?”
“Yeah, Natalie ran into a colleague. They’re going to shop for a while more. Let’s head home.”
Skylar recalled the tie she’d bought. She handed the bag to him and said, “There’s a tie inside. Have a look
at it and see whether it’s to your liking. If you don’t like it, I’ll go back and exchange it for another one.”
Surprised flashed across Joe’s icy orbs. Then, his eyes lit up with mirth. He said, “I’ll take a look.” The tie had been packaged beautifully.
