Chapter 401
chapter401
Intimately familiar with Joe’s temper, Skylar couldn’t help but wonder what was crossing his mind. With Gloria in such close proximity, was he truly entertaining such burning, restless thoughts? Feeling flustered, Skylar quickly looked away.
“Grandma,” Skylar said, her voice sweet and childlike. “How about I stay with you tonight at Pearlhall Residence? We have so much to catch up on.”
Gloria’s face lit up. “That sounds lovely! I have so much to share with you too. We’ll stay at Pearlhall tonight. I’ll tell Edgar to prepare some snacks and fruit. We can relax, watch TV, and chat all evening.”
Joe’s gaze darkened as he watched Skylar. Suddenly, Gloria seemed to realize his presence. “Actually, why don’t you call Lucas to take you back to Galaxy Villa? Skye and I will be fine on our own tonight.” She clearly desired a private conversation, and Joe’s presence was becoming a hindrance.
Feeling a familiar sting of rejection, Joe scowled. “Are you my grandmother or Skylar’s?”
“I’m both yours and Skye’s,” Gloria firmly declared.
Joe couldn’t find the words to argue, silently fuming over the thought of returning to Galaxy Villa alone. He cast a glance at Skylar, who seemed quietly smug. She had successfully avoided him today, but he knew tomorrow would be a different story.
Skylar caught Joe’s intense, possessive stare in the rearview mirror, and an uneasy prickle danced across her skin.
“Why do you keep staring at her?” Gloria snorted. “You act like you can’t even sleep without her around.”
To their surprise, Joe admitted flatly, “Actually, I can’t.” He was already planning to make up for lost time the next day.
Gloria rolled her eyes. Tonight, she just wanted quality time with Skylar. Besides, she had heard whispers from the staff at Galaxy Villa about how often the linens needed changing lately. Joe needed some self-control, she thought; he was going to wear Skylar out at this rate. That look in his eyes was one of pure, unadulterated desire.
When they reached the next intersection, Joe got out and drove back to Galaxy Villa on his own, while Gloria and Skylar continued to Pearlhall Residence. Thirty minutes later, Joe arrived home. After showering, he climbed into the large, strangely empty bed. He had become far too accustomed to Skylar’s warmth beside him. As the realization struck, his expression darkened further.
Meanwhile, Jacky was engrossed in a new case file. He typically visited the Martin Group on Mondays and Fridays, dedicating the rest of his time to his law firm. Within half an hour of starting his workday, his assistant, Emily Diaz, walked in.
“Mr. Lourdes, there are two gentlemen here to see you without an appointment. They say it’s regarding a Ms. Sullivan,” she announced.
“Ms. Sullivan?” Jacky immediately thought of Skylar.
“Yes, sir.”
“Please, show them in.”
A few minutes later, Jeffrey and Peter entered the office. Jacky looked up from his documents, recognizing Peter from previous encounters and Jeffrey from various social functions. Their unexpected arrival piqued his curiosity, though his professional mask remained unchanged. His mind began to race with legal calculations. The Williams family, it seemed, was never far from trouble.