Chapter 901

chapter901

Jeremy understood Austin’s intentions all too well—it was clear the man had strategic designs on Natalie. To make matters more complicated, Natalie remained somewhat oblivious when it came to the subtleties of romantic maneuvering.

Until now, Austin had carefully guarded his true motives, revealing a depth of patience and plotting that Jeremy found both impressive and deeply unsettling.

“I misunderstood the situation,” Jeremy said, his voice dropping into a solemn tone.

Natalie’s expression softened, if only by a fraction. “If that’s all you have to say, I’ll be leaving now.”

“Wait a moment,” Jeremy called out before she could step away.

Natalie paused and turned back to him, her brow slightly arched. “Is there something else?”

Jeremy stared at her for a long moment, his gaze searching hers before he spoke in a low, resonant voice. “I’m still in contact with Helena. Natalie, I’m actually here on your behalf this time.”

Natalie’s expression shifted instantly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. “You…”

A few days later, Skylar found herself browsing alone in an upscale shopping mall. She needed to refresh her collection of intimate apparel, specifically looking for some high-quality lace pieces.

Joe was out golfing with friends for the day. Their plan was to meet near the mall in the evening for a Wiscadian dinner. While she was there, she decided to pick up a few essentials for Joe as well, along with two sets of premium silk loungewear for their home.

“Skylar?”

Skylar turned at the sound of her name. Standing there, draped in elegance, was Vera.

“What a coincidence! I didn’t expect to run into you here,” Vera said, stepping closer with a warm, practiced smile. She acted as if there had never been a moment of friction between them.

Skylar’s response was measured and cool. “It is quite a coincidence.”

“I’ve always favored the designs in this store as well. It seems we share very similar tastes,” Vera remarked, her words laced with a subtle, double meaning that didn't escape Skylar’s notice.

Skylar’s polite smile faded. “Is that so?”

“Have you made up your mind yet, Skylar? I think deep down you know exactly what choice you ought to make.” Vera’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold, predatory light in her eyes. Her tone carried an unspoken threat.

Skylar didn't flinch. “I don't intend to answer the same question twice, Vera.”

“I’m giving you a window to reconsider,” Vera said, tilting her chin up with an air of practiced superiority. “If you let this opportunity slip, there won't be another one.”

She looked entirely confident in her eventual victory, as if offering Skylar a choice was an act of grand charity. Skylar had no desire to waste her breath on Vera’s theatrics. Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving Vera standing among the silk displays.

Vera’s face darkened with a flash of genuine anger. We’ll see how you handle the consequences, she thought bitterly.

Vera glanced down at her phone. She had sent Joe a WhatsApp message earlier about her upcoming birthday, and his response had been a curt, non-committal three words: “We’ll see.”

Her birthday was only a few days away. Her friends had organized a lavish party—her first major social event since returning to Jipsburg. It was supposed to be her grand re-entry into the city's elite circles, and Joe’s presence was the centerpiece of her plan. His vague response felt like a sharp, physical pain in her chest.

She bit her lip and walked out of the store, exiting the mall into the crisp air. As she reached the curb to wait for her ride, she caught sight of a familiar, high-end car pulling into the VIP lane.

It was Joe’s car.