Shirley raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow and smiled with subtle implication. “You’re really lucky to be with Mr. Martin.”
In their world, having a powerful backer was more than just advantageous—it was a ticket to fortune and fame. Many women dreamed of catching Joe Martin’s attention, but most could only admire him from afar. Contact was rare. Opportunity? Almost nonexistent.
Skylar immediately understood the deeper layer to Shirley’s words. She considered correcting her—but decided against it. There was no point. Tonight was likely the first and last time she’d cross paths with most of the people in this room.
“You’d be wasting your looks not stepping into showbiz,” Shirley added, studying Skylar with a critical yet appreciative gaze.
With her figure, beauty, and mysterious air, Skylar had the kind of presence that could dominate screens. And with Joe behind her? Stardom would be all but guaranteed.
Skylar smiled politely. “Everyone has their strengths. I don’t enjoy being in front of a camera.”
Shirley shrugged, nodding. “Fair enough. If I weren’t acting, I wouldn’t have a clue what else I’d be doing.”
The conversation eased into small talk for a few moments until the door suddenly swung open.
“Mr. Jakeman, sorry I’m late. Happy birthday!”
Both Skylar and Shirley turned to look.
A woman entered wearing a flowing white dress, her aura both pure and radiant. It was Annie—the sweetheart of the screen, exuding charm that contrasted with her dignified television persona. Standing among models and celebrities, she didn’t appear the least bit overshadowed.
After offering her birthday wishes to Rowan, Annie’s eyes moved across the room—and landed on Joe. Her surprise was clear. “Mr. Martin, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Rowan waved a hand. “You’re not late. We haven’t even touched the cake yet.”
Annie walked directly toward Rowan and Joe, as if no one else existed. She handed Rowan a neatly wrapped gift bag. “Your present.”
“Appreciate it,” Rowan replied casually.
But he wasn’t blind—he noticed Annie’s repeated, almost shy glances toward Joe.
Grinning, Rowan teased, “Didn’t you two just see each other the other day on your show? Why do you still act like strangers?”
A flush of red crept into Annie’s cheeks. “Can you not talk nonsense on your birthday, Mr. Jakeman?”
Joe, ever composed, gave Annie a slight nod—a minimal gesture that nonetheless acknowledged her. In their circles, a nod from Joe was enough to suggest recognition. But what lay beneath that surface was anyone’s guess.
Rowan’s gaze shifted toward Skylar. He couldn’t help but wonder: why did it feel like Joe was warmer to his ‘secretary’ than to Annie?
Just then, Skylar, still observing Joe and Annie from a distance, felt someone step close to her. A voice whispered behind her ear.
“Do you know Annie?” It was Mark. “Joe doesn’t need you anymore. How about coming over to my side? I may not offer what Joe does—but I don’t come without perks.”
Skylar blinked, startled. She hadn’t expected him to be so bold—or so pathetic. His voice was low, as if he feared being overheard.
She turned slowly to face him, her expression growing cold. Just hours ago, Joe had told her Annie meant nothing to him. But their interaction tonight—while not overly intimate—was enough to raise questions.
Joe was always calm, always restrained. Sometimes too restrained. It made him hard to read, difficult to trust in moments like these.
“Mr. Martin and I are not what you think,” she said, voice icy.
Mark smirked, undeterred. “Oh? And what do I think? Do you expect me to believe you’re just his secretary? That role already belongs to Paul. You, my dear, are likely just there to warm his bed.”
His eyes darkened with lust as he scanned her face, her flawless skin, her poised demeanor. Up close, Skylar was even more intoxicating—elegant, composed, and untouchable. Exactly the kind of woman who drove men like Mark mad.
Skylar’s eyes narrowed in disgust.
She didn’t want to cause trouble, considering Mark was one of Joe’s friends. But enough was enough.
“And if I’m not just a secretary or a bed-warmer,” she said coolly, “can you imagine what else I might be?”
She stepped closer, voice calm but edged with danger. “If you want to stay in Joe’s good graces, you’d better take back what you just said. Because I’m not great at keeping secrets. And who knows… I might let something slip in front of him any minute now.”
Mark’s smug grin faltered. “You little—”
He bit back the insult, frustrated and rattled. He hadn’t expected such a soft-spoken girl to hit back so hard.
Skylar didn’t flinch.
She had walked into this room underestimated. And now, she was walking out as the most unforgettable woman there.
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