“I’m wondering whether or not they’re the same person,” John said, his thoughts racing.
He had only one nephew and he didn’t want to see Caleb get misled by a girl before he was even 20. There were too many girls out there with ulterior motives, and Caleb was still too young to handle that.
Joe’s expression remained calm as ever. “It should be the same person. Your nephew isn’t that old yet, right? Is he of legal age?”
“He’s turning 19, but kids these days mature quickly. He had a lot of girls chasing him in high school. I think Skylar is about four or five years older than him. He said it’s a trend to find an older girl, and he’s willing to be her ‘young hunk,’” John replied. He then asked, “Could you tell me what your relationship with Skylar is?”
Joe’s demeanor didn’t change. “Tell your nephew not to get any ideas about her.”
John raised an eyebrow. “Are you bedmates with her, or…”
“Husband and wife,” Joe replied, his tone casual.
It was like a bombshell dropping in the room—an explosive revelation that stunned everyone.
“Since when did you get married? Why don’t I know? Rowan and the others don’t seem to know either. They all thought you two were in some situationship. But she’s actually your wife?” John asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. His composure faltered, leaving him in a state of shock.
“It’s a covert marriage. Don’t let Rowan or anyone else find out,” Joe said firmly.
John nodded slowly. “Okay. Once that blabbermouth finds out, the whole of Jipsburg might know. My nephew falls for a girl for the first time, only to find out she’s yours.”
Joe gave a slight smile. “He has good taste.”
“My dad mentioned that your wife’s impressive. She’s young but more capable than most in your team,” John continued, now settling into the idea of calling Skylar Joe’s wife.
Joe’s expression softened just slightly at the mention of Skylar. “She’s good in that regard.”
John, who rarely heard Joe praise anyone—especially women—was taken aback. “You really love her?” he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
If Joe didn’t love Skylar, he wouldn’t have married her. It was that simple.
Joe paused, his voice lowering. “Love? My marriage doesn’t require love. My grandmother just likes her very much.”
With that, Joe’s stern demeanor returned, as if the conversation had shifted back to business.
John, now understanding the deeper dynamics, realized that Joe’s marriage to Skylar wasn’t driven by passion, but by a sense of duty to Gloria. But did Joe truly not have any feelings for Skylar?
Though John had never met Skylar, Rowan had described her before, and from the description, she seemed to fit Joe’s ideal type.
Meanwhile, Annie had already pieced together most of the puzzle from Maisy’s recount.
Based on Maisy’s description, Skylar came off as selfish and willing to sacrifice her dignity for money. She was even living off someone else’s wealth now—though Maisy didn’t know who that was.
But Annie knew.
She thought about how someone like Skylar could be supported by Joe, with her future seemingly set. Annie rarely let her emotions get the best of her, but now, she could feel a wave of discomfort.
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