Unfortunately, Samuel couldn’t see much. All he managed to spot was a sleek, limited-edition car—the kind he couldn’t even get on a waiting list for.
Joe Martin’s name had been coming up a lot lately, especially in business circles. Williams Group, his family’s company, was facing serious trouble. If Joe were to lend even a hint of support, it could completely change their fortunes.
“Seeing Joe here isn’t surprising,” one of his friends said. “This hot spring resort is owned by the Martins. It’s perfectly normal for them to come here to relax.”
“Can we follow them?” Samuel asked, eyes still glued to the car.
His friend stared at him like he had grown two heads. “Are you crazy? Do you even know who we’re talking about? That’s Joe Martin. If you dare to stalk him, you won’t last long in Jipsburg.”
A chill ran down Samuel’s spine, and he quickly tried to laugh it off. “I was just joking.”
“Yeah, well, don’t joke about things like that,” another friend chimed in. “I heard Williams Group is trying to get Joe to help out. Are you seriously thinking of approaching him like this?”
“Think it through. Your family doesn’t have any relationship with the Martins. Why would he help you? And if you tick him off, you might destroy your last chance at saving the company. You can mess with anyone in Jipsburg—except Joe Martin.”
Samuel fell silent, any ambition of talking to Joe instantly vanishing.
But his mind was still racing. Could Martin Group have cut ties with Williams Group because of what happened last time? Maybe it was about Maisy… her attempt to get close to Joe had definitely been bold. But still—Maisy was beautiful, intelligent, and kind. Joe couldn’t possibly dislike her… could he?
—
When Skylar stepped out of the car, she took a moment to soak in the surroundings. The scenery was beautiful—peaceful, well-maintained, and surrounded by lush greenery. It reminded her of George’s mansion, though this place felt more natural.
Last time she’d visited, it had been nighttime. They had only soaked in the springs and left soon after, so she hadn’t gotten a good look at the area.
“I want to walk around first. Do you want to come with me?” she asked Joe.
“I’ll join you,” he replied, casually shutting the car door behind him. Pointing down a quiet path, he added, “Let’s go that way. There’s a golf course nearby. Interested in playing?”
“Sure! But… I don’t actually know how to play,” she admitted with a small laugh.
“I’ll teach you,” Joe said with a relaxed smile.
The path they took was quiet and secluded, lined with manicured trees on both sides. A few cozy pavilions and benches were scattered along the way—perfect spots to rest if they got tired.
As they walked, Joe naturally reached for Skylar’s hand. At first, she didn’t even notice—her eyes were still taking in the scenery.
It wasn’t until she lifted her hand to fix her hair that she realized his fingers were intertwined with hers.
His hand was warm, tanned from the sun, and his fingers long and strong. In comparison, her own pale hand looked small—almost like a child’s.
Her fingers stiffened slightly, caught off guard by the gesture.
“Since we’re going to be husband and wife for real,” Joe said casually, as if they were discussing the weather, “we should start getting used to each other.”
His tone was light, but his grip was gentle—firm, but not overbearing.
Skylar’s heart fluttered. Adapt to each other…
She nodded slowly, making an effort to relax. “Okay.”
As they continued walking, a breeze rustled through the trees and brushed softly against her face. The moment felt oddly grounding. Her nerves, her doubts—everything settled into a strange calm.
Right…
She suddenly remembered something.
Earlier in the car, Joe had asked her if she understood what it meant for the two of them to come to the hot spring resort together.
At the time, she’d been distracted—just off a call with Natalie, and still reeling from their lunch conversation about turning their contract marriage into a real one.
She’d nodded and said she understood, but now she was beginning to realize what he’d truly meant.
They hadn’t come here just to relax.
If they were going to be a real couple—if they were going to take that next step—then perhaps this trip was supposed to be more than a casual retreat.
Skylar’s mind swirled with questions, her heart suddenly beating a little faster.
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