Chapter 211
Gloria and Joe chatted a bit more before ending the call.
Skylar quietly listened from the side. She glanced at her watch, which showed that it was just 2:00 pm. She still had plenty of time since she had taken the whole day off.
“Wanna go to the hot springs and relax for a bit?” Joe asked as he looked down at
Skylar.
Skylar’s eyes lit up as she exclaimed, “Sure!”
She had been doing restoration work for the past few days. Sitting all day long had made her body feel very tense. A soak in the hot springs would be perfect for relieving that tension.
As they were about to get into the car, another car pulled up not far away. A mother and daughter got out of the car.
Natalie’s sharp eyes spotted Joe, and her eyes widened in surprise. Was that Joe?
She was lost in thought for a moment.
Meanwhile, there was a woman in the passenger seat. Her face wasn’t visible, so
Natalie could only see half of her back.
Although it was just the back, it didn’t look like Annie because her hair wasn’t that long. And besides…
“Nath, what are you looking at?” asked Kate Turner, Natalie’s mother.
Natalie withdrew her gaze and shook her head. “Nothing. Let’s go, Mom. We have an appointment with the doctor.
Half an hour later, Natalie was waiting in the corridor for Kate to finish her check–up. As she waited, she sent a WhatsApp message to Skylar.
“I just brought my mom to the hospital for a check–up, and guess who I saw? I saw
Joe Martin. I’ve been running into him a lot lately. Oh, I digress. That’s not the point.
Do you know what the point is?
“I saw him sitting with a woman in the passenger seat of his car. They looked quite
close, and their relationship seemed unusual. I can definitely smell an affair! That
woman isn’t Annie Silver!”
Skylar was sitting in the passenger seat while looking out the window. The moment
she saw Natalie’s message, she was so startled that she almost dropped her phone.
Natalie could have a future as a paparazzo.
“Why does everyone look like they’re having an affair to you?” Skylar texted back.
This was bad. Now, she didn’t knew how to explain her relationship with Joe to
Natalie. It was somewhat tricky.
Could it be that Natalie had already seen her and Joe at the hospital? Probably not.
Natalie was too forthright to keep a secret.
If she had seen them, she would have rushed over to greet them. It was unlikely that
she would describe Skylar and Joe’s relationship as an affair now.
Natalie replied, “Because Joe has never publicly acknowledged any woman around him. I once thought that he was gay. But I’ve seen him with women twice in a row
lately.
“Isn’t it obvious that he’s recently fallen in love? But the woman I saw just now… even
from her back, I could tell she had an amazing figure!”
Skylar couldn’t help but laugh when Natalie complimented her figure. “Is her figure
really that good?”
“Of course. Not every figure can be called good in my eyes. You’re one of the few
exceptions. But…”
“But what?” Skylar asked.
“Now that I think about it, that woman’s figure is quite similar to you
yours. If I didn’t know that you and Joe don’t know each other, I would’ve thought that woman was
you!”
Skylar looked at their chat, and her smile slowly faded.
It was a good thing Natalie hadn’t delved deeper. “I gotta go. I need to accompany my mom for her check–up. Let’s meet up in a few days. Come to my place; Jeremy is
Chapter 211
going on a business trip tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
they had
At the hot spring resort, Joe drove to the villa they had stayed in the last time. Not far
behind them was a stretch Lincoln limousine filled with young men and women.
One of them pointed at the car ahead and said, “If I’m not mistaken, that’s Joe
Martin’s car. There seems to be a woman with him.”
“Joe Martin?” Samuel immediately leaned forward to look at the car ahead upon
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Unfortunately, Samuel couldn’t see anything. He only saw a limited edition car that he couldn’t even book.
Samuel had been hearing Joe’s name a lot lately, especially since Williams Group was facing significant difficulties. If Joe helped a little–or even gave so much as a hint–they could turn things around.
“Seeing Joe here isn’t surprising, right? This hot spring resort is owned by the
Martins. It’s normal for them to come over occasionally to have some fun,” one of them said.
“Can we follow them?” Samuel asked.
One of his friends reacted as if he had heard something unthinkable. “Are you crazy? know who he is? He’s Joe Martin. If you dare to stalk him, you won’t be able to survive in Jipsburg.”
Do you
Samuel finally came back to his senses when he felt a chill down his spine. “I was just joking.”
“Don’t joke around like that. I heard Williams Grou asking Joe to help you out?
is in trouble. Are you thinking of
“If you can take my advice, I suggest you don’t entertain such thoughts. Your family and Joe have no relationship. Why would he help you?
“If you accidentally offend him, your family might miss the chance to turn things around. You can mess with anyone in Jipsburg, but not Joe Martin.”
Samuel completely gave up, not daring to have any thoughts about talking to Joe anymore.
After listening to his friend’s words, Samuel remembered something. Could it be that Martin Group refused to cooperate with Williams Group because of Maisy’s attempt to get close to Joe last time?
That couldn’t be it. Maisy was so smart, beautiful, gentle, and understanding. There was no way Joe could dislike her.
When Skylar got out of the car, she glanced around. The scenery was really good; it wasn’t much different from George’s mansion.
The last time she had been there, they had come at night, so she hadn’t gotten a clear look around. They had only soaked in the hot springs and hadn’t explored much either.
“I want to take a walk first. Do you want to come?” Skylar asked Joe.
“I’ll join you,” Joe said as he closed the door casually. He pointed ahead and continued, “We can take a walk down that way. There’s a golf course nearby. Do you want to play?”
“Sure, but I don’t know how to.” Skylar was very interested. She could climb mountains and swim, but she didn’t know how to play golf.
“I’ll teach you.
The path was very quiet, and no one was around. On both sides of the path, there were well–groomed little groves. If they got tired of walking, there were pavilions and chairs where they could sit and rest.
Not far into the walk, Joe naturally held Skylar’s hand. At first, Skylar didn’t react. She was completely immersed in the scenery.
She only realized that Joe was holding her hand when she was about to raise her hand to tidy her hair.
His fingers were long, and his skin was healthy and bronzed. That made her fair hand. look like a child’s hand.
Her fingers stiffened suddenly.
“Since we’re going to be real husband and wife, let’s adapt to each other now,” Joe said casually. It was as if he were talking about something very ordinary..
Her hand felt boneless, soft, and tender.
Adapt to each other…
Chapter 21
Skylar nodded earnestly, trying to relax as she said, “Okay.”
She thought about having to adapt to each other as real husband and wife. At that moment, a breeze brushed her face, and she suddenly calmed down.
Oh, right…
Skylar suddenly remembered. When they had been in the car earlier, Joe had asked her whether she knew what it meant for the two of them to come to the hot spring
resort together.
At that time, she had just finished a call with Natalie. Plus, they had just decided on a
major life event during lunch.
She had been in a daze and hadn’t thought much about his words. So, she had just
casually said that she knew.
She knew they had come to the hot spring resort to relax. But… if they were going to
be a real couple, they had to do that…
hearing Joe’s name.
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Suddenly, sounds of a couple’s heavy breathing echoed from the small grove. That was followed by the rustling of clothes being hastily put on as the couple whispered.
“You tore my stockings, Mr. Hughes. There’s not much time left now, and I don’t have a spare pair.”
“I’ll compensate you with a hundred pairs.”
“Then, I’ll buy a hundred different styles and let you tear them everyday. By the way, feel my legs, Mr. Hughes. They’re just as smooth with stockings.”
“You little seductress.”
Then, more heavy breathing ensued.
At first, Skylar didn’t realize what she was hearing or what was happening in the groves. But after listening to their conversation and those seductive tones, she finally understood.
At that moment, her face flushed, even though she wasn’t one to get embarrassed easily.
People nowadays were so bold. Having sex in broad daylight? The woods were living up to their reputation.
Joe’s dark eyes seemed unfathomable, though. Those words didn’t seem to ignite
any spark in him. What a true gentleman.
Skylar blinked her eyes, feeling less shy. She whispered, “Do you think if I shout, ‘Hey Bob, let’s go mushroom picking in the woods!” they’d get scared?
“It’s just us now. But someone who enjoys a good show might run over there later
too. The couple won’t even have time to put on their pants.
Oh, no. Joe could imagine it now.
The couple would be in a passionate frenzy at first, then frantically start searching for their pants. At that point, they would be in a dilemma about whether to cover their faces or their private parts.
His dark eyes seemed to change subtly. Her description was quite vivid, and some Images uncontrollably flashed through his mind. He then glanced at her slender lege
“It’s a workday, so there won’t be many people around here,” Joe sald in a low and
hoarse voice.
“Let’s go then.” Skylar couldn’t standing listening to the couple any longer.
Since Joe owned the place, what he said must be true. No wonder the couple was so daring. They had probably assumed no one would come, so they had decided to
have their little fun there.
As they walked away, Joe noticed that Skylar’s face was as red as a tomato.
His tongue pressed against his molars. A man’s desire for a woman was often
physiological, and that was the kind of thoughts he was having now.
After walking quite a distance, Skylar suddenly stopped. Her expression changed.
The man in the grove… Although he had only spoken briefly, he’d had a familiar voice.
She thought she had heard it before.
And Mr. Hughes…
Suddenly, Skylar thought of Natalie’s husband, Jeremy. She frowned. It couldn’t be,
could it? She had seen how much Jeremy doted on Natalie. He was different from
Christopher.
Jeremy and Natalie had been childhood sweethearts and had known each other
since they had been kids. They knew each other inside and out.
Moreover, Natalie had mentioned that Jeremy had a lot of work at his company and
was very busy. Today was a workday, so how could he be here with another woman?
Last time at the bar, Jeremy’s love and care for Natalie had seemed genuine. Skylar had never seen such affection from Christopher. But…
Natalie had said on the phone that Jeremy was going on a business trip tomorrow and wouldn’t be home tonight.
“Are you tired?” Joe asked
Chapter 214
Skylar shook her head. “Oh, I’m not tired.” She hesitated about whether to go and
check.
After all, the voice she heard had come from the grove and hadn’t been very clear.
There were many people with the surname “Hughes” in Jipsburg.
Since her rebirth, Skylar had gained a new understanding of human nature and was
concerned about emotions. It was possible…
She cared deeply about Natalie and didn’t want her to go through what she had
experienced. The feeling of betrayal by a loved and trusted person was hurtful.
“Were you shocked?” Joe asked again.
He knew that Jeremy had been unusually close with his secretary recently. They had
visited this place a few times. But he hadn’t expected Jeremy to be so bold this time
to even be playing with fire outdoors.
Joe thought that Jeremy would regret it deeply if he continued like this.
“Oh, no. I just regret not going in to see.” Skylar accidentally voiced out her thoughts.
If she had caught them in the act, she would have found out whether it was Jeremy
or not.
Joe lowered his head, and his deep eyes stared at Skylar. His voice was low and sexy
as he said, “Quite bold, huh? Wanna know what it’s like to make out in the woods?”
As he spoke, he tugged at his tie. The words seemed to carry a spark, igniting his
throat slightly. It felt itchy and dry. His Adam’s apple bobbed.
Skylar looked up and saw his Adam’s apple move. Joe was undoubtedly the pinnacle of male attractiveness; even his Adam’s apple was sexy.
Skylar’s cheeks flushed, and she said boldly, “Don’t overthink, Mr. Martin. Just a friendly suggestion–don’t do it.
“There a
are caterpillars on the trees, which might fall when the branches shake. There are mosquitoes in the woods during the summer, and any exposed skin will be
bitten. Plus you might end up being watched.”
Joe smirked. He had just thought that she was as pure as a high school student.
Now, she seemed like a little vixen.
He closed his eyes for a second, restraining all the lustful thoughts in his mind.
Two hours later, it was around 7:00 pm. Skylar and Joe returned to the hot spring
resort, all sweaty from playing golf.
The staff brought them dinner and clothes. It wasn’t suitable to soak in the hot
spring immediately after eating. Skylar glanced at Joe, who was in a video conference, and went out with her phone.
Skylar felt uncomfortable after eating too much, so she went for a walk. She left a
message for Joe on WhatsApp.
It was quieter at night. She chose a different path for her walk, strolling leisurely while chatting with Natalie.
“How did your mom’s check–up go?” Skylar asked.
Natalie was also bored alone at home. “It’s just an old disease. When she was young, she often drank alcohol and skipped meals for work. Now, she gets stomachaches if she eats too much.”
“Are you alone at home?” Skylar asked.
“Yes. Jeremy has a lot of work at the company today. He has to attend an
international video conference and will be up all night. There’s a bed in his office, so he’s sleeping there.
“Poor him; he works so hard. It’s only to support the family and make enough money to look after our baby. It must be really tough for him.” Natalie’s tone was filled with love and concern for Jeremy.
Skylar gripped her phone tightly. What a coincidence.
“I was thinking of making him soup to help warm him up. But when I asked how work. was going, he didn’t reply. He must still be in the meeting. If I went, I’d just be a
Chapter
distraction. So, I dropped the idea.
“By the way, I forgot to tell you. Jeremy has a new secretary. She’s a beauty, but I don’t think she’s as pretty as you. Our Skye’s the prettiest,” Natalie added.
Secretary? Skylar thought about the voices in the woods–the calls of “Mr. Hughes”
and the talk of stockings. It seemed likely that the two were in an employer–employee relationship.
Chapter 215
“Why aren’t you saying anything, Skye?” Natalie asked.
“I’m just listening to you. I think you should occasionally send Jeremy some food. He might be touched and work even harder,” Skylar replied, unable to voice her suspicions.
It would be best if it was just a coincidence. Natalie’s and Jeremy’s love for each other was extremely strong.
Natalie’s eyes lit up. “You’re right. Like a good wife, I’ll go to our usual restaurant and pack a surprise for him.”
The last time she had taken her medical report to him, he had been surprised and delighted.
Natalie hadn’t thought about it much before. Marriage shouldn’t be one–sided. He had to go on a business trip the next day. Having an encounter in his office tonight
gan would be pretty wild.
Natalie touched her flushed face. She was about to grab a condom from the bedside table but changed her mind. They were trying for a baby now, so there was no need for precautions.
Then, he went upstairs to shower. He wasn’t worried about Skylar’s safety at the hot
spring resort. Security patrolled at this hour, and everyone who visited had to register.
In the bathroom, Skylar opened the door and walked in. She had rushed back and was now slightly sweaty and uncomfortable. She didn’t even notice Joe coming out.
The difference was stark and filled with absolute allure and charm. His breath still lingered by her ear, making her skin tingle and blush.
Joe held two glasses of red wine and placed them by the hot spring. While closing his eyes to enjoy the
“I just got off the plane. The video conference ended early, and they’re pushing for the contract to be signed tomorrow morning. I didn’t have time to tell you. It’s so late; shouldn’t you be resting at home?
Listening to Jeremy’s practiced lies and explanations, Joe remained impassive. He just raised the glass and sipped his wine.
Although her friend often helped cover for her boss, she had thought that she wouldn’t have to do the same. After all, Natalie almost never came to the office.
Maisy didn’t hesitate. She was well–versed in such matters. At home, she always played the good daughter and never revealed this side of herself. Now, she just wanted to enjoy herself, and she knew exactly how to do that.
Soon, Maisy stood in a corner with something in her hand.
He knew Maisy liked this place. They had come together several times. The atmosphere was perfect for indulgence, and they had done everything together here.
As they reached the eighth floor, the two entered a pre–booked room in a hurry. They didn’t even notice that the door wasn’t closed properly and that the room card had fallen.
Was there something wrong with her outfit? She had checked herself in the mirror before coming out.
Joe cleared his throat, feeling a slight dryness. He took a sip of wine to make it better and replied, “It’s
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