Chapter 507
Austin chuckled lightly and said, “You’re right, Hank.”
“I expect a raise,” Hank chimed in.
Natalie, as Jeremy’s wife, wasn’t short of money. However, Hank couldn’t deny Natalie’s excellent work ethic.
Natalie’s eyes widened with delight. “A raise? Thank you!”
She was quietly thrilled. “Wow!”
She always said hard work paid off and that dedication was rewarded. It turned out she was right–she just got a raise!
Not far away, a car pulled up in the rain. Jeremy glanced at the car opposite. He clearly saw Natalie chatting happily with Austin. His expression darkened.
“Mr. Hughes, Mrs. Hughes’s lawyer, Truman Harper, wants to talk to you,” Jeremy’s assistant, Tristan Howell, said from the front seat.
Jeremy pulled his frosty gaze back. “No need. Tell him divorce is out of the question.”
Skylar went to Harvey’s school on the weekend to drop off some necessities. With exams approaching, Harvey hadn’t returned home all month.
After a brief conversation with Skylar at the school gate, he returned inside to
continue his studies.
Then, Skylar returned home and discussed the idea of opening a store with
Janine.
Skylar–planned to source items from the antique street and list them in their store. They also wanted to hire a few people to handle shipping. Then, Janine would manage the business.
As they chatted, Skylar called Daniel to discuss the partnership details. Skylar’s store had achieved some success. Hence, it was a good time for
transformation.
2/2
Janine suggested thinking through the process and making a plan. During this time, since Harvey was staying at school, Janine often attended classes at a nearby community college to learn computer skills.
She even created well–organized spreadsheets and also downloaded all the popular apps that young people love to play on their phones.
Seeing Janine keep up with the times, Skylar was fully supportive. They chatted until their mouths were dry. Then, Janine made some lemonade.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you about Steven. His relationship with Annie is very stable. He’s considering the next step. He’s not getting any younger and should think about marriage.
“We can’t let Annie feel neglected. In a few days, he’ll visit her parents. We’ll
what conditions they have, and he’ll let us know afterward.
see
“I’ve saved the money Steven and Charles have earned over the years. Steven’s career is doing well, and his income is high. I hope that his visit to Annie’s family goes smoothly. After all, he’s had a tough time over the past few years.”
The children lacked a father figure. Steven, the eldest brother, played the father figure role. With Steven’s help and the maturity of the other children, Janine persevered until now.
Looking back, she wasn’t sure how she had managed to raise them.
When she went to heaven after she died and saw her husband, she would be
able to face him with a clear conscience,
Skylar sipped on her lemonade, reflecting on Janine’s words. She said, “You’re right, Mom. Steven has never once thought about himself all these years. He’s always sacrificed for our family. He deserves to be the happiest.”
With everything that had happened recently, Skylar had almost forgotten about Steven and Annie’s relationship.
Steven’s decision to discuss his plans with Janine showed his genuine feelings for Annie.
However, Annie…
Skylar pondered whether Annie truly loved Steven or if she had ulterior motives.
Chapter 508
Skylar had a prior arrangement with Natalie in the evening and left early. On the way, she chatted briefly with Steven.
From Steven’s words, Skylar gleaned that their relationship was progressing rapidly. Hence, Steven was eager to commit to Annie and give her a home.
soon.
He had taken a day off on Monday to visit the Silver family with Annie.
“Annie…” Skylar lightly tapped on the steering wheel with her fingers.
Coincidentally, Annie called Skylar on her way. “Do you have time tomorrow? Can we meet for lunch?” Annie asked.
Skylar was already thinking about meeting Annie, so she agreed. “Sure, just send me the time and address.”
Their conversation was short. They ended after exchanging a few sentences.
9
Skylar arrived early at the fondue restaurant where she and Natalie had
planned to meet. They both had a fondness for fondue and often opted for it during their college days.
It seemed like they were telepathically synchronized. They arrived almost simultaneously and bumped into each other at the entrance.
“Anyone who doesn’t know us might think we planned this.” Natalie chuckled.
Skylar winked and said, “We did, in our hearts.”
They proceeded upstairs. The fondue restaurant was very affordable. Hence, it was always bustling with people.
Without a reservation, finding a table on short notice would be tough. They had pre–ordered their dishes. After they took their seats, the proprietress began serving the dishes they had ordered.
The fondue was savory and aromatic.
Both of them smelled the aroma, and their eyes lit up.
“It’s been so long since I’ve had this. It’s the same old flavor. So delicious!
Other restaurants can’t quite replicate this taste,” Natalie exclaimed.
She swallowed. Due to her poor appetite, she had recently lost several pounds, but today, with Skylar, she intended to make up for it.
Skylar felt relieved seeing Natalie’s carefree demeanor. “I’ve ordered all your favorites. Tonight, let’s eat to our heart’s content. I even brought some digestive aids for you.”
“You really understand me the best.” Natalie was touched.
“Oh? Nath?” Suddenly, someone appeared before them.
Skylar happened to face the newcomer. She saw a man in his early 30s
dressed in a designer suit. He had the air of an elite, clearly out of place in the fondue restaurant.
Skylar didn’t recognize him. But clearly, he knew Natalie.
Before Natalie could take a bite, she heard his voice and turned to look.
Natalie’s smile vanished without a trace at the sight of Andrew Hughes.
“Well, it’s really you.” Andrew appraised Natalie.
He had recently heard some rumors about Jeremy. Rumors suggested Jeremy was secretly involved with his secretary, and Natalie hadn’t returned home for the past few days.
Natalie responded calmly, “What a coincidence, Andrew.”
Andrew didn’t mind Natalie’s aloofness. He had never gotten along with
Jeremy since childhood and found the timing quite coincidental.
“Why didn’t you come with Jeremy? I heard you haven’t been home these past
few days. Do Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Morton know?”
Skylar understood now. This person was Jeremy’s cousin.
The Hughes family in Jispsburg City was prominent. With many family. members, there were also many matters that occurred.
However, after Natalie married Jeremy, she rarely interacted with the Hughes. family. It was unexpected to encounter a member of the Hughes family in a simple fondue restaurant.
Chapter 508
3/1
“You must have heard wrong. It’s best not to listen to all the messy gossip sometimes,” Natalie said calmly.
Although she had decided to divorce Jeremy and wouldn’t have ties with the Hughes family in the future, it wasn’t time for the scandal to spread. She didn’t want to cause her parents to worry about her.
Andrew smirked coldly. When Jeremy and Natalie married, his grandfather,
Marvin Hughes, didn’t approve because Natalie came from an ordinary
background.
When Morton Hughes married Eleanor, Marvin was displeased, and Jeremy repeated the same mistake as his father.
Chapter 509
Back then, the Hughes family called it love. However, Andrew never believed in love from the beginning. And here was Jeremy, who was entangled in an extramarital affair.
Suddenly, his gaze shifted toward Skylar He hadn’t paid much attention to her before. But now, as he looked closely, his eyes widened immediately.
She was a rare beauty. The kind that was both enchanting and pure, with a hint of scholarly elegance.
“Natalie, care to introduce?” Andrew asked.
He had had numerous girlfriends. This was the first time a woman had stunned him at first sight.
Seeing Andrew’s gaze on Skylar, Natalie’s face darkened. “She’s my friend. If there’s nothing else, I won’t disturb you, Andrew. My friend and I have things to discuss.”
り
The intent to drive him away was obvious. However, Andrew acted as if he didn’t understand and took a seat. His gaze was focused on Skylar. “What’s your name, beauty? Let’s exchange WhatsApp contacts first and chat later.”
“Sorry, I don’t want to,” Skylar replied coldly.
Andrew narrowed his eyes. “Do you know who I am?”
While many people now knew Jeremy as a business genius, Marvin favored Andrew within the Hughes family. Many women willingly threw themselves at him. Yet Skylar didn’t spare him a glance.
Natalie rolled her eyes. “This is my sister–in–law. Andrew, are you trying to win her over? My cousin’s a detective; even the toughest criminals beg for mercy
in front of him.”
Natalie found Andrew incredulous. She couldn’t believe Andrew thought he could charm Skylar right before her. Who did he was?
Men from the Hughes family weren’t good people, except for Morton. Anyone who married into them was unlucky.
2/2
Skylar heard the term “sister–in–law” and thought that once Natalie’s matter was settled, she would tell about her marriage to Joe. It wasn’t ideal for Natalie to keep misunderstanding the situation like that.
Andrew hadn’t expected the beautiful woman before him to be married. He had been with a married woman before, but a detective’s wife…
Even if she was stunning, he didn’t want to be involved with her. He feared it could lead to trouble.
It could lead to a lot of mess. Andrew wondered if such a beautiful woman had ever considered marrying into wealth. Marrying a detective and living a tought life was really not a smart move.
“What do you take me for, Natalie? You’ve misunderstood me. I have things to do. You go ahead and eat. Today’s meal is on me. Enjoy,” Andrew generously said as he left.
Natalie declined bluntly. “We’ve already paid. Thanks.”
Andrew’s face stiffened, and his demeanor instantly turned cold. Without saying another word, he headed Straight to the innermost private room.
Even in such a noisy environment, they could hear people inside the private room calling Andrew “Mr. Hughes“.
”
“This is so unlucky. How did we end up meeting him in a city as big as Jipsburg? I don’t want to see anyone from the Hughes family except for Jeremy’s parents,” Natalie said. Her face darkened.
Though she hated Jeremy for cheating, it was his own doing. Morton and Eleanor treated her well. Moreover, both families got along well.
The thought of their divorce affecting them made her want to avoid the whole situation. She didn’t know how to confront them.
Skylar placed some cooked prawns into Natalie’s bowl. “There’s no need to let him affect your mood. He’s not worth it.”
“Skye, you’re right. He’s not worth it.”
As the two laughed and chatted while eating, Andrew took a photo of them and sent it to Jeremy with the message. “Is your wife really considering divorcing
you?”
Chapter 510
Andrew recalled something after sending the photo to Jeremy and flaunting
them.
He blurred out Natalie but highlighted Skylar’s presence. He then posted on Instagram with a teasing caption, “Rarely do I find a woman I instantly want to sleep with, but she’s married, and to a detective no less.”
As soon as he posted it, comments flooded in.
“Married woman, huh? Go for it! Who can resist your charm, Mr. Hughes?”
“Just seeing her in a photo makes me want to sleep with her too. Damn it! It’s not fully dark yet.”
“There’s a girl around 18 in that new talent show who looks a lot like her. Maybe you should take a look.”
“I’ve noticed that girl before. No way, she’s not even close. Just in terms of demeanor, she can’t compare with her.”
The comment on Andrew’s Instagram post quickly turned into a barrage of crude jokes and suggestions.
Some even advised Andrew to be bolder and pursue her. If he succeeded, it would be both a mental and physical pleasure.
Andrew never imagined that Rowan would see his Instagram post. When Rowan came across the post, he rubbed his eyes, thinking he might be
mistaken.
The dim lighting during dinner hour at the fondue restaurant wasn’t like daytime brightness. But no one could resemble Skylar. At a glance, it was unmistakably Skylar
It was just…
Rowan commented, “Her husband’s a detective?”
Then, he took a screenshot and sent it to Joe with a message, “How did Skylar’s husband become a detective? Also, check out these comments. They’re already fantasizing about your wife, especially Andrew. He’s seriously
considering how to sleep with her.”
Rowan enjoyed the spectacle without concern about its consequences. He
knew boldness wasn’t his forte. However, Andrew kept changing women one after another.
When Marcus was in trouble before, Andrew seemed to have visited the hospital frequently and undergone several tests.
Andrew never expected Rowan to leave a comment on his Instagram post one day. It felt like a moment of personal triumph. There was no harm in befriending Rowan.
Andrew promptly replied Rowan, “That’s right. Her husband’s a detective. Tool bad. But I might give it a try. Maybe she’ll divorce for me.”
Upon seeing his reply, Rowan laughed so hard that he almost sprayed water
from his mouth.
“Divorce?” He pondered whether Andrew was mistaken about his abilities.
Then, Rowan promptly screenshotted the conversation and sent it to Joe.
However, after several minutes, he still hadn’t received a response from Joe. He thought that the workaholic was likely engrossed in his work again.
Rowan pondered momentarily before replying to Andrew, “You’ve got guts.”
Andrew had consume some alcohol, so he felt a bit woozy. Besides; anyone who came today was flattering and trying to please him. He felt like he was superior to Jeremy.
Coupled with Rowan’s comment, “You’ve got guts,” it seemed like an indirect encouragement.
If he could win over Skylar, everyone would respect him. With this newfound confidence, Andrew was ready to make his move soon.
Meanwhile, Jeremy caught sight of Andrew’s message.
Jeremy’s heart tightened when Natalie smiled brightly in the photo with Skylar.
Natalie didn’t appear the least bit heartbroken without him. He stared at the photo for a long moment before replying to Andrew, “Don’t speak out of turn, or I’ll make sure you regret it.”
3.3
Andrew was already somewhat intoxicated.
He smirked at Jeremy’s response and replied, “Everyone knows about your affair with your secretary. If you can control yourself, stop fooling around with another woman. What are you threatening me for? Do you think I’m afraid of you? I don’t have time for your business.
Chapter 511
Jeremy chose not to respond to Andrew. Andrew appeared bold, but he didn’t dare lay a finger on him. He didn’t have much authority.
Jeremy decided to give Natalie some space. Once she had calmed down, he planned to have a serious conversation with her.
Later, Jeremy noticed Andrew’s Instagram post, where Andrew and others. were making fun of Skylar.
Immediately, he messaged Andrew, “Delete the post! Skylar isn’t someone you can mock and fantasize about. Don’t stir up trouble.”
Andrew saw Jeremy’s message but chose to ignore it. He thought, “Trouble? Because her husband is a detective? So what if he’s a detective? If he couldn’t
keep his wife, why blame others? Besides, no woman can resist the lure of
money.”
He hadn’t seen Skylar at various events before. She looked like she came from an ordinary family. If she could have a fling with him, it must be a jackpot for her. He thought Skylar was a pretty name for a beauty like her.
After drinking a few more sips of alcohol, he exchanged a few words with his companions and left the private room.
Meanwhile, Skylar and Natalie had finished their meal. Natalie updated Skylar on the progress of her divorce proceedings.
“I just worried my parents would be angry and would disagree. Jeremy knows me too well. I really don’t want to cause a rift and ruin our families‘ relationship, “Natalie said. She sighed helplessly.
Perhaps due to the fondue’s steam, Skylar’s cheeks were slightly flushed. There was a hint of worry in her eyes.
Skylar felt deeply for Natalie having to go through all this. She said, “Believe in yourself. Nothing can defeat you. The Natalie I know is brave and resilient.”
“Hey, gorgeous. How about one million dollars if you ride in my sports car? Your husband doesn’t make one million in ten years, right? Opportunities like this don’t come every day. Don’t let Natalie stand in the way of your financial success,” Andrew declared arrogantly.
Chapter 512
Andrew couldn’t afford to be embarrassed now that his friends were there. “Did you hear me? Today, you must ride my car!”
Andrew was determined to win over Skylar.
Natalie was furious. “Andrew, take your friends and leave now. Don’t think a few measly dollars can make people do things they don’t want. Skye doesn’t lack money.”
“If I refuse to give in to you, what can you do?” Skylar rubbed her wrist. It had been a while since she fought. She wondered how to fight in a way that would qualify as perfect self–defense.
Seeing Skylar’s say?”
slender arms and waist, Andrew chuckled. “What do you
“Mr. Hughes, we’re here to help you.”
They were probably drunk. Those men showed unusually bold courage, taking advantage of Andrew’s status in the Hughes family.
Regardless of the place or how many people were around, they were intent on confronting Skylar head–on.
Other diners at nearby tables couldn’t help but gasp at the scene unfolding.
“What are you doing? Don’t disturb the two ladies.” Someone stepped forward
to intervene.
Several men ganged up on the two women, and this display was too much for some spirited men to bear.
The proprietress rushed over upon seeing the situation. “What’s going on?”
Andrew felt annoyed as so many people suddenly appeared and interjected.” Get lost, all of you! It’s none of your business. We know each other.”
“Yeah, why do people meddle in things that aren’t their business everywhere?
Do we look like bullies?”
One of them was bold. He reached out toward Skylar, intending to take her
away.
Chapter 512
Just as his hand was about to touch Skylar, a horrific scream echoed in the
entire fondue restaurant.
The others looked over and froze. Skylar was holding a fork. She had just stabbed it into the man’s arm.
Natalie blinked. Suddenly, she recalled that Skylar was skilled in fighting.
“Nath, call the police.” Skylar calmly reminded Natalie.
In the current situation, calling the police was the only solution. These men were clearly intoxicated.
Intoxicated individuals often lacked rationality. Sometimes, they couldn’t
control their actions.
“I have already called the police. The police station is next door; they’ll be here any moment,” a young woman suddenly shouted.
Skylar smiled at her. “Thank you.”
Joe’s demeanor turned as cold as a midwinter’s day upon seeing the screenshots from Rowan.
Even Paul felt a chill sitting in the same car. He needed to bundle up in his down jacket.
“Mr. Martin, is something wrong?” Paul asked nervously.
“Andrew is asking for trouble,” Joe replied icily.
“Andrew?” Paul was confused by his words. He wondered what was going on.
—
Andrew had summoned his lawyer, Shane Ballard, to the police station.
Soon, Andrew found it somewhat amusing. “You’ve been too sheltered by your family, and you probably didn’t know the harsh realities out here.”
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