Richest Mogul

Hank was puzzled by Austin's question. "Aren't you two broken up?"

He wondered if Austin still harbored lingering feelings for Natalie. Judging by the way Austin had brought her up, Hank couldn't shake the suspicion that Austin might be contemplating rekindling their romance.

He couldn't quite explain why he had this feeling, but years of unspoken understanding between them had honed Hank's instincts.

Austin furrowed his brows in response.

Hank quickly added, "We caught up recently. She's been swamped with the new store and renovations-it's been keeping her busy." "Okay." Austin didn't say anything else and chose to remain silent.

"She did ask about you though," Hank continued, shifting the conversation.

Austin immediately looked at him and asked, "What did she ask?"

Seeing the way Austin reacted, Hank knew he was right-Austin still had feelings for Natalie, perhaps even stronger than before. Hank sighed inwardly, his heart heavy.

"She asked the same thing if you've been doing well." Hank could tell that both Austin and Natalie still cared deeply for each other.

As for the reason behind their breakup, it was probably due to some issues with Austin's family.

Austin's expression softened a little. "Silly girl."

Hank's lips twitched. The tone in Austin's voice was more like someone amid a sweet romance, not someone who had just broken up. "You're not thinking of getting back together with Natalie, are you? Did you resolve the issues that led to your breakup before? "If not, I think you should forget about her. You know Natalie's personality-once she's made up her mind, she rarely changes it."

Austin's face turned serious. Seeingnoveldrama

that.

de Austin wasn't responding, b

more

I

to stay silent, not askink

any

questions.

...

Late that night, Joe woke from a nightmare, his heart pounding in his chest.

As his eyes fluttered open, reality slowly began to settle in.

When he felt Skylar still nestled in his arms, the restless turmoil in his chest eased. But sleep wouldn't come.

Careful not to wake her, he slipped out of bed. Standing by the window, he gazed out at the quiet city, his mindreplaying the haunting scenes from his dream.

It was the same unsettling nightmare he'd had a few days ago—the two of them, cold and indifferent toward each other.

Joe's brow furrowed as he grappled with the meaning of the dream.

He couldn't bear the thought of Skylar looking at him with

indifference, and he couldn't al

the idea of being cold and distant toward her.

He glanced at the pack of cigarettes on the side table, grabbed one, and lit it.

He inhaled deeply, letting the smoke curl around him as he sat on the balcony, lost in thought.

An hour passed before his mind finally quieted. Stubbing out the cigarette, he returned to the bedroom.

...

A few days later, the lively atmosphere of a popular food stall filled the air.

Young people gathered together, enjoying the casual, energetic vibe of the place.