As Joe lit his cigarette, the flame briefly illuminated his face, casting flickering shadows across his sharp features.
Skylar stood nearby, quietly watching. She couldn’t guess what he was thinking, but she could make an assumption. “Don’t worry, Mr. Martin. I know what I’m supposed to do. During the three years of our marriage, I won’t date anyone. I won’t give Grandma anything to worry about.”
She figured he was still concerned about her connection with Christopher—and that anything unresolved between them might stir up trouble, especially with Gloria. But there were things she couldn’t explain to him. If he knew what she had endured in her past life, he’d understand just how impossible it was for her to still have feelings for Christopher.
She didn’t enjoy being mistreated, and she certainly wasn’t that self-deprecating.
“Okay,” Joe replied softly.
Suddenly, something stirred in Skylar’s chest. She couldn’t suppress the words that followed. “Mr. Martin, since you’ve asked me not to be in a relationship during these three years… I hope you’ll do the same.”
If it was a mutual agreement, then it should apply to both of them. It wouldn’t be fair otherwise.
Joe glanced at her. He sensed the faint edge in her voice, yet rather than feeling annoyed, his frustration faded. His reply came calmly and with quiet patience. “I’ll abide by the agreement.”
Skylar nodded. “Alright then. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
After returning to her room and lying down, Skylar drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, Joe remained where he was, then grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and stepped outside to smoke.
His phone vibrated with a message from Jeremy.
Jeremy: Are you at the hot spring resort too?
Joe remembered the voice he had heard in the hot spring the previous night. His expression darkened slightly, and he typed back:
Joe: Did you bring a woman here?
Jeremy: Did the receptionist tell you?
Joe: No.
Jeremy didn’t respond again.
Joe stared at the screen for a moment, then turned off his phone and walked back to the villa in silence.
The next morning, the chauffeur arrived to pick up Skylar.
Joe stayed behind. He had said he’d be picking Gloria up from George’s place at around 10:00 a.m.
Skylar arrived at Daniel’s workshop. After washing her hands, she got ready to begin her restoration work.
Just as she was about to step into the studio, Caleb came over and tugged at her arm. “Hey, did Mr. Gardner Senior’s team get back to you?”
He’d been putting in good words for her for days. He was sure Alexander would eventually say yes.
Skylar gave him a small, regretful smile. “They messaged me yesterday afternoon. I wasn’t accepted.”
“What?” Caleb’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“It’s okay,” she said calmly. “I don’t have much experience, and I didn’t major in archaeology or history in college. It’s understandable that I didn’t get in. I was prepared for this outcome. But thank you for telling me about the opportunity—I really appreciated it.”
Caleb still looked disappointed, as if the outcome had hurt him more than it did her.
Daniel, who had overheard the conversation, chimed in. “I’ve already recommended Skylar to the auction house. Once she’s done with the work here, she can apply there. The pay is better, and they offer bonuses.”
Caleb frowned and scratched his head. “The auction house still isn’t as good as Grandpa’s team.”
He shot a glance at Daniel, clearly frustrated. He hadn’t expected Alexander to be this cold and dismissive. Caleb had even reassured his grandfather multiple times.
But Alexander was stubborn and dismissive. He saw Skylar as nothing more than an inexperienced young woman, and probably assumed Caleb had recommended her just to impress her. Maybe he thought Caleb was trying to court her.
Caleb sighed. Most grandfathers would support their grandchildren. His, however? Completely the opposite.
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