John felt a slight headache coming on. “She’s off-limits. There are some things I can’t tell you. You’d better get rid of those feelings before it’s too late. I’ll talk to Grandpa and put an end to his matchmaking attempts.”
“Uncle John, you’re going too far. I like Skylar. After all these years, she’s the only one I’ve ever liked. What do you mean she’s off-limits?” Caleb’s voice was firm, though tinged with frustration.
John’s warning seemed to fall on deaf ears. Young people often focused only on pursuing what they liked, regardless of whether it was appropriate or not.
“You can ask Skylar yourself—ask if she can marry you, or if she even likes you,” John said in a deep voice, trying to reinforce his point.
Caleb paused, narrowing his eyes. “Uncle John, don’t tell me that you like Skylar too? Didn’t you just get engaged? Aren’t you worried I’ll tell Melody?”
The Gardners held strict values. Unlike others, they didn’t tolerate adultery or polygamy—such practices were strictly forbidden in their family. If John harbored feelings for Skylar, Caleb was ready to confront him.
John was rendered speechless and could only mutter, “Nonsense.”
“Then give me a solid reason to give up,” Caleb demanded, not backing down.
John’s reply was cold. “It’s simply not possible.”
Caleb frowned, but before he could say anything else, John added, “Just ask her, and you’ll get your answer.”
With that, John abruptly hung up.
Caleb stared at his phone, deep in thought. John wouldn’t have called him without a reason. Back in high school, when rumors of Caleb’s puppy love spread, John had remained neutral. Now that Caleb was an adult, it seemed illogical for John to interfere—especially since even Alexander had approved.
But John must know something about Skylar. What could it be? Was it related to the online uproar from before? Caleb’s mind raced as he considered all the possibilities.
After work, Skylar was about to head to the hospital when she received a call from Gloria.
“Skylar, come back to Pearlhall Residence tonight with Joe. It’s important.”
Skylar glanced at the time. There was still some time before visiting Caleb, so she agreed. But then, her phone buzzed. Joe was calling.
“Are you off work yet?” Joe asked.
“Yeah, just got off,” Skylar replied.
“Meet me at Phoenix Mall. It’s Grandma’s birthday today. Let’s pick a gift together and head to Pearlhall Residence,” Joe said, his tone casual.
Skylar froze for a moment. “Grandma’s birthday?” she repeated.
She had been so caught up with everything recently that she had completely forgotten Gloria’s birthday.
“I’m heading to Phoenix Mall right away,” she said, realizing she was running out of time.
As she turned the car around, Skylar quickly sent Caleb a WhatsApp message.
“Caleb, I won’t be able to make it to the hospital today. I just learned it’s Grandma’s birthday, so I’m going to celebrate. I’ll visit you tomorrow. Sorry about this.”
Caleb had been absent-mindedly playing games, occasionally checking the time. He had already calculated the travel time from Gardner Group to the hospital, expecting Skylar to arrive soon. But suddenly, he saw Skylar’s message, saying she couldn’t make it.
Disappointment washed over him as he looked at his phone. It was the first time he felt his expectations dashed.
He had planned to ask Skylar in person if she wanted to be with him, but now, he would have to wait until tomorrow. His heart sank at the thought.
Skylar arrived at Phoenix Mall, where Joe was already waiting. He whisked her straight to the top floor, where exclusive jewelry awaited—far beyond what could be found on the lower levels.
Skip to content