After a long day, the team members had the option to head to the sixth floor, grab a coffee, or hit the treadmill for a workout. The gym was well-equipped and offered a great opportunity to stay in shape.
Despite his advancing age, Alexander still believed in the importance of exercise to maintain his health.
When Caleb arrived on the sixth floor, he found Alexander strolling on one of the treadmills.
“Grandpa, there you are! I’ve been looking for you,” Caleb called out as he jogged over.
Startled by Caleb’s voice, Alexander almost lost his balance. He quickly grabbed the handles to steady himself before glaring at Caleb.
“What are you doing here?” Alexander grumbled, clearly irritated.
“It’s been days since we met. Don’t you miss me, Grandpa?” Caleb teased, his voice laced with resentment.
Alexander scoffed. “What’s there to miss?”
Caleb was used to his grandfather’s dismissive attitude, so he didn’t take it personally. Instead, he turned on the treadmill next to Alexander’s and began walking.
“Look, old man, you don’t like me, and I don’t like you either. But sometimes, your eyes might not be what they used to be,” Caleb remarked playfully.
“My eyes are just fine! I just fixed an antique pocket watch yesterday. Age has nothing to do with it, you little punk. If you’ve got something to say, just say it. Enough with the sarcasm,” Alexander snapped, glaring at Caleb.
Caleb, knowing his grandfather well, knew exactly what he was up to. He was here to get Alexander to reconsider the young woman he had mentioned before.
Over the past few days, Alexander had reviewed Skylar’s résumé. While the photos showed some of her restoration work, he wasn’t convinced. After all, photos could be manipulated, but a résumé couldn’t lie. Her qualifications didn’t seem to match the level of work in those pictures, which meant something was off. Alexander didn’t want anyone on his team who wasn’t genuine.
“Look, Grandpa, I’m serious. Skylar really is talented. She restored two paintings for Daniel. They’re at the auction house now. I watched her work every day while she was restoring them. No offense, but I think she’s better at it than you,” Caleb said, his tone more earnest now.
Alexander wasn’t buying it. “Don’t try to sweet-talk me,” he said flatly.
Caleb grew more desperate. “How about this, old man? I’ll quit my job at Daniel’s place and work with you full-time. But under one condition: you’ll interview Skylar. If she’s as bad as you think, I’ll move into this building and learn from you for a year, starting from the basics. How’s that?”
This was Caleb’s last-ditch effort, and he knew it. “This is your last chance, Grandpa. I’m the only one in this family with a bit of talent for this. And this is the only shop in town that does restoration work. Who else are you going to pass it on to if not me?”
Alexander clenched his teeth in frustration. He was clearly annoyed, but Caleb had struck a nerve.
“Fine,” Alexander finally conceded, “I’ll give her a chance. But she’ll have to prove herself when she meets me.” He paused, narrowing his eyes as he considered Caleb’s words. “Tell her to come tomorrow.”
Caleb grinned. “You’ll have to contact her the usual way. She doesn’t know I’m your grandson yet.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “She doesn’t know who you are?” He was clearly skeptical, thinking Caleb was trying to pull something over on him.
“Yeah, she doesn’t. She thinks I’m just a regular worker. She even worries that I might not have enough to eat. Skylar isn’t what you think. You’ll see for yourself,” Caleb explained, feeling a little awkward now that Alexander had uncovered his secret.
Alexander turned off his treadmill and wiped his sweat, giving Caleb a sharp look. “Alright, I’ll see what she’s really like,” he said, studying his grandson carefully.
For a moment, Caleb felt uncomfortable under his grandfather’s intense gaze, but he quickly changed the subject to escape the tension. “Let’s go. Uncle John’s getting engaged tonight. My parents can’t make it, so it’ll be you and me.”
Alexander glanced at the time. “Oh, I almost forgot about that.”
Caleb rolled his eyes. “You forgot your own son’s engagement, but you’re supposed to have a great memory? What a stubborn old man.”
Skylar had just returned to Galaxy Villa when her phone buzzed with a new message from Natalie. The photo in the message showed Joe and Annie toasting each other, surrounded by other guests at a party.
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