Skip to contentChapter 228
Skylar had always viewed her relationship with Caleb as one of an older sister guiding a younger brother.
Wasn’t he supposed to be into girls his age—young, cheerful, perhaps still in school, full of youthful innocence? The idea that Caleb had developed romantic feelings for her seemed absurd.
“I did ask him,” John said gently. “And that’s what he told me. But don’t get the wrong idea. You weren’t chosen to join my father’s team for any other reason. It was your skill and talent that earned you the spot.”
Skylar’s expression turned serious. “Alright. I’ll post something on Instagram—just a subtle message, and I’ll restrict the audience so only Caleb can see it.”
John nodded approvingly. “That’s a good idea. It’s less confrontational, and it’ll let him down gently. Maybe you two can still be friends afterward.”
He was genuinely impressed. Skylar was level-headed and considerate. Despite her youth, she carried herself with remarkable maturity. She was also one of the rare few who had the patience to master the art of antique restoration—a field so tedious that it drove many away.
Alexander had once tried to train John in the same craft, but John hadn’t had the discipline to sit still for hours, no matter how much talent he had. That’s why he understood why Caleb admired Skylar—she embodied the focus and strength that Caleb lacked.
Still, John thought to himself, Caleb had simply been born a few years too late. It wasn’t meant to be. Skylar was already Joe’s wife now, after all.
While Skylar and John chatted quietly, someone else was busy snapping photos and recording short videos from a corner of the restaurant.
Samuel had hidden himself well. After capturing what he needed, he slipped away quickly and sent the images to his family group chat.
Samuel:
Turns out John really is Skylar’s sugar daddy! Look at these photos—I just took them. They were sitting close, talking privately. Pretty intimate if you ask me.
Samuel (continued):
I heard John only ever dines out like this with his fiancée. Never seen him with another woman. He must really like her.
Sadie and Jeffrey, who had only been speculating until now, felt vindicated. They hadn’t expected to get actual evidence so quickly.
Maisy:
Samuel, did you hear what they were talking about?
She was starting to wonder if Annie had misled her. Maybe her assumptions about Skylar had been wrong.
Samuel:
I didn’t get close enough to hear anything.
Peter:
Who cares what they were saying? What matters is that we’ve got proof they’re seeing each other.
Kenny:
I’m not so sure. John just got engaged, and it’s to Melody Clarke—the Clarke family’s daughter. It seems unlikely he’d jeopardize that. Maybe Skylar really did earn her place through talent. Maybe we should try getting to know more about her before jumping to conclusions.
Maisy:
I’ve never heard anything about her having actual skills. But then again, maybe she’s been hiding them all this time.
She couldn’t let go of the idea that Skylar had only climbed the ranks because of John. She was convinced Skylar was just his mistress, forced to live in secrecy.
Jeffrey:
Let’s stop guessing. Peter, get ready. We’ll meet John tomorrow and talk this through directly.
Peter:
Sure.
Sadie:
It would be perfect if we could make John marry Skylar.
Peter:
That’s impossible. His fiancée is Melody Clarke—she’s out of Skylar’s league. Skylar’s only advantage is her looks. She’s not marriage material for someone like John. Don’t embarrass yourself by dreaming too big, Mom.
Samuel:
Exactly. Let’s not get carried away. For all we know, John’s just toying with her. He’ll probably toss her aside once he’s bored.