Skylar’s eyes widened in surprise at Steven’s direct question. She immediately stepped in to explain.
“Steven, our marriage was arranged. But over time, we’ve grown to understand each other. We’re hoping things will continue to develop smoothly.”
She glanced briefly at Joe as she spoke, her voice soft but steady.
How could she talk about liking or disliking him at this point?
They were already married, but the relationship was still new. They were essentially sharing a home and mealtimes—companions navigating the beginning of something uncertain.
Joe’s brows subtly furrowed. Skylar’s careful, almost distant tone didn’t sit well with him. It sounded more like she was setting boundaries than acknowledging any affection. It made him wonder—did she still not feel anything for him?
Steven, on the other hand, wasn’t surprised. Skylar’s explanation sounded reasonable, especially considering how they met.
After all, they had been introduced through Grandma Gloria and got married on mutual trust—not passion. His question might have been too blunt, he realized.
“Well, as long as you two get along,” Steven said, nodding. “If anything comes up, talk to each other and work through it.”
In his mind, an arranged marriage wasn’t a bad thing. Look at Skylar’s past with Christopher—they had known each other for years, and that still ended terribly. Christopher had betrayed her in the worst way.
“Don’t worry,” Joe assured calmly. “I’ll treat Skye with respect. Always.”
Steven appreciated his tone and demeanor. He hadn’t expected Joe to be so approachable. From what he’d heard, interacting with Joe Martin was supposed to feel like walking on a tightrope. People often said one wrong word could set him off.
But the man in front of him didn’t match that image. Joe was composed and polite—someone Steven could actually talk to.
Seeing Steven gradually warm up and accept the situation, Skylar finally felt at ease. The tension she’d carried since dinner began slowly dissolved.
After finishing their meal, the three said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
Steven took the subway home, still a bit dazed. As the train hummed along, something suddenly clicked in his mind.
Wait a second…
Given Joe’s wealth, looks, and status, why would he need an arranged marriage? He could have easily chosen from dozens—if not hundreds—of women who admired him.
So why Skylar? Why agree to something arranged by the elders?
A troubling thought flashed across Steven’s mind.
Could it be… he has some hidden flaw?
The moment that idea formed, he felt like he’d unlocked a mystery. And now that it had taken root, he doubted he’d be able to sleep that night. He made a mental note to talk to Skylar next time—but subtly. He couldn’t just come out and ask something like that.
He was a grown man, after all. How was he supposed to discuss that kind of issue with his sister?
Steven sighed and rubbed his temples. Maybe he’d had one too many beers at dinner.
Still, no matter what, Skylar was married now. All he could do was keep an eye on things after his business trip. He would find a way to make sure she was happy—one way or another.
The next morning, the peaceful stillness of Gardner Manor was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up at the front gates.
It was Saturday, and while visitors weren’t unusual, house staff were always notified a day in advance. Suzy Hayes, the housemaid, found it odd that strangers were stepping out of a car without prior notice.
She walked briskly to the entrance, her tone polite but cautious. “Excuse me, may I ask who you are?”
A man stepped forward, dressed sharply, carrying himself with the air of someone important.
“We’re here to see Mr. Gardner,” the man said directly.
It was Jeffrey.
He spoke with the practiced tone of someone trying to assert status. In his mind, this wasn’t just a visit—it was a strategic move. If possible, he wanted to use this opportunity to ensure Skylar ended up with John.
With John as a supporter, the Williams family could climb higher in Jipsburg’s social ranks. Who knew—maybe even Martin Group would look at them differently if there was a Gardner connection.
More importantly, if Jeffrey could expose something—anything—about Skylar’s current relationship, it would make it easier to pressure her.
Peter, who had come along, couldn’t help but gape at the mansion’s grandeur. The Gardner family truly lived up to its reputation. Compared to them, the Williams family felt small—insignificant, even.
Suzy gave the group another glance, her brows slightly furrowed. She didn’t recognize any of them, and their sudden visit made her wary.
“May I ask again—who are you?” she asked more firmly this time.
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