Chapter 652
Caleb didn’t quite believe Skylar’s words. If Joe hadn’t been hard on Skylar, he wondered why she seemed so troubled. But since Skylar didn’t want to discuss it, he decided not to press further. After all, if Joe didn’t appreciate her, there would be plenty of others who would.
Inside the Wiscadian restaurant, Simona had already ordered some of the chef’s
specialties and was waiting for Skylar and Caleb to arrive. It didn’t take long before they showed up.
Tve already ordered some dishes. Take a look and see if there’s anything else you’d like,” Simona suggested.
Skylar shook her head. “I’m not very hungry.”
“I’ll take a look,” Caleb said, never one to hold back.
He ordered a few more dishes from the menu, and soon, the food arrived at the table one by one.
They chatted casually about various topics.
Toward the end of the meal, Simona hesitated before speaking, “I’ve heard you’re skilled at authenticating antiques, Skylar. My family has received several antiques from relatives, each claiming immense value.
“This makes it difficult to select suitable return gifts. We’ve brought them for appraisals but they haven’t been reliable. Could you possibly come to our house and take a look?”
Simona felt embarrassed after speaking.
Caleb raised an eyebrow. “Why didn’t you tell me about this before?”
“What’s the point of telling you? Can you even tell real from fake? Didn’t you say you’re not interested in antiques?” Simona retorted, rolling her eyes.
“I can ask my grandfather,” Caleb said confidently.
Simona rolled her eyes again. “Mr. Gardner Senior is so overwhelmed with work that reaching out to him would be a nuisance, and the people who gave us these items might be acquainted with him.
“Skylar, on the other hand, is someone I trust. The problem is she’s been really busy lately, and I feel a bit uneasy about bothering her.”
“I can check them out after work today,” Skylar offered, glancing at the time, noting she could leave at her usual hour that day.
Simona was pleasantly surprised by Skylar’s prompt agreement. “Skylar, you’re so kind!”
Chaple: 652
2/2
She picked up her phone to check the time. “I just explore the mall and wait for you to finish work,” Simona said.
“That sounds good,” Skylar replied.
The mall, with its multiple floors and vast selection, provided ample opportunity for browsing. Hours slipped away unnoticed.
After finishing work, Skylar texted Joe that he didn’t need to pick her up. Then, she headed to Parkinson Residence with Simona.
On the way, Simona opened up about her family. It was just her and her brother, Aiken Parkinson, living at home. Their parents had died in an accident ten years ago.
Aiken had been the one who kept the family going since then.
Simona usually followed Aiken’s advice, but he was often too busy to spend much time with her. As a result, she envied those who had grown up with their parents around, like Caleb, who had the benefit of both his parents and his grandfather and uncle spoiling him since childhood.
Simona’s grandparents seemed indifferent to her and Aiken. Perhaps they didn’t prioritize them because they had so many grandchildren.
After listening to Simona, Skylar was about to offer some words of comfort when Simona nonchalantly said, “Even though I didn’t get much affection from my grandparents, Aiken, dotes on me. No one in Jipsburg dares to bully me.
“My grandparents can’t assert their seniority over me. I don’t care. They even tried to arrange a marriage for Aiken last year. What a joke!
“When Aiken was at his lowest, they stood by and did nothing. Yet now they want to interfere in his affairs? Dream on!
“I can’t believe I’ve been talking the entire time. I’ve never opened up like this before, but with you, Skylar, it’s easy to share my secrets. Anyway, we’re here at my place.”
Simona opened the car door and stepped out.
Parkinson Residence was quite large, resembling a mansion.
It was similar in size to George’s mansion. Quite a few maids were at the mansion, and each one greeted Simona respectfully as