Chapter 657
Aiken said earnestly, “Skylar, you’ve done so much for us today. To us, you’re a benefactor. I’ll ensure that you receive a generous reward later.”
Before dinner, he had doubted Skylar’s abilities and questioned her motives for befriending Simona.
Aiken had worked tirelessly to achieve his position and had faced numerous challenges and schemes from various individuals. Those who appeared kind and trustworthy often proved to be the most dangerous when it mattered most.
Repeated betrayals had eroded his trust in others, leaving him wary of everyone. However, Skylar seemed genuine and honest; he felt she could be trusted.
“Simona and I are friends, so there’s no need to make a fuss about it,” Skylar replied, indifferent to any compensation. She had agreed to help Simona out of friendship, and if she had wanted payment, she would have asked from the beginning.
From the start, she had a good impression of Simona, and their meeting seemed destined. Discovering the fake amulets had only confirmed that.
Aiken chose not to press the matter further.
Half an hour later, after Skylar left, he also departed.
Simona was unconcerned about Aiken’s plans. She focused on buying high school textbooks and various practice tests from multiple sources, determined to reclaim her peak performance.
Aiken went to another residence where he managed many of his affairs. He preferred to keep Simona away from these unsavory matters. It was enough for one of them to deal with such issues.
At this residence, a dozen photos of Skylar were spread out. They had been taken discreetly, but her features were clear.
“Are you sure you want to take this deal, Mr. Parkinson?” Egbert Hewitt asked Aiken.
Aiken initially planned to return and dine with Simona, putting off the decision until the following day. Thus, Egbert was surprised by his unexpected return and sensed something was wrong.
“No, we’re not accepting this offer. The Parkinson family will not participate in this deal,” Aiken stated resolutely as he carefully collected the photos. He’d intended to hand them over to Egbert but decided to store them safely in a drawer instead.
Egbert was astonished. “They offered a fortune Are you really turning it down? Do you have a reason, Mr. Parkinson?”
Egbert wondered if Aiken had taken a liking to the woman in the photos and wanted to
settle down.
“No particular reason. Just tell them that I said we’re not interested in this deal,” Aiken
replied. His tone was resolute.
Egbert didn’t ask further questions.