Chapter 10
The police questioned Christopher for several hours. Even though he presented evidence of his relationship with Skylar, the police refused to believe him. Skylar’s evidence clearly stated that he had borrowed money from her. Seeing the $100,000 in his bank account, he loathed the thought of repaying her.
Christopher thought Skylar was merely throwing a tantrum. He hadn’t been attentive lately, having spent most of his time with Maisy. He reasoned that she could simply tell him if she missed him. Why cause such a scene? Was she unaware that such antics would only make him dislike her more?
Infuriated, Christopher called Skylar.
She happened to be on the subway when he called. As she stared at the caller ID, her heart ached. Clenching her phone, she answered.
Christopher initially thought she wouldn't answer. He hadn't expected her to pick up. It was then that he realized she was trying to manipulate him.
“Babe, are you mad because I haven’t been able to spend time with you? I’ve been really busy lately. Where are you? I’ll come find you. We’ve been together since high school; you should know me by now. I’ll get a $300,000 bonus at the end of the year, and I’ll give it all to you then, okay?”
He planned to invent an excuse to avoid giving her any money by year's end.
“My mom’s always been nice to you, and she’s ill, right? Babe, I really love you. All the money I earn in the future will be yours.”
As Skylar listened to his flattery, her eyes flared with hatred. She snarled, “Christopher, you better pay me back as soon as possible. Otherwise, my lawyer will come after you.”
Christopher thought he’d misheard. “Babe? Did you hear rumors? Since when do you care so much about money? How can our relationship be measured by money?”
His words were cut short by a beep; Skylar had hung up. What Christopher had said earlier had nearly made Skylar vomit.
Realizing this, Christopher’s expression soured. His grip tightened on his phone as he muttered, “Skylar, what are you playing at? Do you think I wouldn’t dare to break up with you?”
He inhaled sharply, his resolve strengthening. He decided to return the money. The police had already raided his office, and his career would be over if she sued him.
Christopher decided to repay her and then have Amelia call her later. Skylar would surely return the money then. He texted Skylar after transferring the funds:
“Babe, I’ve transferred the money. Don’t worry about Mom; I’ll figure something out. If you’re not feeling well, I can take you on a trip this weekend.”
Skylar received a notification. Staring at the $100,000 in her account, she was momentarily stunned. She quickly regained her composure, transferring $90,000 to Janine and keeping $10,000.
“Mom, this is money I saved from school breaks and what you usually give me. You probably need it, so use it first,” Skylar texted.
Janine, upon seeing the transfer and Skylar’s text, was flabbergasted. She called Skylar immediately.
“Skye, you’ve just graduated and don’t have a job yet. You need money too! I can still work, and I get an allowance from Steven and Charles every month. I can’t take your money. I’ll transfer it back. You should spend it on clothes. I really don’t need it.”
Noting Janine’s genuine concern, Skylar chuckled. “Mom, I don’t need any money now. You guys can have it. I’m getting off the subway now. Let’s talk more in a few days.”
Janine stared at her phone. While appreciating Skylar’s thoughtfulness, she sensed something was wrong. How had the Williamses treated her?
She had Sadie’s number but had never considered calling her. But this was about Skylar. She had raised Skylar and sensed something was amiss. Drawing a deep breath, she called Sadie.
“Janine? Why are you calling me?”
Sadie had also saved Janine’s number for Skylar. She’d meant to delete it but had forgotten. It felt strange having Janine in her contacts.
“It’s not a big deal. I just want to know what’s going on with Skye.” Sensing Sadie’s contempt, Janine frowned.
However, Sadie’s next words made her blood boil.
“Now that you’ve asked, I must tell you. I have no idea how you raised her, but she’s really disobedient and reckless. She talks back to us and lacks basic courtesy. During my birthday, she gave me a shabby painting, claiming it was ancient. Look at her, lying so effortlessly! She’s clearly been raised poorly. Did she think we’re clueless? I don’t expect her to be as sensible as Maisy, but she’s an embarrassment! She ran away from home two days ago. Did she go back to your place? Tell her we’re not taking her back if she refuses to return! Even if she does, she has to apologize properly! She must be sincere; otherwise, we won’t forgive her easily.”
As Janine listened, her body quivered with rage. Her eyes turned bloodshot. She had always been kind, but she could no longer hold back hearing Sadie compare Skylar and Maisy and belittle Skylar.
“Skylar has always been very sensible! You must have done something that made her run away. I raised her; I know her best! She would never do the things you said! You should reflect on yourselves. And you owe her an apology!”
Janine hung up and wept. Judging by Sadie’s attitude, Skylar had probably had a difficult time at the Williams residence. Oh, her dear Skylar!
Skylar was on the antique street in Jipsburg. The street was lined with various items; it felt like traveling back in time. She carried a large bag containing the ancient painting she’d retrieved from the Williams residence. She had bought the tattered painting from an old man for $10,000. It was worn and fragmented. It took her three months to restore it. The old man said his grandfather had left it behind, claiming it dated from 1120 BC. The artist was impossible to determine due to its poor condition. The highest offer anyone had made was $1,000. But Skylar recognized it as the work of a painter from 1120 BC known for picturesque scenery.