Chapter 1007

Rowan, Aiken, members of the Ruell family, Alexander, George, and Frank all spoke highly of Skylar, elevating her to a position of great admiration. Now, Joe was doing the same.

Vera wondered why Skylar held such high regard. Was it her skill in restoring antiques and handling negative items? Or had anyone considered that Skylar might be responsible for many of the problems plaguing Jipsburg City? The sheer number of supposedly harmful items appearing seemed impossible to her; a coincidence felt unbelievable. As Molly had said, many of Jipsburg's recent disturbances were linked to Skylar. Without her, the Ruell family might not have faced their recent troubles.

"Skylar," Vera muttered, "I'll be watching closely to see how long you can maintain this charade. Soon, someone will reveal your true nature. Stay away from Jipsburg, or you'll face the consequences. Joe won't tolerate your deception and manipulation for long. I know your marriage to him is thanks to Mrs. Martin Senior. Once she sees your true colors, who will you rely on?"

Preparing to leave the balcony, Vera saw her reflection in a mirror. Her face, contorted with rage and jealousy, shocked her. She stiffened, staring at the stranger reflected back.

"How did I become so twisted?" she whispered. "I'm supposed to be admired as a Ruell. How could I be so jealous of Skylar?"

Suddenly, she realized someone was watching. She turned sharply to see Paul.

"Paul? You're staying next door?"

Paul's expression was complex. "There was a problem with my original room, so the staff moved me." He'd only been on the balcony a few minutes, surprised to find Vera there, muttering intensely. He'd caught snippets: Skylar, her true nature, and Vera's jealousy. He'd always considered Vera arrogant and imperious, but her current demeanor was unsettlingly unfamiliar. Since learning she was in Fachington and at this hotel, he'd sensed something was amiss.

Vera's face darkened. "So that's how it is," she said, starting to leave. Then, pausing, she turned back. "As Joe's assistant, you need to remain calm and clear-headed. You should be aware of Skylar's true character. Any issues concerning her should be reported directly to Joe. That way, he won't be misled."

Paul frowned. "Ms. Ruell, are you suggesting Mrs. Martin is deceiving Joe? I think you're mistaken."

Paul suddenly understood Vera's earlier strangeness. Her disdain for Skylar was palpable; she saw her as a fraud.

"Skylar married Joe partly because of Mrs. Martin Senior, yet she comes from an ordinary background. For Mrs. Martin Senior to approve and for Joe to agree to a quick marriage, there must be more to it. Skylar must have used underhanded methods. You should investigate her thoroughly," Vera said, her brows furrowed. She avoided elaborating, unwilling to appear overly concerned about Joe.

Paul's frown deepened. "Ms. Ruell, you must be mistaken. Mrs. Martin is a woman of integrity and has never used underhanded tactics." He wondered if someone had misled Vera; otherwise, her suspicion seemed baseless.