Chapter 1019

Skylar's mind was still scattered. She didn't notice Janine finish cooking and emerge from the kitchen carrying dishes. Janine pointed at a middle-aged man on the television and said, "This guy looks a lot like your dad. You were too young to remember him, but even Steven said he resembles him."

"Looks like Dad?" Skylar finally focused on the television, which showed a romantic urban drama. The middle-aged man likely played the father of one of the leads. He appeared refined, suggesting he must have been quite handsome in his youth.

"Yeah, a bit," Janine said casually. "The eyes are very similar. Remember when I fell and had to go to the hospital a while back? I saw someone there who looked just like your dad."

Skylar turned off the television and sat at the dining table. "There are so many people in the world who look alike."

"True, but it's quite a coincidence," Janine replied, reminiscing about her late husband. "If your dad were still alive, he'd be so proud to see how well you and your brothers have grown, excelling in your careers and studies." A wave of emotion washed over her; she'd never had the chance to say goodbye. A weight often settled in her heart. Sometimes, she even felt her husband was still alive, though she knew it was impossible. If he were alive, he would have returned home all these years. She wondered what could be more important than family.

Setting aside those thoughts, Janine smiled at Skylar. "Try my cooking and see if I've lost my touch. I've been so busy lately that I often order takeout. It's so convenient these days."

Skylar wasn't particularly hungry, but seeing the familiar dishes—each with the comforting taste of home—she took a bite and gave a thumbs-up. "Mom, your cooking is the best! While I was in Fachington, I kept thinking about your meals. Eating your food makes me so happy!" Tears welled in her eyes.

Noticing Skylar's red eyes, Janine was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled. "Silly girl, just eat. If you ever want my cooking, just come home. I'll always be here to make it for you. Steven and Charles said they'd be home for the weekend, so we can all get together then."

"Okay," Skylar smiled and nodded, feeling deeply cherished by her family.

Skylar hadn't seen Joe for three days. However, she ran into Vera today at the company's team-building event—an upscale seafood buffet. While chatting with colleagues, she decided to call Joe tomorrow if she didn't see him today.

After the event, as Skylar exited the parking lot, she was rear-ended. To her surprise, the other driver was Vera. Vera was equally shocked. It was unbelievable that in a city as large as Jipsburg, they'd bumped into each other like this—and in such a way. Looking at Skylar's luxury car, Vera pulled out her phone. "I'll transfer the repair costs to you directly."