Chapter 102

As he lit a cigarette, the flickering light played across his face. Skylar couldn't fathom Joe's thoughts, so she could only guess. "Don't worry, Mr. Martin," she said. "I know what to do. I won't date anyone for the three years of our marriage. I'll never make Grandma worry."

He was probably afraid she was still involved with Christopher, and that their interactions might inadvertently alert Gloria. There was something she couldn't tell him. He wouldn't have suspected her continued entanglement with Christopher if he knew about her previous life. After all, she hadn't enjoyed being tortured, and she wasn't that lowly.

"Okay," Joe replied softly.

Suddenly, a surge of emotion welled up in Skylar's chest. Unable to contain herself, she said, "Mr. Martin, since you've asked me not to be in a relationship for three years, I wish you could do the same." It was a mutual agreement; it didn't make sense if she were the only one abiding by it.

Joe sensed Skylar's hostility. His frustration vanished instantly. He replied patiently, "I'll abide by the agreement."

Skylar didn't dwell on it. "Okay then. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

After Skylar returned to her room, Joe grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and took a few sips. Then he went outside to smoke. He saw a message from Jeremy on his phone:

Jeremy: "Are you at the hot spring resort, too?"

Joe recalled the voice he'd heard at the hot spring moments before, and tapped the screen.

Joe: "Did you bring a woman here?"

Jeremy: "Did the receptionist tell you?"

Joe's eyes darkened. "No."

Jeremy stopped replying, and Joe switched off his phone before walking back to the villa.

The next morning, the chauffeur arrived to pick up Skylar. Joe was still at the hot spring resort; he'd said he would pick up Gloria from George's place around 10:00 a.m.

Chapter 102 (Continued)

Skylar arrived at Daniel's store. She washed her hands and prepared for the restoration work. As she was about to enter the workroom, Caleb stopped her. "Has Mr. Gardner Senior's team contacted you?" he asked.

He'd been courting his grandfather's favor for days, so he assumed Alexander would readily agree to Skylar joining his team.

Skylar said regretfully, "Mr. Gardner Senior's team messaged me yesterday afternoon. I wasn't accepted."

"What?" Caleb's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected this.

"It's okay," Skylar said. "I lack experience, and I didn't major in archaeology, history, or any related field in college. It's understandable they didn't accept me. I was prepared for it. Anyway, thank you for telling me about the opportunity."

Seeing Caleb's shock, Skylar thought he felt sorry for her.

Daniel overheard them. "I've recommended Skylar to the auction house," he said. "Once she's finished here, she can apply for a job there. They offer higher pay and bonuses."

"The auction house isn't better than Mr. Gardner Senior's team," Caleb grumbled, scratching his head and glaring at Daniel. He hadn't expected his grandfather to be so cold-hearted. He wondered why Alexander was so ruthless. He'd reassured Alexander, yet his grandfather hadn't believed him. Alexander, stubbornly, saw Skylar as merely an inexperienced young woman. He assumed Caleb had recommended her only to impress her, showing off his ability to get her into Alexander's team.

Caleb couldn't understand why most grandfathers doted on their grandchildren, but his relationship with his grandfather was the complete opposite.