Chapter 107
After a long day, team members could head to the sixth floor for coffee or a workout in the well-equipped gym.
Even though Alexander was getting on in years, he believed in exercising to stay healthy. When Caleb arrived on the sixth floor, he found Alexander strolling on a treadmill.
Caleb jogged over, saying, “Grandpa, there you are! I’ve been looking for you.”
Startled, Alexander almost lost his balance, quickly grabbing the handles to steady himself before glaring at Caleb. Irritatedly, Alexander asked, “What are you doing here?”
“It’s been days since we’ve met. Don’t you miss me, Grandpa?” Caleb asked resentfully.
Alexander scoffed. “What’s there to miss?”
Caleb, used to Alexander’s dislike, didn't take it personally. He turned on the treadmill next to Alexander’s and started walking.
“Look, old fart. You don’t like me, and I don’t like you. I just think you’re getting older; your eyesight might not be what it used to be.”
“My eyes are just fine. I fixed an antique pocket watch yesterday. Age has nothing to do with it, you little punk. If you have something to say, say it. Stop with the sarcasm,” Alexander glared.
Caleb grew up with Alexander, so he knew what he was up to: getting Alexander to reconsider the young lady he’d mentioned. Over the past few days, Alexander had reviewed Skylar’s résumé. The photos showed restoration work, but photos could be faked. The résumé, however, couldn't lie, and her qualifications didn't suggest she could restore the pieces in the pictures. That meant Skylar was lying. Alexander didn’t want anyone on his team who wasn’t genuine.
“Look, Grandpa. I’m serious. Skylar is really talented. She restored two paintings for Daniel; they’re at the auction house now. I watched her work every day. No offense, but I think she’s better than you,” Caleb said nervously.
Alexander wasn’t convinced. “Don’t try to sweet-talk me.”
“How about this, old fart? I’ll quit my job at Daniel’s and work with you full-time, but on one condition—you interview Skylar. If she’s as bad as you think, I’ll move into this building and learn from you for a year, starting from the basics. How’s that?”
“This is your last chance, Grandpa. I’m the only one in this family with any talent for this. This is the only restoration shop in town. Who are you going to pass it on to if not me?”
Caleb had no choice but to make this proposal. Alexander clenched his teeth—he was annoyed, but Caleb had hit a weak spot. Fine, Alexander thought. He would give Skylar a chance. She would have to prove herself anyway.
“Alright, tell her to come tomorrow,” Alexander agreed.
Caleb scratched his head. “You’ll have to contact her; she doesn’t know I’m your grandson yet.”
Alexander was surprised. “She doesn’t know who you are?” He suspected Caleb was lying.
“Yeah, she thinks I’m a regular worker. She even worries I might not have enough to eat. Skylar isn’t what you think. You’ll see for yourself,” Caleb explained, feeling awkward, as if Alexander had discovered his secret.
Alexander turned off his treadmill and wiped his sweat. He narrowed his eyes, studying Caleb. “Alright, I’ll see what she’s really like.” Was he going to be a great-grandfather soon?
Feeling uncomfortable under Alexander’s intense gaze, Caleb changed the subject. “Let’s go. Uncle John is getting engaged tonight. My parents can’t make it, so you and I will have to be there.”
Alexander looked at the time. “Oh, I almost forgot about that.”
Caleb rolled his eyes. Alexander forgot his own son’s engagement, yet claimed to have a great memory. What a stubborn old man.
Skylar had just returned to Galaxy Villa when her phone buzzed with a new message from Natalie: a photo of Joe and Annie toasting, surrounded by guests.