Chapter 1102

Joe gently coaxed Skylar for a while. After gathering Viola's belongings, they went to Pearlhall Residence.

On the way, they contacted George and Alexander, arranging to meet at Pearlhall Residence without revealing details. However, both George and Alexander felt a growing unease during the drive, pondering various possibilities.

Upon arrival, they found Gloria dabbing her eyes; her swollen, red eyes spoke of recent tears. Viola's absence hung heavy in the air. Skylar, pale and with puffy, red eyes, was also present. The answer to their unspoken question became clear.

George and Alexander stood motionless at the doorway. The loss of friends, one after another, was a familiar ache at their age. Joe approached, calling out, "Mr. Querbach Senior, Mr. Gardner Senior." They nodded and followed him inside.

Gloria looked up, tears streaming down her face. "You've come," she whispered, fresh tears immediately replacing the ones she'd just wiped away.

"Viola…" George began, his voice hoarse with emotion. The weight of years and the longing for one last glimpse of Viola weighed heavily upon him.

"Viola… she's gone ahead of us, waiting for us on the other side," Gloria said, glancing at the more distraught Skylar, whose hand she squeezed.

George staggered back. Alexander closed his eyes, his face pale. "You all should sit down," he said. "Let Joe explain Viola's situation." Gloria, overwhelmed by grief, lacked the strength to do so herself. She'd expected her own health to precede Viola's passing.

With heavy steps, George and Alexander sat. Skylar greeted them softly, "Mr. Gardner Senior, Mr. Querbach Senior."

"Hey, Skye, don't be too sad," George said wearily, attempting to comfort her. Skylar nodded. "Okay."

Joe then shared details about Viola and the letter she'd left. Hearing that Viola had passed peacefully in her sleep, their expressions softened.

A heavy silence followed. Finally, George spoke. "Viola didn't like noise or being disturbed. Let's keep her funeral simple and quiet."

"Skye mentioned the same," Gloria added. "When Viola lived in the countryside, she told Skye that if she ever died, she wished for a simple service and to have her ashes scattered at sea."

At their age, much in life had already been accepted.