Chapter 1110

Once in the car, Lizzie removed her mask and hat. "Lately, more people recognize me," she explained, "making going out inconvenient. But with a hat and mask, no one recognizes me."

Paul chuckled. "You don't have to go through all that trouble. Just go out without makeup."

In truth, Lizzie looked quite different with and without makeup. Only close acquaintances would instantly recognize her. The public, particularly online, knew only her carefully curated image: long, flowing hair and a delicate, artistic appearance.

Skylar's mouth twitched, amused by Paul's bluntness. She wondered if he was bold enough to risk a slap. Lizzie, however, didn't mind. She simply removed her long wig.

Skylar was stunned by how effortlessly cool Lizzie looked with short hair. Paul wasn't surprised. "You look much better this way," he commented.

Noticing Skylar's surprise, Lizzie smiled. "These days, you have to build a persona. But it has its perks. No one associates this look with 'violinist Lizzie.'"

"You look amazing," Skylar complimented genuinely. It was rare to see a woman pull off such a dashing style.

Lizzie's mood brightened. "You've got good taste."

Paul, however, felt a warning signal flare. "Don't take it too seriously. She was just being polite. Do you think you're more charming than Mr. Martin?"

Paul's presence on this trip extended beyond food and Skylar's protection. He was also monitoring Lizzie; Joe was worried about Skylar. Lizzie, however, was quite a handful, always flirting.

Lizzie rolled her eyes. "So Mr. Martin sent you to keep an eye on me, didn't he?" She wondered if he needed to be so jealous; she wasn't seducing married women.

Skylar smiled, watching them bicker as she enjoyed the scenery.

It seemed to have rained recently. The roads were damp, the weather overcast, yet the view remained lovely. They soon arrived at the Garza Residence, where Carl and Winona awaited. They approached Skylar as she exited the car.

Seeing them, Lizzie's resemblance to her father became clear, though she appeared softer. Winona and Carl offered warm, approachable smiles.

"Are you tired after your flight? Why don't you come in for lunch and rest?" Winona offered kindly.

Skylar smiled and nodded. "Sounds great."

Carl and Paul, already acquainted, chatted as they walked. Lizzie and Skylar walked together. "Make yourself at home," Lizzie said. "No need to be formal."

The Garza family had prepared a lavish lunch of local specialties—exquisite and delicious. Afterward, Skylar and Paul rested in the guest room for an hour. Refreshed, Skylar asked Lizzie to take her to meet Herman, then see some family artifacts.

Lizzie's expression grew serious before Herman's door. "Herman… he's changed. He won't respond, no matter what you say. Lately, he's been strange—avoiding sunlight, keeping the curtains drawn, sometimes not even turning on the lights." Seeing him now felt strange, as if he were a stranger.