Chapter 1133

Skylar considered Vera's plan sound, but Vera seemed not to have accounted for Skylar's willingness to be used. The news of Joe and Lizzie's engagement, amplified by media coverage, had clearly triggered Vera, exacerbating her irrationality.

Vera slammed her phone down. "What a bold move, Skylar!" she exclaimed, wondering what had given Skylar the audacity. Even after Joe's rejection and Alexander's dismissal, Skylar remained defiantly proud, daring to hang up and refuse to listen. Despite Vera's generous offer, Skylar remained unsatisfied. "Isn't she being too greedy?" Vera fumed. "Does she want money? Or is she foolish enough to hope for a reconciliation with Joe? Ridiculous! What does she think Joe is? He kept his relationship with Lizzie hidden for so long; how could he possibly go back to her? He even used me as a shield for Lizzie. I'm nothing but a joke now."

Her anger spiraled, propelling her downstairs and into her car. She arrived at the Moran residence.

The maid immediately informed her, "Mrs. Martin is out for a few days, Ms. Ruell. You can call her directly if you need anything." This was Molly's instruction; she desperately wanted to avoid Vera's increasingly frequent visits. In reality, Molly was home.

Vera eyed the villa with a cold expression. "I've come here three times, and she's not home each time," she observed. "Is it coincidence, or is she deliberately avoiding me?" Molly had offered various excuses over the phone, sometimes hanging up after a few words, claiming a poor signal. If Vera couldn't discern Molly's deliberate avoidance, she truly would be foolish.

"That's impossible, Ms. Ruell. Mrs. Martin has been extremely busy these past few days. Both she and Mr. Martin are out," the maid insisted.

Vera scoffed, opening Molly's WhatsApp. "Mrs. Martin," she typed, "if I don't see you today, I guarantee there will be scandalous news all over Jipsburg about you and that pretty boy tomorrow. My purpose is simple: I want that statue from my house removed. I don't want it anymore!"

She dared not touch the statue herself. The mere thought of its removal triggered terrible headaches and nightmares. Now, away from home and after calling Skylar, the mention of a negative item sent a cold sweat rippling through her. The statue must be a negative item. It served no purpose except to cause her pain, and she couldn't risk keeping such a ticking time bomb.

Molly hadn't replied. Vera wasn't in a hurry; she possessed compromising information on Molly, and ruining her in Jipsburg would be effortless. She simply hadn't wished to sever ties completely—until now.

Skylar waited until 10:00 a.m. before Joe finally woke. He descended the stairs, looking haggard and pale.