Chapter 1134

"Have you been waiting for me?" Joe asked.

"I haven't been awake long. I made some chicken soup. Would you like some now?" She started toward the kitchen, Joe following closely.

He stood behind her, a peaceful calm settling between them despite the silence. Skylar handed him a bowl, their eyes meeting briefly in a shared smile.

An hour later, Howard arrived for a quick check-up, leaving after confirming Joe was fine. Soon after, Paul appeared with contracts for Joe to review and sign. Joe worked in his study, finishing by 3:00 PM.

Later, they cooked dinner together. The day slipped away quietly. Before bed, they spoke with Gloria on the phone. Skylar then received a call from Alexander, who had a job for her the next day.

The following morning, Joe returned to work, fully recovered, while Skylar went to meet Alexander. He'd contacted Frank, hoping to enlist Alexander's help in finding Skylar to determine if any family antiques were linked to negative items. Antique collecting was a passion in their circle, but recent cases involving such items had increased anxiety among collectors.

Skylar examined ten or so pictures from the elder's relatively small collection, concluding there was nothing amiss. Nevertheless, the elder insisted on paying her.

"The person behind the negative items has gone quiet recently," Alexander said. "I had people investigate Kevin, but we've heard nothing. It's been too long, and those from the older generation who might have known about Viola having a brother are gone." He sighed sadly.

Worried about upsetting him, Skylar reassured, "We'll figure it out. He's been secretly maneuvering for so long, he'll slip up eventually. Moreover, we've already confirmed Molly is one of his people. Following her trail will yield answers."

"True," Alexander replied. "If this person doesn't reveal themselves soon, Joe will take action against Molly. But she might just be a pawn, unaware of who's behind everything."

"We'll take it one step at a time. Now that everyone thinks you and Joe are divorced, you have a chance to rest. Return to work when you're ready," he added.

Alexander, at his age, knew no one in his family could carry on his legacy. He'd already decided to leave everything to Skylar. Without Viola, he wouldn't be here. Leaving everything to Skylar felt like repaying Viola's kindness. But he couldn't tell Skylar yet—she would refuse. He needed to prepare his will first.

After leaving Gardner Group, Skylar met Minerva. Minerva had reserved a table at a restaurant, and they arrived almost simultaneously. They had barely sat down when Rowan approached.

"What a coincidence," he said, smiling.

Minerva's face hardened at the sight of Rowan; she completely ignored him. His smile faltered, replaced by an awkward expression. Tension filled the air.

Chapter 1135