Chapter 1198
Skylar's eyes lit up at the sight of Minerva. "This is fate," she exclaimed.
Caleb was quite surprised. "When did you two meet?" To him, Minerva and Skylar seemed utterly dissimilar. The Reids were strict, holding Minerva to high expectations, particularly regarding her friends, who were expected to hail from prominent families. Skylar, while exceptional, lacked such a background. Their familiarity caught him off guard.
Minerva laughed. "We've known each other for years and are very good friends. It's been a while since we last saw each other." She turned to Caleb. "Caleb, you've grown! And you even managed to secure Skylar as your date. Well done!"
Caleb's mouth twitched. "I grew up a long time ago, okay?" He'd met countless people that day, each remarking on his growth, each more surprised than the last. It was maddening! He wasn't just grown; he was a six-foot-tall man. How could anyone still see him as a child?
Minerva chuckled. "Yes, you've grown a lot. I remember when we last met, you were only slightly taller than me. Now you're a whole head taller."
Caleb felt a surge of pride.
"Come on, let's go over there. The cakes are quite good," Minerva said, linking arms with Skylar and leading her away. Seeing Caleb hesitate, she turned back. "I'm going to chat privately with Skylar. You go over there and have some fun."
Caleb rolled his eyes. What fun was he supposed to have? Minerva still treated him like a child. However, spotting some friends nearby, he let them go.
Minerva selected a plate of small cakes, offering one to Skylar. "I tried this one earlier; it's quite good, not too sweet or heavy."
Skylar, a lover of small cakes, took a bite. "This is delicious, just the way I like it," she agreed.
"Are you planning to leave again soon?" Minerva asked casually.
Skylar nodded. "Yes, I'm planning to stay for about a month before returning to Murida. Is your fiancรฉ here today?" She hadn't noticed earlier, but Minerva seemed to have come alone. Minerva had mentioned her engagement a couple of months prior. She'd met her fiancรฉ while studying abroad; he was also from Jipsburg, his family politically influential and highly respected, even among the city's major families.
Minerva blushed slightly. "He just returned to the country and has a lot to attend to. Besides, this kind of event isn't really suitable for him."
"I'm happy for you, finding such a wonderful partner," Skylar said, offering Minerva a glass of wine.
They clinked glasses and sipped, the faint aroma lingering on their lips. Minerva smiled softly. "He truly is wonderful."
As she finished speaking, a figure appeared behind her. Skylar noticed Rowan first. Engrossed in conversation, neither woman had noticed his approach. Minerva, initially unaware, sensed Skylar's gaze shift and turned to meet Rowan's eyes.