Chapter 121

Joe felt irritated by Skylar's silence.

"I guess those years were a waste of time. I've wasted my youth on a useless man," Skylar said softly.

Joe's tension vanished. He smiled lightly. "It's late. You should get some rest."

"Okay, good night," Skylar said.

A few minutes later, Joe put down his book and prepared to head upstairs. Suddenly, a WhatsApp notification appeared on his phone. He opened the message and continued walking.

Annie: "Good night, Mr. Martin."

Joe didn't reply and silenced his phone.

After waiting twenty minutes, Annie still hadn't received a reply. She stood by the window with a glass of red wine, gazing at the city lights. She then looked at Joe's WhatsApp profile picture.

She had invited Joe to their alumni reunion, three days away, and hoped he would accept. The reunion would mean nothing without him. He had only replied, "I'll check my schedule."

Now she wondered if he had seen her goodnight message or simply ignored it. The thought of being ignored made her pout. She usually guessed others' thoughts easily, but Joe's mind remained a mystery. Was he so difficult to reach?

The next morning, Skylar came downstairs to make breakfast, only to find the table already set. Her favorite pancakes and bacon were waiting. Joe walked over with two glasses of warm milk. He looked at Skylar and said, "Grandma sent someone to deliver us breakfast."

Skylar took a glass. The milk was perfectly warm. She smiled. "The temperature's just right. Thanks."

Joe was surprised by her smile. "You're welcome."

"The pancakes are great!" Skylar took a bite. Her satisfaction was evident. "They're so fresh and fluffy. Clearly homemade, not store-bought."

"Whenever you feel like pancakes, just call Edgar. She'll arrange delivery," Joe said.

"No, that's too much trouble. Pearlhall Residence is too far from Galaxy Villa; it takes over an hour round trip," Skylar said, unwilling to inconvenience anyone. "And I shouldn't eat the same thing every day; I'd get bored." Still, she appreciated his thoughtfulness.

After a week apart, Joe seemed more approachable. A thought occurred to her: Maybe he was in a good mood because he was in love.

She blinked. "Tonight, I'll head over to Pearlhall Residence after work."

"Where are you working now?" Joe asked.

"I interviewed with Mr. Gardner Senior's team yesterday and was hired. Today's my first day. I might get off a little late," Skylar said as she ate.

Joe was surprised. "Mr. Gardner Senior's team?"

"Yes," Skylar replied.

Joe realized he didn't know Skylar well. He'd been close to Alexander when they were young and knew Alexander was strict with his hires; candidates faced rigorous tests and needed his approval. If Skylar had made the team, she was clearly talented.

"Congratulations," Joe said, watching her carefully.

Skylar smiled and raised her glass. "Thanks." She was determined to work hard, do what she loved, and forge her own career path.

"I'll pick you up after work. I want to take you somewhere before we head to Pearlhall Residence," Joe said.