Chapter 1214
Janine felt relieved by Skylar's words. Since childhood, Skylar had always followed through on her decisions. Now that Skylar intended to move forward, the past truly seemed behind them. This was a welcome development.
As they talked, the doorbell rang. Skylar answered it to find Lizzie, dressed casually, sunglasses perched on her face, and clearly rushed. Without her usual performance persona and wig, she would have been unrecognizable to strangers.
"There was a car accident; I got stuck in traffic," Lizzie said tensely. "Can you call Muriel for me?"
Skylar nodded. A loud crash—a fallen cup—followed. Both Skylar and Lizzie turned. Muriel, oblivious to the broken cup, stared at Lizzie, their eyes meeting in a silent moment.
Others rushed over at the sound. "Muriel, are you hurt?" one colleague asked.
"I'll grab a broom," another offered.
"Everyone stay still! The broken cup is dangerous," someone warned, "especially for those without shoes."
Colleagues cleaned up the mess. Muriel, snapping back to reality, looked at the shards. "Sorry," she said to her colleague, "I didn't hold the cup steady."
"It's fine, as long as you're okay," her colleague reassured her.
Lizzie's voice was slightly hoarse. "Muriel."
Muriel's eyes welled. "Can we go for a walk?"
Lizzie gazed intently at Muriel. After years apart, this was their first face-to-face conversation.
Chapter 1214
It felt like a century had passed since they had last looked at each other and spoken. Muriel wanted to smile but could only nod.
Nearby, Skylar watched them leave, a smile in her eyes. When Lizzie glanced back, Skylar silently mouthed, "Good luck, Lizzie." Lizzie smiled and nodded.
On a woodland path, the hot spring resort was peaceful under the night sky. The illuminated villas showcased its vibrant atmosphere; it was clearly thriving.
Soon after Lizzie and Muriel left, Skylar changed and went for a walk along the path she'd once shared with Joe. The evening air was cool, so she tightened her windbreaker and rested at a lakeside gazebo. Safety wasn't a concern; the resort had ample security and surveillance. Occasional passersby were the only interruption.