Chapter 1237
Finding Joe and Paul was merely a matter of time. After three years of searching and waiting, news finally arrived. Everyone had matured considerably during those three years.
After Rowan and Eva left the restaurant, he transferred one hundred thousand dollars to her. "Take your classmates out for fun," he messaged. "I'll be busy for the next couple of days."
Eva, overjoyed by the notification on her phone, replied, "Mr. Jakeman, you're not coming with us? I'll wear the swimsuit you bought me at the mall last time." Her words held a clear implication.
Rowan lit a cigarette, his expression unchanged. "Wear it for me next time," he said. "Just go without me this time."
Eva, understanding his unspoken request, acquiesced and left in a taxi.
Rowan remained, wrestling with conflicting emotions. He sent a document to Skylar, then stood smoking. Finishing his cigarette, he glanced back at the restaurant. He should forget everything, he mused; someone like him wasn't worthy of a good woman like Minerva.
He went to the parking lot, drove away.
After lunch, Skylar and Minerva parted ways. Skylar lingered in her car, checking the message Rowan had sent.
The document detailed information about Ned's life. Born in Jipsburg, he'd grown up in Murida, maintaining a low profile until three years prior, when he suddenly rose to prominence. A Murida private detective's report concluded that Ned's identity was suspect.
Rowan suspected Ned was Joe, but if so, what about Paul's photograph? A thick fog of confusion enveloped Skylar.
Driving toward Galaxy Villa, she encountered a roadblock caused by an accident. Many people had exited their vehicles to assess the situation. Seeing the road completely blocked behind her, Skylar also got out of her car.
She overheard a discussion about a large truck that had overturned, spilling sand onto two oncoming cars, trapping their occupants. The extent of injuries or fatalities was unclear. Police, firefighters, and traffic officers were already on the scene.
Remembering a small shovel in her car, Skylar retrieved it and headed toward the accident. Suddenly, someone opened a car door, obstructing her path. In her haste to help, she simply said, "Please close the door."