Chapter 154

John felt a slight headache coming on. "She's off-limits," he said. "There are some things I can't tell you. You'd better get rid of those feelings before it's too late. I'll talk to the old fart and put an end to his matchmaking attempts."

"Uncle John, you're going too far," Caleb replied. "I like Skylar. After all these years, she's the only one I've ever liked. What do you mean she's off-limits?"

John's warning fell on deaf ears. A young person's thoughts were focused solely on pursuing what they liked, regardless of appropriateness.

"You can ask Skylar," John said in a deep voice, "Ask if she can marry you, or if she even likes you."

Caleb paused, narrowing his eyes. "Uncle John, don't tell me you like Skylar too? Didn't you just get engaged? Aren't you afraid I'll tell Melody?"

The Gardners held different values. Unlike others, they wouldn't consider adultery or polygamy; such practices were strictly forbidden in their family. If John harbored feelings for Skylar, Caleb would confront him.

John, rendered speechless, could only mutter, "Nonsense."

"Then give me a solid reason to give up," Caleb demanded.

John's reply was cold: "It's simply not possible."

Caleb frowned.

John continued, "Just ask her, and you'll get your answer."

Then, John hung up the phone.

Caleb stared at his phone, deep in thought. John wouldn't call without a reason. Back in high school, when rumors of Caleb's puppy love spread, John hadn't interfered. Now that Caleb was an adult, it made no sense for John to meddle—especially since even Alexander approved. John must know something about Skylar. But what? Could it be related to the online uproar from before?

It had to be…

Skylar was about to drive to the hospital after work when she received a call from Gloria. She was told to return to Pearlhall Residence that night with Joe. Glancing at the time, she saw there was still some time to visit Caleb at the hospital.

On the way, Joe called her. "Are you off work yet?"

"Yeah, I just got off."

"Meet me at Phoenix Mall. It's Grandma's birthday today. Let's pick a gift together and head to Pearlhall Residence."

Skylar was alarmed. "Grandma's birthday?" She had been so busy lately that she had completely forgotten Gloria's birthday.

"I'm heading to Phoenix Mall right away."

She turned the car around and immediately sent a WhatsApp message to Caleb: "Caleb, I won't be able to make it to the hospital. I just learned it's Grandma's birthday today, so I'm going to celebrate. I'll visit you tomorrow. Sorry about this."

Caleb had been absentmindedly playing games, occasionally checking the time, calculating the travel time from Gardner Group to the hospital, knowing Skylar should be arriving soon. But suddenly, he saw Skylar's WhatsApp message saying she couldn't come.

Disappointment washed over him as he looked at the phone. It was the first time he felt his expectations dashed. He had even planned to ask Skylar in person if she wanted to be together with him. Now, he would have to wait until tomorrow.

As soon as Skylar arrived at Phoenix Mall, Joe did too. He whisked her straight to the top floor, where various exclusive jewelry awaited, far beyond what could be found on the lower levels.