Chapter 16

If they hadn't broken up, it meant Skylar was cheating, making Joe the third party—a third party with a marriage certificate. If that were the case, Skylar was incredibly deceptive.

"I'm not sure," Joe said, hesitant to accuse Skylar unjustly.

"Don't worry, Mr. Martin. I'll investigate it now."

"Alright."

Skylar was busy from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Daniel ordered fish and chips for lunch. Besides Daniel, another employee, 18-year-old Caleb Gardner, worked in the store. Apparently, he disliked studying and started working with Daniel after graduating high school.

The store always had customers of various nationalities. Caleb easily switched between Albionian, Bierstadian, and Francorien when speaking to them, suggesting a flair for languages. Daniel paid him a monthly salary of $3,500, including meals, basic welfare, and commission, but excluding accommodation.

Caleb, a handsome young man who enjoyed live broadcasting, sold goods online, becoming quite popular. He'd sold a significant item yesterday, earning a $50,000 commission. The live broadcast industry was booming.

"Skylar, let me treat you to stew tonight!" Caleb attempted to ask Skylar out during lunch.

Before Skylar could refuse, Daniel rolled his eyes. He was too old for the young man's frivolity.

"She's spent the whole day restoring the painting. She must be exhausted. How could she possibly want stew? Concentrate on your broadcast this evening. You'd better sell all the new items from the last two days."

Skylar smiled lightly. "I need to go home to be with my grandmother. She's sick and needs company."

Caleb was slightly disappointed. "Alright."

"When I'm done restoring the painting, I'll treat you and Mr. Zeller to stew," Skylar offered.

Caleb reminded her of Harvey; they were the same age. She could introduce them later.

"Alright." Caleb still felt disappointed about sharing a meal with Daniel. He'd wanted a one-on-one date with Skylar.

Two days prior, he'd noticed a woman restoring paintings in the store. Initially, he thought she was an elderly woman and wasn't interested. He was surprised to discover she was Skylar.

Caleb's grandfather, Alexander Gardner, always wanted him to learn antique restoration, but he lacked the patience. He'd observed Skylar's work; once she started, she'd work for half a day. He admired her serious attitude and her beauty—she was far more attractive than women who'd had plastic surgery.

Just then, Daniel received a phone call.

"What a coincidence! I have a painting from 1120 BC, a perfectly restored landscape painting. I just received it two days ago; I was about to take it to auction."

"What? George wants it?"

When Skylar heard Daniel, she knew he was talking about her painting.

Daniel sounded conflicted. "About the moneyit's just that I promised the auction house. I still have two other paintings from 1120 BC being restored. Why don't I show it to George first, once the restoration is complete?"

The person on the other end agreed.

After ending the call, Daniel looked at Skylar cheerfully. "Skylar, I'm going to increase your pay. Could you come in earlier or stay later to speed up the restoration? 1120 BC paintings have been popular lately." He wanted to capitalize on the trend.