Chapter 203

Caleb’s hair had grown long and unruly, resembling a bird’s nest. His eyes were glued to the book, and he remained oblivious to his surroundings.

“What’s going on here?” Alexander sensed something was amiss. He had seen Caleb act out and slack off, but he had never seen him this serious, this much like a bookworm. Was this even his grandson?

Caleb scratched his head and looked at Alexander, tears welling up in his eyes. “Grandpa, it’s too difficult! It’s so complicated! I just can’t learn this!”

Caleb had thought that forcing himself to study would eventually lead to understanding. After all, he had Alexander’s blood in his veins. Besides, he used to be somewhat intelligent as a child, didn't he? So why did he feel so clueless now? His eyes hurt, and his head throbbed from studying, but he still couldn’t grasp the material.

Alexander was taken aback, then he sighed and walked over. “Did you lock yourself in here for days just to read these books? You won’t understand everything without a teacher.”

“If I could understand this, I’d be a prodigy! If I really want to learn, I’ll arrange for a tutor to come by tomorrow and start teaching you from the basics,” Alexander offered.

“Starting from the basics? When will I ever be able to date Skylar then?” Caleb felt utterly defeated.

Alexander rolled his eyes. “Didn’t John make it clear? Stop daydreaming. You’re not good enough for Skylar.”

“You’re all looking down on me!” Caleb shouted in frustration. He believed he was worthy of Skylar. The more they doubted him, the harder he would try.

Skylar had dinner with Gloria at Pearlhall Residence. Afterward, they watched a variety show together.

“Joe will be back tonight. I’ve asked Edgar to schedule a hospital appointment for you two,” Gloria said. These two worried kids needed a little push. If she didn’t intervene, they might never get together. Gloria thought a pre-pregnancy checkup would bring them closer.

Gloria knew Joe well. If he didn’t want to go, he would have refused. His agreement indicated some feelings for Skylar.

Earlier that afternoon, Gloria had received a call from Alexander. He had said he also favored Skylar and that Caleb was quite taken with her. He had also been stunned to learn that Skylar had grown up with Viola. Alexander likely hadn’t recovered from the shock, as he had cursed his sons for being unreliable. He felt Joe wouldn’t have stood a chance if his own sons had had children earlier.

However, Gloria was confident. Even if Caleb had been born earlier, he wouldn’t have turned out as handsome and capable as Joe!

“Alright, Grandma. Joe mentioned it to me. I’ll take the day off tomorrow,” Skylar nodded. She hadn’t had a checkup in a while.

“Joe might seem stern, but he’s way better than the first male contestant on this show. Look at that guy—sweet-talking and dating the first female contestant one day, then cooking for the third the next,” Gloria said, shaking her head.

“Well, Joe would never do that. Once he’s set his sights on someone, that’s it for life!” Gloria praised Joe endlessly to secure Skylar as his future wife.

Skylar agreed. “Not just the first guy. Even the second and third male contestants can’t compare with him.”

Joe had assured her that he had nothing to do with Annie. Although Skylar had initially been skeptical, she realized a few days ago that he genuinely didn’t care about Annie’s feelings.

As soon as she finished speaking, a deep voice sounded behind her. “Do you really think that highly of me?”

Joe had arrived just in time to hear her praise.

Skylar’s smile froze, and she turned around in shock to see Joe standing there. When had he arrived?