Chapter 234

Skylar jumped in shock. "Steven," she said, "our marriage was arranged. We have feelings for each other now, and we hope our relationship will develop more smoothly."

How could there be such dislike between them? She and Joe were already married. Although they had decided to continue their relationship, they were essentially just living together. In the future, they would have, at most, an extra bed and meal companion.

Joe frowned slightly. In his opinion, Skylar's attitude suggested she was distancing herself, confirming his suspicion that she disliked him.

Steven found Skylar's answer perfectly normal and expected. After all, Gloria had introduced them, and they had married only because they had formed good first impressions of each other. His question had indeed been blunt.

"Okay," Steven said. "It seems you two get along well. If you have any problems, discuss them and resolve them together." There was nothing inherently wrong with an arranged marriage. Skylar and Christopher had known each other for years, and look how that ended—with Christopher proving to be a scumbag who ultimately betrayed her.

"Okay, don't worry," Joe promised. He would give Skylar all the respect she deserved.

Steven was very satisfied. He hadn't expected Joe to be so easygoing. He'd heard that interacting with Joe required a strong heart and careful speech to avoid unintentionally angering him.

Skylar felt relieved when Steven accepted Joe and softened his attitude.

After dinner, Steven, Skylar, and Joe went home.

On the subway, Steven felt confused. Suddenly, he realized something: given Joe's status, he shouldn't need an arranged marriage. Why had he agreed to his elders' arrangement? Could he be lacking in some area? This possibility worried Steven; he feared he wouldn't sleep. He decided to indirectly ask Skylar later. But as a grown man, he couldn't discuss this with his sister. A headache came on; perhaps he'd drunk too much beer. Either way, Skylar and Joe were married, so he could wait and see. He'd find a solution after his business trip. He couldn't let Skylar down.

The next day, a car stopped before the gates of Gardner Manor. While guests were common, it was a Saturday, and the maid, Suzy Hayes, usually knew of any visits in advance. Seeing strangers emerge, she asked, "Excuse me, may I know who you are?"

"We're here to see Mr. Gardner," Jeffrey said directly, adopting a superior attitude. He had a plan: he wanted Skylar to stay with John. With John's backing, the Williams Group would rise in Jipsburg, perhaps even gaining preferential treatment from Martin Group due to the Gardner family's influence. He needed Skylar with John, ideally exposing their relationship.

Peter looked enviously at the Gardner Manor. In Jipsburg, few families possessed such a substantial background. The Williams family seemed inadequate in comparison.

Suzy didn't recognize Jeffrey, but his demeanor made her hesitant. "May I ask who you are?" she repeated.

"I'm Skylar's father," Jeffrey declared, standing tall. Skylar?