Chapter 27

“Thanks, Grandma. I’m feeling much better today. I’ll visit you at Pearlhall Residence once I’ve completely recovered,” said Skylar.

She only realized Joe was watching her after she sat down. She asked, “Do you need something?”

Joe shot her a sarcastic, biting look. “Aren’t you surprisingly good at buttering up Grandma?”

“I’m not buttering her up. It’s called reciprocity. Grandma was kind to me and had breakfast delivered; it’s only fair I thank her.”

“Do you have something against sincere social interactions, Mr. Martin? Or do you think Grandma’s obligated to deliver my breakfast, eliminating the need for thanks?” Skylar retorted.

Joe was speechless. He found Skylar incredibly sharp-tongued. No wonder Gloria always forgot about him when she was with Skylar.

The two didn’t speak again during the meal. Only when Skylar started to do the dishes did Joe speak up. “Leave them. I’ll do it.”

“Okay, thanks.” Skylar didn’t bother playing nice or refusing.

She decided to take the initiative with household chores whenever Joe was sick during the next three years.

Though a little displeased that morning, she couldn’t deny Joe’s good care at home and on the way back from the auction house the previous night. Therefore, she wouldn’t argue over petty matters.

She fell asleep again after returning to her room.

It was already 10:00 a.m. when Skylar opened her bleary eyes. She felt more energized after her nap. However, she’d barely gotten out of bed when Charles called.

“Skye, I heard you were sick. Feeling better? Need me to come over?” he asked.

“I’m fine, Charles. I took medication last night and woke up feeling much better. Plus, I just napped. I’m thinking of visiting Mom’s workplace.”

“Alright. I wanted to show I’m as competent a brother as Steven. Too bad you didn’t give me the chance.”

Skylar chuckled. “You’re already amazing.”

Chapter 27

Charles laughed. “I don’t care much for praise, but I love your compliments.”

They chatted a while longer before ending the call. Skylar changed into fresh clothes, applied light makeup, and drove to Janine’s workplace.

Traffic was light, and she soon arrived at the Jubilance Hotel, where Janine worked as a housekeeper. The Jubilance Hotel was a five-star hotel with an award-winning restaurant.

Janine, a mother of four, usually didn't make an effort with her appearance. Even so, she was naturally beautiful, with few wrinkles at 48. People often mistook her for Skylar’s sister.

Janine’s housekeeping job paid little—about $4500 a month. Even working every shift, she’d only earn about $5000. After rent, she had $3500 left, barely enough.

Fortunately, Steven and Charles helped with household expenses after starting work, and Harvey was frugal. They all contributed to support the family, giving them confidence in a bright future.

Janine had started this job last month, so Skylar hadn’t visited yet. Skylar knew Janine had a half-hour lunch break at 11:30 a.m. She bought pizza and arrived at the hotel just before the break. Outside, she called Janine.

The call went unanswered. Skylar checked her watch. She waited until three minutes before 11:30 a.m., then called again, still without an answer.

She entered the hotel to ask at the front desk. “Hi, my mother, Janine Yancey, works here as a housekeeper. It should be her lunch break; I’d like to see her. Could you use the hotel phone to ask her to come out?”

The receptionist had just agreed when the phone rang. She answered, frowned, hung up, and turned to Skylar.

“Something’s wrong. Since you’re here, you can come with me to check.”