Chapter 400

Janet thought Skylar was too young. She couldn't control herself, attempting to show off her knowledge to Gloria, but it backfired.

Joe glanced at Janet, finding her chatter annoying. He hadn't noticed her much before.

Gloria subtly furrowed her brow. "You seem to know a lot," she said, her voice slightly cold.

"I don't know much," Janet replied, "but auction houses rarely make mistakes. If this Viola painting were a fake, wouldn't that damage their reputation?"

Janet felt her argument was logical.

Gloria wanted to roll her eyes. These people were no more knowledgeable than Skylar, Viola's apprentice and constant companion. If Skylar said it wasn't Viola's work, it wasn't. Besides, Gloria had never heard of Viola painting self-portraits.

"Maybe the auction house was deceived," Skylar said calmly. She only spoke on matters she understood. She needed to inform Viola that the painting was not hers, as Gloria was only interested in it because of its purported origin.

"There's nothing else worthwhile today. Let's go, Skylar," Gloria said, wanting to leave. They had never been close, and age hadn't improved their relationship. Gloria only came because of the rumor about Viola.

"Yes, Grandma." Skylar helped Gloria stand, and the three left the auction.

Janet, too stunned to react immediately, finally muttered, "Why did they leave so suddenly?" She had so much more to say! That woman, aside from being pretty, was no match for her granddaughter. How could Gloria's judgment be so poor, falling for a cunning girl's tricks? "As long as they're not married, my granddaughter still has a chance!"

After the auction, Gloria got into Skylar's car instead of Joe's. Skylar, worried Gloria might be uncomfortable, drove slowly, with Joe's car trailing. At a turn, Joe's car pulled ahead, signaling Skylar to stop.

Skylar rolled down her window as Joe approached. "Is something wrong?" she asked, confused by the stop.

"I sent the driver home. I'm riding with you to Pearhall Residence," Joe said. He didn't want to ride alone.

Gloria frowned. "Skylar's car isn't big. It's fine for the two of us, but you'll take up too much space." She was enjoying her conversation with Skylar, and Joe was interrupting.

Joe kept a straight face, despite Gloria's clear disdain. "The driver has already left."

Feeling sorry for Joe, Gloria reluctantly conceded, "Fine, get in."

Skylar watched their interaction with amusement. Who would have thought the mighty president of the Martin Group would be treated like this by his grandmother?

Joe noticed Skylar suppressing laughter as he got in. He subtly raised an eyebrow and gritted his teeth. She would be punished tonight.

Skylar's heart skipped a beat, understanding the implication of Joe's gaze. Over time, she had learned to understand him better.