Chapter 652

Caleb doubted Skylar's words. If Joe hadn't been harsh with her, he wondered why she seemed so troubled. But since she didn't want to discuss it, he decided against pressing further. Plenty of people would appreciate her if Joe didn't.

Inside the Wiscadian restaurant, Simona had already ordered several of the chef's specialties and awaited Skylar and Caleb's arrival. They soon appeared.

"I've already ordered some dishes," Simona said. "Take a look and see if there's anything else you'd like."

Skylar shook her head. "I'm not very hungry."

"I'll take a look," Caleb replied, always ready to order more food.

He added a few dishes to their order, and soon, the food arrived. They chatted casually.

Toward the end of the meal, Simona hesitated. "I've heard you're skilled at authenticating antiques, Skylar. My family has received several antiques from relatives, each claiming immense value. This makes selecting suitable return gifts difficult. We've sought appraisals, but they haven't been reliable. Could you possibly come to our house and take a look?"

Simona felt embarrassed.

Caleb raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you tell me about this before?"

"What's the point? Can you tell real from fake? Didn't you say you're not interested in antiques?" Simona retorted, rolling her eyes.

"I can ask my grandfather," Caleb said confidently.

Simona rolled her eyes again. "Mr. Gardner Senior is so overwhelmed with work that contacting him would be a nuisance, and the people who gave us these items might know him. Skylar, on the other hand, is someone I trust. The problem is she's been very busy lately, and I feel uneasy about bothering her."

"I can check them out after work today," Skylar offered, glancing at the clock; her usual leaving time was approaching.

Simona was delighted. "Skylar, you're so kind!"

She checked the time. "I'll explore the mall and wait for you to finish work," Simona said.

"That sounds good," Skylar replied.

The mall, with its multiple floors and vast selection, offered ample browsing opportunities. Hours passed quickly.

After work, Skylar texted Joe that he needn't pick her up, then headed to the Parkinson Residence with Simona.

On the way, Simona spoke about her family. Only she and her brother, Aiken Parkinson, lived at home. Their parents had died in an accident ten years ago. Aiken had supported the family since then. Simona usually followed Aiken's advice, but he was often too busy to spend much time with her. She envied those, like Caleb, who had grown up with their parents and extended family. Simona's grandparents seemed indifferent, perhaps because they had many grandchildren.

Skylar was about to offer comfort when Simona said nonchalantly, "Even though I didn't get much affection from my grandparents, Aiken dotes on me. No one in Jipsburg dares to bully me. My grandparents can't assert their seniority over me. I don't care. They even tried to arrange a marriage for Aiken last year. What a joke! When Aiken was at his lowest, they stood by and did nothing. Yet now they want to interfere? Dream on! I can't believe I've been talking the entire time. I've never opened up like this before, but with you, Skylar, it's easy. Anyway, we're here."

Simona opened the car door.

The Parkinson Residence was a large mansion, similar in size to George's, with numerous maids who greeted Simona respectfully.