Chapter 66

“If only Harvey weren’t about to take his college entrance exams. I would have gotten him to join us,” Steven said.

He looked at Skylar and realized how much she had grown. A sense of pride filled him. He was also reminded of his youngest brother.

Skylar sat down. “His exams end in a month. Our whole family should go on holiday. I’ve earned some money recently restoring antique art. I’ll plan our family vacation this time.”

“Did you learn to restore antique paintings from Grandma Viola?” Steven asked, unsurprised. When they lived in the countryside, many neighbors said Skylar often read books at Viola’s house, though they weren’t sure if she understood them.

He had visited Viola’s home and seen her working with broken porcelain pieces. On his next visit, some of those pieces were restored into beautiful antique porcelain. Viola was also a skilled artist. Even though he’d left the countryside early for high school, he knew she wasn't your average country elder.

He'd never asked Skylar what she learned from Viola, and neither had their neighbors. Perhaps it was Viola’s intimidating presence; no one asked about anything she didn't want to discuss. It seemed likely she’d passed her skills on to Skylar.

“Yes, Grandma Viola taught me a lot. I just couldn’t find restoration work before. Recently, she wrote me a letter, encouraging me to start restoring vintage items,” Skylar explained.

Steven nodded delightedly. “You’ve grown up, Skye.”

“How have you been, Steven? I heard about your stolen research paper. Is it resolved?” Skylar asked, concerned.

Steven’s eyes flickered. “It is. Don’t worry.”

Skylar noticed the change in his expression but remained calm, smiling. “This barbecue restaurant is good. The meat is perfectly grilled.”

Steven gazed at Skylar with a loving, gentle look.

Soon, only a few meat skewers remained. Skylar rubbed her belly. “I’m stuffed,” she commented. “It’s so much more relaxing dining with family. I don’t have to worry about my manners.”

“I’m full too. Here, have some fruit juice,” Steven offered, handing her a glass.

Skylar drank half the glass, the juice cutting through the richness of the meal. Satiated, she smiled at Steven. “Did you want to ask me something?”

They knew each other well; she’d sensed his hesitation earlier.

Steven laughed. “You’re always so perceptive. I can’t hide much from you. I do have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

He hesitated. “This morning, Maisy, Christopher, and their supporters still had the upper hand online. Then, in an hour, everything changed. Many verified accounts appeared. Unless someone paid them handsomely, they wouldn't have changed their opinions so quickly. Skye, who’s helping you?”

Skylar was stunned. “I didn’t ask anyone for help.”

She’d been outside the police station this morning when the situation shifted; it had seemed odd. But a call from Natalie had interrupted her thoughts, and she hadn't given it much more consideration.

“You didn’t ask anyone?” Steven wasn’t relieved; his heart felt heavier. Skylar seemed burdened, possibly facing new problems.

Skylar shook her head. “I didn’t.”

Steven took a deep breath. Maybe he was overthinking. He knew her kindness and strength. She wouldn’t be easily defeated, nor would she compromise her life. “It might have been the Williamses’ business competitor,” he guessed.

But Skylar thought of someone else. Could it have been Joe?

Chapter 66

She quickly dismissed the thought. Joe was wary of her, even disliked her. If anything happened to her, it would give him an opportunity to tell Gloria she was unworthy to be her granddaughter-in-law.