Chapter 758
Bianca’s fawning loyalty was utterly pathetic. Skylar’s smile vanished as she leveled a cold stare at Vera and Bianca. “You still have time to apologize.”
Bianca sneered. “There was nothing wrong with what I said. If you’re bold enough to ‘peddle yourself,’ you should handle the consequences. Do you think we couldn’t eliminate you in Jipsburg with a snap of our fingers?”
Vera, amused, added, “Some things are better left unsaid. It wouldn’t look good for you either.” Ignoring Skylar, Vera said to Bianca, “Let’s go.”
“I was in a good mood until now.”
“It’s not worth it.”
They climbed into a waiting car and drove off, their conversation continuing as they left the parking lot. Skylar watched them go, thoughtfully raising an eyebrow. She considered who might have maligned her reputation with Vera, hoping it wasn’t Joe.
In the car, Vera received a call from the auction house.
“Yes, send it to the address I provided.”
After hanging up, Bianca laughed. “Skylar’s face was priceless when you bought those antiques. She should look in the mirror. How could she think she could compete with you?”
Vera felt unsettled. Skylar’s bold demand for an apology weighed heavily on her.
“That gives me an idea. I’ll message John later to see if he has any insights on Mr. Gardner Senior and Skylar. Given his age, influencing him wouldn’t be difficult for a young woman.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Bianca agreed.
John, busy with work, finally checked WhatsApp during his lunch break. He knew Vera’s contact but hadn’t interacted with her before; they’d been in different high school classes and only occasionally crossed paths. He might have forgotten her if Rowan hadn’t mentioned her recently. He remembered Joe’s past interest in her and wondered about her message.
The message included a photo of Alexander’s back at the auction, with Skylar beside him, and the text: “I ran into Mr. Gardner Senior at the auction today. He brought a young woman; to please her, he competed with me for two antiques. I was buying gifts for my grandfather and father, and may have offended Mr. Gardner Senior. I hope you can help clarify things. Thank you.”
The message’s intent was clear, but John was confused.
Chapter 758
The more he read Vera’s message, the stranger it seemed. He wondered if she’d misunderstood. His father trying to win Skylar’s favor? He grimaced, considering whether Vera had misinterpreted the situation. Alexander had gone to the auction solely to buy items, not to please anyone.
Returning home, Vera instinctively checked her phone. Hours had passed; no new messages. She found it hard to believe John hadn’t seen her texts. His lack of response suggested either unconcern about someone trying to deceive Alexander, or simple indifference. Still, she acknowledged such oddities weren’t uncommon in their circles, where strange events were frequent. Many in their social circle engaged in various games.