Chapter 780

“Beg you for mercy?” Vera’s laughter echoed the absurdity of the request. She, the heiress of the Ruell fortune, was inherently different. Compared to Skylar, she occupied the pinnacle of the pyramid; Skylar could only gaze upwards with longing. From that perspective, Vera felt diminished by her presence here. The slap stung, fueling her resolve. Skylar would pay for her insolence and regret her arrogance.

“You’ll be begging me for help,” Vera spat before departing.

Before entering her car, she glanced one last time at Galaxy Villa. She knew Skylar, in her naivete, would be nothing more than a fleeting amusement for Joe.

Skylar’s mood soured after Vera’s harassment. Darkness had fallen, and Joe wasn't coming home. She showered, then retired to bed with a book. Wallowing over a man and his past love was pointless.

Joe was en route to Avalon Residence, Lucas the sole passenger. Gloria called.

“When are you coming home?” she asked.

Joe gazed out the window. “Soon.”

“Alright. I don’t think those calls are genuine. Garth's healthier than a forty-year-old; why the sudden illness? Why stay home instead of going to the hospital? They're just looking for an excuse to get you back. Be careful,” Gloria warned, her concern palpable. Since her husband's death, the Martins had relentlessly plotted against Joe.

“Don’t worry, Grandma,” Joe replied. He was no longer the naive child with unrealistic familial expectations. Their schemes held no power over him.

“You little punk,” Gloria huffed. “This call was unnecessary. Few can trap you now. The cleaners at Galaxy Villa told me you and Skylar haven’t been home for days. What's going on?”

Joe understood; this was the real reason for her call.

“Janine accidentally broke her leg,” he explained, looking down. “Skylar's been caring for her. I’ve been visiting, staying a few nights.”

He omitted the fact that he’d been elsewhere.

“That explains it. I haven't met Janine. I'll arrange a meeting after she recovers. You two eloped! It's unacceptable to have done so without a wedding. I'll speak to her, then we'll plan yours,” Gloria stated.

“The wedding… we’re not in a hurry. We’ll discuss it later,” Joe said softly.

Chapter 780 (continued)

Gloria’s voice sharpened. “What do you mean, ‘not in a hurry’? Of course you’re not! You’re a man. But Skylar? What woman wouldn't want a wedding? It’s how the people of Jipsburg will learn she’s your wife. Fine. I’ll arrange it.”

Joe’s eyes darkened. He suspected Skylar had feelings for Aiken, a charismatic man rumored to have developed a passion for antique collecting—he’d even purchased a series of books on the subject. Joe’s lips tightened. How invested.

Gloria sighed audibly. Edgar, overhearing, knew she was angry.

Chapter 781