Chapter 783

Just as Skylar was about to eat breakfast, Joe came downstairs, already changed.

"I've made sandwiches," Skylar said.

Joe nodded. "Mhmm. I'm hungry."

They ate in silence, then tidied up separately. A peaceful atmosphere hung between them, yet something felt amiss. Skylar, never one to avoid issues, asked, "Will you be home for dinner?"

Joe looked at her, pausing briefly before replying, "Yeah, I'll be home."

"Alright. See you tonight." They would discuss it then.

Vera rushed to Denton's house after his call. He'd return in the morning. Knowing he'd been to Avalon Residence, and that Joe had gone there as well, she sought Skylar out. She'd slept little the previous night; Skylar's slap throbbed painfully, even with medication. She knew it was mostly in her head; she'd never been slapped before.

"Grandpa." Vera composed herself upon seeing Denton, setting aside her emotions. But his greeting was unlike his usual warm smile; his expression was cold.

"Vera, what's going on between you and Joe? He showed me no respect last night. I'm his elder, a powerful man in Jipsburg, yet he dismissed me." Denton pounded the table, startling the helpers. Vera was stunned; she rarely saw him so agitated.

She bit her lip before asking, "Grandpa, what happened last night?" Hadn't the Martins called Denton to confirm her relationship with Joe? Both families held similar expectations; the discussion should have been amicable. Yet, Denton cited Joe's lack of deference. What had transpired?

Denton said grimly, "Joe said Mrs. Martin Senior had decided his marriage; there was no need for Garth, or anyone else, to interfere. He meant me, didn't he?"

"I don't think so. Joe's carried the Martin family; he has the right to keep his elders out of his affairs," Vera countered.

Years ago, she'd left Jipsburg believing Joe couldn't withstand the Martins—him against the world. She underestimated him. He'd not only protected his own but had also expanded his influence in Jipsburg.

Chapter 783 (continued)

Years later, even a glance from Vera still quickened his pulse.

After Denton heard her explanation, his expression softened. "Did you meet the woman he's with?"

"I spoke with her. I hoped she'd leave Joe; she refused. If I'd known she'd be such a problem, I would have returned home months ago—saved myself a lot of trouble," Vera regretted slightly. She'd planned to return months earlier, but something had intervened, delaying her for several more months, giving Skylar an opening. Denton frowned. "Don't worry. A woman like her poses little threat. Joe's just playing. Don't stoop to her level. Keep getting along with Joe; ensure he proposes soon."

Vera nodded confidently. "I'll make him propose willingly."

Denton's chin lifted in satisfaction. As he stood, dizziness overcame him, and he fell back.

"Grandpa!"