Chapter 796

Did Joe think she was intentionally delaying their divorce? The color drained from Skylar’s face. “I’ll be staying here for three days at most,” she said. “Then I’ll be heading back.”

Caleb glanced at Joe, then back to Skylar, picking up their subtle shift in mood. Had they quarreled?

Joe remained silent, sitting down. Skylar mirrored his silence. A stranger observing them might have mistaken them for mere acquaintances. The air between them was frigid.

Paul’s thoughts ground to a halt. What was happening between Skylar and Joe? He asked Skylar when she would be returning home. Was he in no hurry to divorce her?

Their flight lasted an hour and a half. Skylar closed her eyes before takeoff. Caleb scratched his nose, bored, sneaking a peek at Joe before closing his eyes as well.

Joe’s silence chilled the air. Paul, burning with curiosity, buttoned his coat but lacked the courage to ask any questions.

They remained silent until the plane landed. Even while collecting their luggage, the silence persisted.

Finally, Skylar nodded at Joe before entering a cab with Caleb. Paul heard Joe exhale sharply.

“Mr. Martin, what’s going on between you and Mrs. Mar—” He swallowed the rest of his sentence under Joe’s deathly glare.

In the cab, Caleb voiced his confusion. “Are you arguing with Joe?”

“No,” Skylar stated, her heart heavy since seeing Joe at the airport. Her marriage to Joe was ending; they should have kept their distance from the outset.

Caleb was unconvinced. “Tell me if anything happens,” he promised. “If he bullies you, I’ll give him a stern talking-to.”

Skylar smiled. “He hasn’t been bullying me. Things between us are complicated, but we’ll resolve them.”

Caleb couldn’t fathom the complexities of adult relationships.

They were staying at Cameron’s place, Yates Residence, a considerable distance from the airport. Their journey took an hour.

Upon arrival, Cameron treated them to a lavish dinner, joined by his four children. Unacquainted, they exchanged polite conversation. Afterward, Cameron sent them to their rooms for a good night’s sleep, as work would begin in the morning. Skylar and Caleb accepted his hospitality.

The next morning, only Cameron joined them for breakfast. “My children returned home last night,” he explained with a smile. “Usually, I’m the only one living here.” At his age, he needed to embrace solitude; his children and grandchildren couldn’t provide constant company.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you upstairs. I’ve kept my collection on the fourth floor.”

After breakfast, Cameron led them upstairs. Skylar and Caleb followed.

“I remember coming to Yates Residence as a kid,” Caleb said. “I was a mischievous troublemaker; I nearly shattered a few of his antiques.”

Cameron chuckled. “Right, right. You were about four. I can’t believe you still remember. Time flies. You’ve become an excellent young man.”

They ascended, chatting happily.