Chapter 798

Surprised, Skylar exclaimed, "Aiken?"

Aiken's eyes brightened. "Skylar?" he exclaimed. They had unexpectedly met at the Zallory Museum.

"Have you come to Zallory on business?" she asked with a smile.

"I just arrived this morning," Aiken replied. "I had some free time this afternoon, so I toured the Zallory Museum. How about you?"

"I arrived yesterday and came to the museum this afternoon," Skylar answered.

As they chatted, they walked out of the museum. Aiken glanced at his watch. "Let's have dinner together," he suggested.

"My treat," Skylar declared, looking at her own watch. She hadn't had the chance to thank him for his help when she was kidnapped, and this chance encounter was perfect.

"Let's go," Aiken said. "I come to Zallory often, so I know my way around." He usually came and went quickly, but this time, he'd added a museum tour to his itinerary. Recently, he'd developed a fondness for reading and museum visits. Knowing Skylar enjoyed fondue, he'd even made a reservation at a fondue restaurant.

Joe arrived at the Yates residence at 5:00 PM. Cameron had been informed an hour earlier of Joe's visit and was pleasantly surprised. He'd seen Joe frequently when he lived in Jipsburg. In the blink of an eye, Joe had become a powerful man. Time, indeed, waits for no one.

Cameron had his helpers prepare dinner and called his children home. He was getting older, and he worried Joe might not connect with him as easily as with the younger generation, who would have more common ground for conversation.

Joe met with Cameron and his family, but Skylar was absent. His mood soured, and he left before dinner.

"Dinner's ready, Mr. Martin. Why don't you stay for dinner before you go?" one of Cameron's sons offered. His other children were equally surprised. They'd only heard Cameron praise Joe's abilities, and knew of his legendary status in Jipsburg and the Martins' prominence there. Yet, he was leaving after only a brief visit.

"It's alright. I have something to do," Joe politely declined, wishing Cameron good health before departing. Cameron didn't attempt to persuade him.

Joe lit a cigarette in the car.

"Mrs. Martin might have gone back to Jipsburg after work," Paul said as he entered the car.

Joe frowned. "This has nothing to do with her," he insisted. "I came to see Mr. Yates Senior."

Paul, lacking the courage to contradict him, merely nodded. "Right, right. Mr. Yates Senior did seem much happier when you arrived."

Joe had been to Zallory on business at least ten times, yet he'd never visited Cameron before. Paul, however, knew Joe's word was law.

One of Cameron's sons observed, "Dad, something seemed off about Joe's visit. He left without much conversation."

Cameron dismissed the comment. "I don't think it's unusual. He's always been a busy man."

His granddaughter inquired, "Do you know if he's married or has a girlfriend?"

"Probably not. I haven't seen any news about his marriage," Cameron replied, glancing at her. "Don't dwell on it. He's not a good match for you. We aren't moving back to Jipsburg. There are plenty of eligible young men in Zallory. You can choose whoever you like."