Chapter 832

Didn't Joe know Edwin loathed Skylar? Joe had driven a wedge between Edwin and Molly because of her. She was merely a poor woman, yet she dreamed of becoming part of the Martins. That would remain a fantasy.

Skylar was expressionless. Edwin didn't want to see her, nor did she want to see him. She only made the trip because of Gloria.

"Your house is one of the Martin Group's assets. It doesn't belong to you. I can bring whoever I want," Joe asserted coldly.

Edwin's fury erupted. He roared, "You!" Had Joe come only to antagonize him? Edwin knew Joe would never respect his paternal authority.

"Darling, dinner is ready. Let's go in," Molly interjected, breaking their tense standoff.

Before turning away, Molly appraised Skylar. Joe had clearly brought Skylar for a reason. Molly recalled her failure to prevent Skylar's gang rape. If possible, she would repay Skylar in kind.

Molly's intervention gave Edwin an excuse to retreat. He entered the mansion, followed by Joe and Skylar.

Edwin clearly valued Joe's visit; he'd ordered a lavish dinner. Molly pretended nothing was amiss, engaging in gracious but superficial conversation with Joe and Skylar.

Edwin's expression brightened. "You should delegate more tasks at the office, Joe," he suggested. "Your cousins could share your responsibilities. You'll be less tired."

Skylar felt acutely awkward.

Edwin's behavior stemmed from the emerald pendant's influence, a consequence of his weakness and lack of resolve.

"Show me the emerald pendant you recovered from the police," Joe demanded impatiently.

Edwin froze. "How did you know I went to the police station? How do you know I have an emerald pendant?" he asked. He wore it daily; only his casual acquaintances knew about it.

"In Jipsburg, information comes to me easily," Joe replied.

Edwin felt stunned.

While seeking help finding the pendant, he'd inadvertently involved Joe. In Jipsburg, Joe's name held more weight than his own.

"It's just a regular emerald pendant," Edwin said defensively. "If you like it, I have others in my study. Choose one if you wish." He wouldn't surrender it so easily; he'd only recently recovered it.

"I want to see this one," Joe insisted forcefully.

Molly sensed something was amiss. "Joe, why are you so insistent on seeing Edwin's pendant? It's just an antique; nothing special, though it's worth millions. It's not suitable for young people."

"She's right," Edwin agreed hastily. "Finish dinner. Afterward, I'll show you my antique collection in my study. You can choose anything you like." He guarded the pendant fiercely. He'd felt incomplete without it during the days he'd lost it, as if a part of his soul were missing. This pendant was now his most precious possession. He couldn't lose it again.

Skylar looked from him to Joe.

Chapter 833