Chapter 846

Vera stiffened, her face falling. She couldn't formulate a response to his interrogation, opening and closing her mouth before finally snapping, "Isn't that the truth? I saw it with my own eyes. If she wasn't a prostitute, why would she have such uncertain relationships with multiple men?"

Denton roared, "Of course not! She works for Mr. Gardner Senior, appraising negative items, not him! Those men sought her help. You didn't even ascertain the most basic facts about Skylar! You declared her a prostitute; you're making enemies for us!"

"How could that be...?" Vera trailed off, incredulous. "Working for Mr. Gardner Senior doesn't guarantee capability. Perhaps he's merely given her a symbolic position."

Pamela frowned, interjecting, "Everyone knows what kind of man Mr. Gardner Senior is. No one incapable would be on his team. Furthermore, he wouldn't do anything to damage his reputation."

Denton, seemingly sharing this assessment, stated firmly, "Do you know the antiques you bought at the auction are both negative items?"

"What?" Pamela exclaimed, rising.

Vera clenched her fists. "I don't believe the auction antiques are problematic. Grandpa, it was my mistake; I didn't properly vet Skylar. I hope I haven't brought trouble to our family."

Had she underestimated Skylar? Reflecting on events, Aiken and Rowan had always treated Skylar respectfully. She clearly wasn't their plaything. Vera had interpreted Skylar's actions through a prejudiced lens. Suddenly, she thought of Joe. If Skylar wasn't who Vera believed her to be, what did that mean for Joe's feelings?

Chapter 846

Vera pursed her lips, hesitant to pursue this line of thought.

"Skylar stipulated two conditions: twenty million dollars for her services and a personal apology from you. Failure to comply means she won't help us dispose of the negative item," Denton reported grimly.

Vera's features twisted in shock. "What? Twenty million and an apology? Is Skylar out of her mind?" Twenty million was exorbitant, and an apology? How dare Skylar demand a personal apology? Who did she think she was? She was a Ruell; who didn't revere her? Skylar must have thought she struck gold, yet she demanded twenty million dollars and an apology!

"Twenty million is a high price, but inconsequential to us. However, Vera, when did you offend Skylar?" asked Lawrence Ruell, Hector's father. While a formidable family in Jipsburg, they were not ostentatious and rarely offended others.

Vera inhaled deeply. "I can't explain what transpired. I'll pay the twenty million, but I won't apologize."

"An apology puts us at a disadvantage," Denton commented, highly skeptical of Skylar's conditions despite never having met her. She was just a young woman. Was she truly capable of handling those negative items? His initial fury had subsided in the presence of his favorite granddaughter.

Vera said sadly, "Grandpa, I'll speak to Joe later; I'll see what he thinks."