Chapter 849

“I’ll check if the pasta’s cooked,” Skylar said, avoiding Joe’s gaze.

He stared at her for a moment before quietly asking, “Did the Ruells contact you?”

The tension between them eased. She replied, “The Ruells spoke to Mr. Gardner Senior, who relayed my conditions. If you wish to persuade me otherwise, I see no reason to do so. I will not change my terms.”

“What did you think I wanted to discuss?” Joe raised an eyebrow.

Skylar was unprepared for the question. Looking up, she stammered, “You don’t want Vera to apologize, do you?”

“When have I ever said that?” Joe frowned. He felt a growing sense of unease, a lack of clarity between himself and Skylar. They hadn’t fully discussed things.

Just as Skylar began to reply, her phone rang. She answered.

“Hello?”

“Skylar, it’s Vera. I just obtained your number from Mr. Gardner Senior. He mentioned your two conditions: twenty million dollars, and my apology, correct?”

Skylar glanced at Joe and hummed in confirmation.

Vera continued, “The payment is simple. Send me your account number, and I’ll transfer the funds immediately. However, I cannot apologize. We need to maintain peace; some things are best left in the past. What happened was a misunderstanding.”

“I recall saying you’d beg for my help. I won’t assist if my conditions remain unfulfilled,” Skylar emphasized coldly.

Vera’s anger flared. “Has Joe seen this ruthless side of you?”

Skylar looked down. “He’s right here.”

Vera fell silent. Joe remained impassive, his expression unreadable to Skylar.

“Skylar, we may do business together in the future; you might need our help. I can assure you we’ll be there for you,” Vera said, taking a deep breath and regaining her composure.

“Ms. Ruell, call me when you’ve decided. I’m having dinner now. Goodbye.”

Skylar ended the call, unwilling to continue the argument. Joe looked at her, then picked up a fork. To her surprise, he didn’t appear angry.

Despite Vera’s words, Skylar had been firm and uncompromising. Yet, Joe seemed unaffected. She couldn’t fathom his thoughts. How important was Vera to him?

Chapter 850

Vera was furious. “Skylar, who gave you the right to be so arrogant?”

Pamela entered. “Denton asked me to check on your negotiations with Skylar. We’re all very anxious. Denton isn’t well; he’s undergoing a checkup.”

Vera assured her, “I’ll speak to her.”

“Vera, I’ve watched you grow up. You’ve always been arrogant, unwilling to yield. But this is different. Our family has faced so much; we don’t know what the future holds. Conceding would be worthwhile if Skylar can help, wouldn’t it? My brother knows Mr. Querbach, who speaks highly of Skylar. He trusts her completely. If Mr. Gardner Senior and Mr. Querbach trust her, why shouldn’t we?”

“Those antiques you bought at auction might be cursed. You brought misfortune upon us, Vera. You must rectify this.”

Pamela’s expression darkened. Vera’s actions had thrown their family into turmoil. She was utterly spoiled.