Chapter 878

Caleb scratched his head, hesitant to look at Skylar, fearing her confirmation. "I texted and called Simona repeatedly; she didn't respond. I went to Apollo Hospital yesterday—I saw Simona, Aiken, Joe, and you there."

Skylar acknowledged his concern, replying softly, "It's best not to disturb Simona right now."

Caleb's expression hardened. Though he knew the outcome, his fury remained. He hissed through gritted teeth, "They have a death wish." Simona, despite her proud and seemingly aloof exterior—outgoing and extroverted, yet pure-hearted—had been endangered by the reckless actions of those students.

"Let's go upstairs," Skylar said.

Caleb nodded, his jaw clenched.

Alone upstairs, Skylar frowned. "Does this mean all the Woodman High students know?"

Had the news spread so quickly, overnight? The police investigation, conducted while students were out of school, along with the impending scrutiny of principals and teachers, made the leak almost inevitable. Still, it wasn't good for Simona and Wendy, who would face a barrage of rumors upon their return.

"I think only a few students know," Alexander said, frowning. "Those who bullied Simona and Wendy bragged to some male students. The school forbade them from discussing it, but… students will talk."

He wanted to throttle those bullies. Aiken wouldn't let them off lightly, but they were despicable. Skylar's expression mirrored his grimness. Caleb remained silent; thankfully, Skylar's work only required a conclusion.

Once finished, she saw a call from Joe and returned it.

"Are you awake?" Skylar asked.

It was precisely 11:00 am.

Joe replied, "I'm at the office. I've asked Paul to handle the Wendy sponsorship. He's on it."

Skylar thanked him. "I'll be at the hospital after work."

"Alright."

They spoke briefly before disconnecting. Skylar daydreamed, gazing at her phone. A text arrived just as she was about to pocket it.

"Skylar, this is Vera. Can we talk?"

The number was unfamiliar. When had she exchanged contact information with Vera? She had no memory of it. Then she recalled someone adding her contact without introduction. She'd assumed it was a client and forgotten about it. So it was Vera.

"Sorry, I'm busy for the next few days. It's inconvenient. If you need to say anything, say it now."

She had no interest in a private meeting. After everything the Ruells had endured and Vera's capitulation, their relationship remained strained. Interaction was best avoided.

Vera sent no further messages.

Chapter 575