Chapter 879

During lunch, Vera said, "Some things are better discussed in person. Since you'll be busy for the next few days, I'll ask you out another time."

Skylar replied, "Alright."

Vera sat in a café, a laptop open before her. She reviewed her inbox. Over the past week, she'd hired a private investigator to look into what happened to Skylar and the Williamses. Now, some Williamses were dead, others missing, and some even incarcerated. Samuel was the only one they could locate; he'd returned to his village and started selling burritos.

The Williamses' rapid downfall was orchestrated by the Martin Group working behind the scenes. Though their actions weren't public, Vera, as a Ruell family member, saw through the deception. As the Williamses' true daughter, she remained merciless toward her biological parents, watching impassively as their world crumbled. Skylar, however, seemed even more callous, seemingly unconcerned by parental love. Despite her biological parents' neglect and preferential treatment of their adopted daughter, Skylar's detached observation—perhaps even exacerbation—of the situation was unsettling.

The Martin Group fanned the flames, ensuring the Williamses' permanent downfall. Joe should have been Skylar's worst enemy, yet she married him. Why? And wasn't Joe afraid of Skylar's potential betrayal?

Vera narrowed her eyes, continuing to read the information about Skylar.

When Skylar returned to the hospital, Simona and Wendy were considerably improved.

"Skylar, I'm fine. You must be exhausted. You stayed with me last night and went straight to work this morning. Go rest. I'm alright," Simona said, unwilling to burden Skylar further. A day had passed, and her composure had returned. Witnessing Wendy's solitary struggle had strengthened her resolve. This wouldn't break her; she would face their adversaries alongside Wendy! As Simona and Skylar spoke, Wendy watched, feeling a touch of envy.

Aiken had remained at the hospital all day. The police updated him whenever new leads emerged. Wendy knew she would make the perpetrators pay, as long as she didn't give up. However, she'd never received such love and concern from her family before. Despite her envy, it wasn't jealousy.

On the way to the hospital, Skylar had bought two bowls of chicken soup and some cakes.

"I bought this on my way. Try it and see if you like it. If you do, I'll buy more tomorrow."

"Do I get some too?" Wendy asked, surprised, eyeing Skylar hesitantly.

Skylar smiled and nodded. "Of course. Try them."

Tears welled in Wendy's eyes as she thanked Skylar, then slowly sipped her soup.

As Simona ate, she told Skylar about Wendy's plans: to sever ties with her abusive parents, having already submitted evidence to the police. "They did raise me, after all. When they're old and need care, I'll provide financially. But I won't have a relationship with them. I'm grown now; I can support myself. I'll take the college entrance exams and get into my dream college."

Initially, she'd been hesitant to share her plans, but Skylar's presence fostered a sense of trust, encouraging Wendy to confide. She would work during summer breaks, funding her college education herself and seeking loans if necessary. Wendy would persevere.

Simona added, "I invited her to stay with me, but she refused."

"Simona, I don't want to trouble anyone. I can manage on my own," Wendy said seriously.

Just as Skylar was about to respond, Aiken entered.

"Have you eaten? We could have dinner in the canteen, if you'd like."