Chapter 906

Gloria, Alexander, and George argued incessantly, unable to reach a consensus. They ultimately decided to leave the decision to Viola.

After spending more time with the three elders, Skylar and Joe bid farewell and departed Pearlhall Residence. On the way home, Skylar’s smile was unmistakable; her delight was apparent. Joe offered her water, asking, “You seem very happy.”

Skylar nodded. “Yes, I am. I’ve missed Grandma Viola terribly. I’m thrilled she’s coming to Jipsburg. I’ve been worried about her; her health hasn't been good these past two years, and I was concerned about her self-care. This letter—it’s her way of reassuring us. Knowing everyone misses her as much as I do makes me so happy for her.”

Joe’s tone softened. “I’ve heard Grandma speak of Grandma Viola. To the older generation in Jipsburg, she’s a legend.”

Skylar nodded. “To me, Grandma Viola is amazing. She could recall everything after reading it once, and her predictions were always accurate.”

Joe asked, “When did you begin learning antique restoration from her?”

Skylar paused. “When I was about five. I was quite mischievous then, but at her house, I'd calm down. I loved being with her.”

Their conversation flowed easily, and soon they arrived at Galaxy Villa. It was unusual for them to talk so extensively.

Just as they were entering, Joe unexpectedly embraced Skylar from behind. Her back pressed against his chest, she felt his steady heartbeat through his shirt. “This is nice, just like this,” he murmured.

Skylar, initially surprised, soon smiled. “Yes, it is. This feels right.” In that moment, she sensed his commitment to their marriage. As for love, she hoped he would feel that someday.

The following days were a whirlwind of work for Skylar. She arrived early and even shortened her lunch breaks. It wasn't until Friday that her workload lessened.

As the workday ended, Caleb approached her. “I haven’t seen Simona since her incident. I want to visit her.”

Skylar asked, “Have you tried calling her?”

Caleb’s voice was tinged with frustration. “I’ve called several times these past few days, but she hasn’t answered.”

“Maybe she changed her number,” Skylar suggested. She proposed first checking with Aiken via WhatsApp, then consulting the psychologist.

“Changed her number?” Caleb was surprised. He then remembered something, immediately searching his messages—he hadn’t checked them lately due to the volume of spam and advertisements. After finding a message from Simona a few days prior, he chuckled. “She did send me a message with her new number.”

Seeing Caleb’s reaction, Skylar put away her phone, deciding against contacting Aiken. Since Simona had contacted Caleb, she clearly wasn’t averse to seeing her old friends.

“I’ll call her,” Caleb said, immediately dialing Simona’s number. Each ring felt agonizing; he was nervous she might not answer.

Fortunately, after several rings, Simona answered.

“Simona, you—”

Before Caleb could finish, Simona impatiently interrupted. “What is it? Spit it out. If you’re going to ramble, save it. I’m watching a show and don’t have time for your nonsense.”

Caleb’s eyes welled. “Can I visit you now?”

A brief pause followed before Simona replied, “Fine, come over.”