Chapter 97

"Okay, okay. I'm old, and my memory's getting bad. I prepared a gift before you came," George chuckled, walking to a cupboard. He opened a drawer and took out a box.

"Open it and have a look," he urged.

It was a token of appreciation from an elder, so Skylar didn't refuse. She opened the box and saw an emerald bracelet. The quality was excellent; it surely cost a fortune.

"This is too valuable…" Skylar said, hesitant to accept such a precious gift. After all, she had only helped him authenticate his collections.

"It's a gift from George. Just accept it. It's his token of appreciation," Gloria said, gesturing for Skylar to take the bracelet. She added, "I have many similar bracelets. Once we're home, you can pick a few and wear a different one each day."

George laughed. "It's nothing. Just take it."

Skylar nodded and accepted the gift. "Thank you, Mr. Querbach."

"Let's go eat. I told them to prepare dishes with the vegetables I planted," George said, leaving the building and leading the way.

Skylar helped Gloria walk; she seemed slightly tired after the day's events.

"Are those homegrown vegetables edible? I just got out of the hospital; I don't want to be readmitted," Gloria teased.

No one would have expected the young George, a former mercenary, to become a farmer in his old age.

"I've been eating the vegetables I planted this year. They're all organic, no fertilizer," George said, his tone gentler as he spoke of his garden.

Skylar smiled, watching them banter. She also enjoyed the beautiful, well-maintained garden. It was clean, and the air was fresh.

As they neared the dining room, Gloria answered a call. "You've arrived? It's too late. Wait outside. Skylar will go to you. You two should head straight to the hot spring resort."

Hanging up, Gloria turned to Skylar. "Skye, Joe's here and waiting. You should go find him. I'll have a good chat with George. You can pick me up tomorrow."

"Go ahead," George chuckled, waving.

It was good to be young. Even unrequited love was unforgettable.

"I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting old, but I envy young people sometimes," George sighed, looking at Gloria after Skylar left.

Gloria seemed lost in thought. "Right. We were fearless then. We'd smile even when terribly hurt. Look at us now. We're old."

"Does Joe like Skye?" George asked.

Gloria scoffed. "I don't know who he takes after. He wouldn't have gotten married if I hadn't brought Skye to him."