Chapter 997

That night, Vera, staying at the same hotel, also lay awake. She stared at her phone, a string of unanswered messages to Joe glaring back at her. It was 3:00 AM. Sleep evaded her; Joe’s silence felt like a cruel rejection, undermining her efforts of the past few days.

Their previous morning had been idyllic. They had conversed as they once had years ago, even making plans to meet former classmates upon their return to Jipsburg. Now, his afternoon silence felt like a devastating blow.

“Joe, what are you thinking? How can you let Skylar get so close without seeing her deception?”

Her frustration grew, fueling her insomnia. She called Molly.

“Didn’t you say that if I wore the ring and spent time with Joe, he’d find it harder to resist me? But we’ve met several times, each longer than the last, and he hasn’t changed!” Vera exclaimed.

“That’s impossible. He chose the hospital over wedding photos when you were sick. That’s the ring’s effect. Stay calm,” Molly replied calmly.

Vera’s expression softened slightly, but her patience was fraying. “How much longer until Joe sees Skylar’s true nature?”

“Not long. They’re likely suspicious of each other; their relationship is already strained. The ring, plus their return to Jipsburg… a divorce is likely. You and Joe have always had feelings. Skylar’s just a temporary obstacle. We’re simply restoring the natural order.”

Molly’s words held a strange power. Despite the distance, her voice instilled confidence in Vera. Vera gazed at the ring, finding new beauty in its gleam. Wearing it felt like a mission—to be with Joe, yes, but also to expose Skylar's treachery.

After the call, Vera received an Amazon message. The shop requested cancellation, stating they couldn't appraise her ring. A friend had recommended them as reliable antique appraisers. Their response had been slow, but now this irresponsible cancellation?

Online stores, she realized, were unreliable. She had chosen online appraisal to maintain secrecy, especially from Molly. But reflecting on her recent interactions with Joe, in Fachington and Jipsburg, he was changing. Skylar's manipulative skills paled in comparison to Molly's. Vera regretted not seeking Molly's help sooner, during her family's crisis. It seemed a far greater power lay behind Molly.

Her family's loss of twenty million dollars felt acutely painful.

The following morning, Skylar awoke half an hour after Joe.