Chapter 1623: Chapter 1623

Chapter 1623

Skyler was just engaged, and to a man who hardly seemed to welcome her presence. Her mother, of all people, was now pressing her to have a child with him as soon as possible.

Even though Skyler’s heart had turned cold long ago, her mother’s words still managed to punch a hollow void inside her, sending a chilling breeze through her soul. “Mom, can I ask you a question?”

Barbara replied nonchalantly, “If there’s anything you don’t understand, just call Ashlyn. She’s been coaching you for a while now; she knows where your strengths lie when it comes to… that matter. Though she doesn’t rate your skills highly, thankfully you’re young and attractive. Men seem to like that innocent cluelessness. Zavier, that boy is full of youthful vigor. He won’t be able to resist your charms.”

“Am I really your daughter? What kind of mother views her own child as a plaything to be offered up for someone else’s amusement?” Skyler wanted to ask. But after hearing her mother’s words, she could only muster a hollow laugh, unable to voice her true thoughts.

She knew all too well the nature of the Blue family. If she hadn’t stepped up, her younger sister might have been in her place. And her sister was still just a kid.

“Sky, once we get home, make sure you behave, especially around Hudson. He’s the helmsman of the Rivera family empire. Get him a great-grandchild soon, and not only will you bask in endless luxury, but the Blue family will shine in the reflected glory,” Barbara droned on, seemingly oblivious to Skyler’s turmoil or perhaps she sensed it but simply didn’t care.

Skyler remained silent.e2

Barbara tugged at her ear. “The Blue family has provided for you for eighteen years, giving you the best of everything-food, clothes, and education. Now it’s time to repay your debt to the family. Don’t let us down now, understand?”

Skyler said nothing and turned to walk back into the house.

Barbara cursed under her breath, “Ungrateful brat.”

Crossing the yard, Skyler headed towards the main house. As she neared it, a stranger’s voice drifted over from the garden.

“Kalene, I noticed the Blue girl hardly touched her dinner. Could it be she’s unwell?”

After being paraded in front of strangers all day and enduring the evening’s uncomfortable atmosphere, Skyler had lost her appetite. It was no wonder people were concerned.

Curious about what Kalene, who had spoken for her during dinner, would say, Skyler paused to listen.

Soon enough, Kalene’s voice came through, “Young girls always watch their figure and tend to eat less at night. I doubt there’s a serious issue.”

The stranger pressed, “But look at how thin she is, hardly any meat on her bones. A body that frail might struggle with childbirth.”

Skyler almost laughed. Everyone knew being too thin could cause issues with childbirth, yet society still pressured women to stay slim.

Kalene added, “When the driver takes her to Zavier’s, I’li remind his staff to pay special attention to that girl’s diet and focus on trying to fatten her up a bit.”

The stranger continued, “You know how complex the Rivera family is-father has my second brother and his wife close by, and then there’s my third brother and his wife, all eyeing the family business.”

Skyler guessed this was Zavier’s aunt, Nora. Hudson had three sons and a daughter, and rumor had it his daughter was his darling.

Kalene responded firmly, “The Rivera family’s fortunes were hard-earned by our elders. Whoever he chooses to take over will do so. I have no objections.”