Chapter 1629: Chapter 1629

Chapter 1629

The next day, Skyler was up with the birds.

The living room, which had resembled a war zone the night before, was now spick and span. The doors and windows were flung open, allowing the stale smells of alcohol and smoke to drift away, and be replaced by the fresh scent of flowers scattered about the room.

No one was in sight, but Skyler, could hear Marissa’s voice ringing cheerfully, “Miss Skyler, up at the crack of dawn? Is our guest bed not to your liking?”

Turning her head, Skyler spotted Marissa in an apron, clearly having taken a break from her kitchen duties. “I’m an early riser back home too. Need any help with something, Marissa?”

“You’re gonna be the lady of the house someday. We can’t have you lifting a finger.” Marissa chuckled, glancing upstairs as she spoke. “Mr. Zavier usually sleeps in till the sun’s high in the sky. Why don’t you go ahead and have breakfast? I’ve got it all ready for you.”

“Sounds good,” Skyler replied, following Marissa to the dining room. She was taken aback to find a breakfast spread fit for a king: caviar, truffles, and steaming beef broth, among other delicacies.

At home, Skyler’s breakfast was usually a modest affair-a single egg, a slice of toast, and a glass of milk.e2

Marissa, as if fearing Skyler might waste away on such fare, had laid out a veritable feast. “Miss Skyler, I made all this especially for you. Please, eat up.”

Skyler eyed the array of rich foods, feeling almost full just looking at them. “I usually don’t eat much for breakfast.”

Marissa smiled warmly. “Mrs. Rivera thinks you’re too thin, dear. She told me to fatten you up. I know it’s a bit much for the morning, but this is the best time to nourish your body.”

Skyler thought back to the conversation between Nora and Kalene from the night before. It seemed the answer to their concern was laid out right here on the breakfast table.

Marissa was just doing as she was paid, so Skyler didn’t want to make a scene. She forced herself to eat, to consume the rich foods until she felt nauseous. “Marissa, may I take a walk in the garden?”

“Of course, you can. Mrs. Rivera says from now on, this is your home. Do whatever makes you happy,” Marissa replied with a smile.

“Thank you,” Skyler said. Though she knew that in this house, it was Zavier who called the shots, not his mother, Kalene.

Zavier’s mansion had extensive grounds, a riot of color and fragrance in the full bloom of summer. Skyler’s phone rang as she wandered the paths. It was a pleasant male voice. “Miss Skyler, I presume?”

“Yes, this is Skyler. May I ask who’s speaking?”

“I’m the HR manager from New Tunes Music. My name’s Braiden. I saw your resume on a job site and think you’d be a great fit. Could you come in for an interview at 2 PM today?”

Skyler glanced at her watch-it was only 10 AM now. The company was a mere thirty-minute cab ride away. “Sure, I’ll be there.”

“Great, see you at two.”

Ending the call, Skyler headed back to the house, only to overhear Marissa’s voice. “Mr. Zavier, your mother has made herself clear-Skyler must live here.

you drive her out, how will we explain it to your grandfather?”

If

Zavier finished his bite leisurely before replying, “Marissa, in this house, my word is law. I’m telling you the situation, not asking for your opinion.”

Marissa, flustered, insisted, “But sir, even if you don’t care about what your mother and grandfather think, you should at least consider Miss Skyler. She’s been sent away by her family to the Capital, where you are her only support. If you turn her away, how will she survive in the Capital? What will her family

think? How will the Riveras be seen?”