Chapter 1658: Chapter 1658

Chapter 1658

Skyler really didn’t want to sit at the head of the table, but when Hudson called her name, she couldn’t find an excuse to bail. If she had it her way, she’d have tucked herself into the most inconspicuous corner. Being unnoticed was the best strategy. Yet, Skyler was well aware that as long as she wore the title of Zavier’s fiancée, blending into the background was an unattainable wish.

Kalene, sitting close to Skyler, reached over and heaped some roast beef onto her plate. “Skyler, eat up, honey. You need to put some meat on those bones. If your parents saw you this thin, they’d be worried sick.”

Skyler managed a polite smile, “Thanks, Mrs. Rivera.”

This seemingly normal address, when heard by others, sounded like a mistake. Matthew, with a teasing smirk, chimed in, “Kiddo, you and Zavier are practically hitched, and you’re still with the ‘Mrs. Rivera’? Sounds a bit cold, doesn’t it?”

With Hudson backing Skyler, Kalene had the confidence to speak up, “These young ones today are shy. As long as she holds me dear, she can call me whatever makes her comfortable.”

Nora jumped to Kalene’s defense, “Matthew, if Kalene doesn’t mind the formality, why does a grown man like you take issue?”

Matthew argued, “It’s just that sooner or later, Skyler will have to change how she addresses Kalene. Might as well start early.”e2

Nora retorted, “Well, they’re not married yet.”

Skyler felt like a silent spectator to a storm brewing beneath the surface, one she desperately wanted to avoid, yet was inescapably drawn into.

The banter went on without any sign of Hudson wanting to put a stop to it. His intentions remained a mystery.

Skyler stole a glance at him, to which he responded with a reassuring smile, “Sweetheart, just help yourself to whatever you like, no need to be shy.”

“Grandpa, I love everything on the table,” Skyler replied with genuine enthusiasm.

Then eat your fill, dear,” Hudson encouraged.

By the end of the meal, Skyler felt more exhausted than after a full day of classes and tutoring combined.

She had hoped to return to her dormitory after dinner, but her expectations were dashed when she found out she and Zavier were to share a room for the night at the old Rivera family estate.

She was Zavier’s fiancée, and since they hadn’t gotten married yet, technically they shouldn’t be assigned to the same room. However, with Aunt Nora in charge of the arrangements, Skyler had no choice but to comply.

Once the rooms were sorted, Nora went to Kalene, “I’ve been tracking the calendar, and it seems we’re right in the middle of Skyler’s fertile window. If those two young ones can’t keep their hands off each other, we might just see the next Rivera heir sooner rather than later.”

Kalene voiced her concern, “Zavier told me he doesn’t care for the girl, and he certainly doesn’t want children with someone he doesn’t love. Pushing this might just push him away.”

Nora was unphased, “All we’ve done is put them in the same room. We haven’t meddled beyond that. If Zavier can’t control himself, that’s hardly on us.”

Their conspiratorial chatter was interrupted by the sound of laughter, Jillian stepped out from the shadows, with a smirk on her face, “My dear sister-in-law, always so calculating in your schemes.”

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Kalene retorted with a cold laugh, “And you’re any different?”

They were all seasoned players in this game, none foolish enough to be outwitted by the other.

Jillian pressed on, “And Nora, your eldest brother may be your flesh and blood, but aren’t Matthew and Owen also your brothers? After all they’ve done for you, you still side with your eldest. If they were to find out, imagine how hurt they would be.”

Nora calmly replied, “I know who’s truly good to me and who isn’t, Jillian.”

“So, you’re saying Zavier and Owen aren’t truly good to you?” Jillian prodded.

“I never said that. It seems you’re the one admitting to it,” Nora shot back with a sly grin..