Chapter 1692: Chapter 1692

Chapter 1692

Skyler was one to stick to her guns-what was hers, she’d accept without hesitation. What wasn’t, she wouldn’t covet for a moment more.

“You know you can ask for more,” Zavier said, his tone casual as he leaned back in his leather chair.

“Thanks, Mr. Rivera, for the offer, but there are rules here. Just because we know each other, doesn’t mean you should cut me the fattest slice of the pie,” Skyler replied, her voice firm yet polite.

“I’m not offering you a better deal because we’re acquainted. It’s because I truly admire your work,” Zavier insisted, his eyes meeting hers across the desk.

Hearing his genuine respect for her art, Skyler’s face broke into a warm, sincere smile. “I appreciate your kind words about my work, Mr. Rivera. But honestly, I’m more than happy with what the company has offered me.”

“Idiot!” Zavier blurted out.

Her lyrics and melodies were worth their weight in gold, far more than his initial offer. She could easily demand a higher bounty, yet there she was, stubbornly settling for less. If that wasn’t foolish, what was?e2

Skyler remained silent, caught off-guard by his outburst.

“Since you have no objections, Tina will take you to sign the contract. After the contract is signed, we will make the initial payment. The remaining balance will be paid once you cooperate with us in producing the song and after it is released.” Zavier explained, returning to business.

“Got it,” Skyler nodded.

“Tina, you’ll be coordinating with Skyler from here on out,” Zavier instructed.

“Skyler?” Tina echoed, her brows furrowing slightly.

“Yeah, ‘Free’ is her,” Zavier said, revealing Skyler’s alias.

Tina’s gaze shifted to Skyler, a realization dawning on her. “Wait, you’re not the Skyler-the one the Rivera family picked out as the fiancée, are you?”

Skyler had used her alias when submitting her work, hoping to keep her connection to the Rivera family under wraps. Yet, here it was, out in the open. Skyler sighed internally.

Fortunately, it seemed Zavier got her, “In the workplace, she’s just ‘Free.’ Don’t let her other identity overshadow her professional capabilities.”

“I understand,” Tina replied, nodding.

Skyler couldn’t help but glance at Zavier. Hearing such words from him was something she’d never dared to imagine before.

He was like her, bound by family obligations. Yet, he was also different from her. While she suffered in silence, he fought back in his own way.

Maybe Zavier wasn’t as reckless as she’d once thought. Perhaps this was his way of protecting himself.

The contract signing went off without a hitch, and soon after, Skyler received her advance. It might have been pocket change for Zavier, but for her, it was a small fortune.

The first thing Skyler thought of was her sister, Iris, and the possibility of bringing her to the Capital to live together.

But life was unpredictable.

When her messages to Iris went unanswered and the video call was picked up by her mother, Skyler’s heart sank. “Skyler, have you got nothing better to do than to call us while you’re stuffed and bored?” her mother’s voice came through, cold and mechanical, devoid of warmth.

Skyler had bought Iris that phone with her own savings, and the rest of the Blue family wasn’t supposed to know about it. The fact that Barbara now had the phone meant something had happened to Iris.

Panic set in, and Skyler couldn’t care less about where she was or who was listening. “Where’s Iris?”

“She’s fine, and you don’t need to worry about her,” Barbara’s voice was as chilly as ever. “Right now, we’re taking good care of her. She’s living the high life. Just remember why we sent you to the Capital and focus on what you need to do. Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Skyler didn’t trust a word Barbara said. “Tell me the truth, what have you done to Iris?”