Chapter 1697: Chapter 1697

Chapter 1697

Hudson nodded in approval, his eyes then shifted towards Zavier. The gentle gaze he had a moment ago turned into a stern glare. “Skyler is your fiancée. You’ve let her fend for herself out there, struggling. You need to have a serious think about your responsibilities.”

Zavier lounged back in his chair, stretching his legs out with a casual air. “Grandpa, you look beat. Aren’t you tired?”

Hudson replied, “If you youngsters had half the gumption of your brother, I wouldn’t have to work myself to the bone.”

Mention of his late brother darkened Zavier’s expression momentarily, and he chose to remain silent.

Hudson continued, “Tonight, you two are staying in. We’ll have dinner together, just family time.”

Skyler replied with a simple, “Okay.”

“I’ve got things on my plate, no time for dinner.” Zavier stood up, turning to Sky. “Weren’t we supposed to have a date tonight? Are we flaking out now?”e2

Skyler was taken aback. When did she agree to a date?

Overhearing their supposed date plans, Hudson couldn’t hide his delight, “Well, if that’s the case, go on and tend to your business. Come back for dinner another night when you can spare an old man some of your time.”

Skyler nodded again, “Okay.”

Zavier, with a tug at Sky’s arm, led the way out. Once out of earshot, Zavier released her. “Heading back to campus?”

“That’s the only place left to go.”

“Need a ride?”

“Thanks.”

During the car ride, silence reigned. After a while, Zavier finally broke it. “Working so hard for money, you planning to bring your sister to the Capital?”

Skyler nodded.

“And you think just wanting to bring her over is enough?”

She didn’t respond. Skyler had always thought she could simply bring her sister over, but today’s failed attempt to reach Iris had been a sobering reminder that things were not that simple. There were too many obstacles in their way, and only by becoming stronger could she hope to change their circumstances.

Zavier offered, “I can help, but…”

Skyler quickly interjected, “If you can help bring my sister to the Capital, I’ll do anything you ask.”

“Anything?” Zavier asked with a wry chuckle.

Skyler nodded vigorously, “Yes.”

Zavier smirked, “Skyler, never underestimate the depths of human depravity. Never agree to ‘anything’ so lightly.”

But Skyler was determined, “For Iris, there’s nothing I fear.”

“I’ll think of a way, but I can’t guarantee anything,” Zavier said, tempering expectations.

Skyler asked, “What’s your plan?”

“Don’t worry about the how. Just wait for the results,” he replied cryptically.

Skyler said, “Thank you! If you ever need anything, just say the word. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Zavier looked outside, “Stop worrying about others for a change. What’s your plan going forward?”

After pondering, Skyler answered, “I can’t keep working at the café, and my tutoring gig is probably on borrowed time too. It’s bound to be discovered sooner or later.”

Zavier stared at her, “Hudson just gave you a check for five million. It’s yours to spend as you please.”

Skyler laughed lightly, “If I spend this money, it will be even harder to break free from the control of the family in the future.”

After a pause, Zavier suggested, “You’ve got a real talent for music. If you gave it your all, you could probably make something of

for believing in me,” Skyler said with gratitude.