The perceptiveness of Kate’s words had Skylar thinking that the former could have easily been a relationship coach if she ever stopped being a manager.
Kate then retrieved an envelope from the drawer which she passed to Skylar. “Merry Christmas. Take the festive season to rest and recharge. I’m confident that you’ve got a shot at becoming the hottest starlet in the country.”
Skylar had never gotten a Christmas present from anyone before; Kate was the first to give her.
Kate may be a tough talker, but inside, she was a real teddy bear. That gesture alone had Skylar profoundly moved, so she did not mind whatever was inside.
Every year, she always felt left out when Eva and Timothy gathered around the Christmas trees, waiting to open up their presents. As for her, her name would never be found tagged onto any of the presents.
Miranda’s life sentence was a source of shame for friends and family who knew about it, and the disparity in treatment was obvious from those who had redirected their vitriol toward her mother onto her.
Kate’s envelope opened to reveal one-thousand-and-one dollars in cash— a symbolic and powerful angel number.
Skylar appreciatively tucked that away inside her own pocket.
On the way home, Skylar stopped over to get some festive decorations which she hoped to embellish her empty house and add to the festive cheer with. She was determined to have herself a good time, even if she were to spend it alone.
The goodies on the coffee table that Tobias got for her were collecting dust exactly where he left them.
Amongst these were several bottles of reds of which she was not knowledgeable about, though the packaging might suggest that they could be quite pricey.
On Christmas Eve, Skylar was called several times by an insistent Miranda to head over to Wesley’s, so she randomly picked out a few of those things Tobias got for her and made her way there.
Miranda was present to receive her at the door, but not Thomas.
The former was similarly not in the best of moods. “Where’s he?” Skylar asked. “I don’t suppose that he has gone home to be with his wife and children for the holidays.”
Miranda was visibly annoyed by that. “Well, excuse me. I’m his wife now, remember? He said that he’ll be back late because something cropped up at work.”
Skylar could only smile at Miranda’s flair for self-deception.
It was particularly lively inside Wesley’s home. Eva was there showing off her new coat when Skylar stepped in.
Fendi’s Spring Collection. Skylar was able to recognize it at first glance because that was the exact piece she wore for the shoot.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous, Eva.”
“I bet it costs quite a bit. Kudos to Eva to be working under a great boss.”
“Is your boss married?”
The relatives were fawning all over Eva and doing a fine job sucking up to her.
Skylar had only learned that Eva had recently broken off with the boyfriend she was expected to be marrying, citing incompatibility in their personalities; but everyone knew that the truth may be closer to the latter setting her sights higher since joining the Ford Group.
Unlike in the past, the relatives came up to greet Skylar warmly this time round.
Her younger cousin, Timothy, was especially thrilled to see her. He dashed into the room and came back out with a notebook which he passed along.
“Could I have your autograph, Skylar? There are many girls in my class who would like to have it.”
Skylar did not expect that she would be that popular amongst high-school students.
Eva rolled her eye at Timothy and seized him by the collar. “Why’s a kid doing all this nonsense and not focusing on his studies? There are no decent people in the entertainment business these days.”
The mouthy Eva could always be counted on to say something irksome.
Skylar frowned as she retorted, “Wouldn’t you like to know how many office scandals involving female secretaries or assistants cozying up to their own bosses? It’s hard to say whether secretaries are all good people either.”
The tension in the air was positively volatile.
Miranda nudged at Skylar with an elbow to get her to shut up.
Skylar was unhappy with those relatives who asked about the marital status of the boss, as though they were hoping for Tobias to marry Eva. In your dreams, people.
