“Isn’t love about making compromises?”
“I used to think so too. But I ended up with nothing.”
The last conversation she had with Claudia kept replaying in Skylar’s head on her way back as she stared out from the car window.
Back at Claudia’s residence, Winnie was helping out at the dining table. “Just leave this job to the maid,” said Claudia.
“That’s alright, Mrs. Ford. I’m used to doing this back home anyway. My parents are in poor health, so I’ll try to help them out as much as I can. I’m not sure if I can say the same about Skylar though, since she just excused herself right after dinner,” Winnie remarked casually while wiping the same area on the dining table.
Upon hearing that, Claudia got one of her maids to fetch a mop for Winnie. “In that case, please also mop the floor after you’re done with the dishes. It’s getting late, I’m going to rest now.”
Despite feeling wildly insulted, Winnie forced a broad grin on her face. “Sure, Mrs. Ford. Good night.”
Having seen through Winnie’s deception, Claudia’s attitude toward her had taken a sharp turn from being warm and cozy to aloof and dismissive.
Even though Skylar had kept quiet about it, Claudia could easily taste the difference between restaurant-bought and a home-cooked grilled salmon.
She must take me for a fool!
“Sheldon, make sure you send Ms. Moore back after she’s done mopping the floor. It’s bad for a girl’s reputation to stay overnight here.”
“But Mom, it’s quite late now,” Sheldon protested.
Claudia shot her son a look before she replied coldly, “Just do as I say.”
As soon as Claudia was out of sight, Winnie pushed the mop into Sheldon’s hand and flew into a rage. “Sheldon Ford, you are unbelievable! Didn’t you see how Skylar humiliated me in front of everyone just now? Your brother was so protective of her, but you just sat there and let them walk all over me?”
Equally annoyed, Sheldon tossed the mop aside and raised his voice, “Well, whose fault is that? Instead of having a peaceful dinner like everyone else, you had to keep boasting about your non-existent cooking skill. I couldn’t stop you from shooting yourself in the foot, could I?”
Tears started to roll down from Winnie’s cheeks as she was hurt by Sheldon’s tone of voice.
“I don’t care. You promised that you’ll move in with me. Tobias is basically living with Skylar anyway. If he can do that, why can’t you?”
“They are not living together. Tobias spends most of his time at home and only stays over at Skylar’s every now and then. For God’s sake, I don’t understand why are you so jealous of that!” cried Sheldon.
While Winnie tried to lower her voice, fearing that someone else might hear them, Sheldon was talking at the top of his lungs.
Upstairs, Claudia’s expression increasingly darkened as she listened to the couple’s heated exchanges.
So, she’s trying to take my son away from me. I’ve underestimated this manipulative woman. It seems like I have to re-evaluate my way of reading people.
Claudia was not against the idea of cohabitating. The reason she had kept Sheldon close to her was because she could not trust him to be independent as well as making responsible life decisions.
Meanwhile, Tobias’ car pulled up outside Skylar’s house. But he made no movement to get out of the car.
“Goodnight. Off you go if you’re busy,” Skylar said thoughtfully.
As she reached for the car door handle, Tobias held onto her hand and said, “Don’t you want me to come in? After all, we didn’t get to do anything last night.”
Skylar gave him an innocent look.
“Well, I don’t remember rejecting you last night. So you can’t blame me for that.”
