Chapter 203

chapter203

Caleb’s hair had grown long and unruly, resembling a bird’s nest. His eyes remained glued to his book, and he seemed entirely oblivious to the world around him.

“What’s going on here?” Alexander asked, sensing that something was fundamentally off. He had seen Caleb act out and slack off many times, but he had never seen the boy this serious—almost like a bookworm. He wondered if this was truly his grandson.

Caleb scratched his head and looked at Alexander, tears welling up in his eyes. “Grandpa, it’s too difficult! It’s so complicated! I just can’t grasp this stuff!”

Caleb had convinced himself that if he forced himself to study, he would eventually understand. After all, he carried Alexander’s blood in his veins. He remembered being somewhat intelligent as a child, so why did he feel so clueless now? His eyes ached and his head throbbed from the exertion, yet the concepts remained out of reach.

Alexander was taken back at first, then walked over with a heavy sigh. “Did you lock yourself in here for days just to read these? You won't understand everything without someone to guide you. If you could, you’d be a prodigy! If you really want to learn, I’ll arrange for a tutor to start teaching you from the basics tomorrow.”

“Starting from the basics? When will I ever be ready to date Skylar then?” Caleb felt a wave of defeat wash over him.

Alexander rolled his eyes. “Didn’t John make it clear? Stop daydreaming. You’re not in the same league as Skylar.”

“You’re all looking down on me!” Caleb shouted in frustration. He believed he was worthy of her, and the more they doubted him, the harder he intended to try.

Meanwhile, Skylar had dinner with Gloria at Pearlhall Residence. Afterward, they settled in to watch a popular variety show together.

“Joe will be back tonight. I’ve asked Edgar to schedule an appointment at the hospital for you two tomorrow,” Gloria said casually.

Gloria knew these two "worrisome kids" needed a little push. She feared they might never move forward if she didn't intervene. To her, a shared check-up was the perfect way to bring them closer. She knew Joe well—if he didn't want to go, he would have refused. His agreement was a sign that he harbored genuine feelings for Skylar.

Earlier that afternoon, Alexander had called Gloria to mention his own high opinion of Skylar and Caleb's infatuation. He was still reeling from the shock of learning Skylar had grown up with Viola. Alexander had even lamented that Joe wouldn't have stood a chance if his own sons had provided him with grandchildren earlier.

Gloria, however, remained confident. Even if Caleb had been born years sooner, she doubted he would ever be as handsome or capable as Joe.

“Alright, Grandma. Joe mentioned it to me. I’ll take the day off tomorrow,” Skylar nodded. She hadn't had a proper check-up in a while and figured she could use the opportunity.

“Joe might seem stern, but he’s far better than the first male contestant on this show,” Gloria said, shaking her head at the screen. “Look at that guy—sweet-talking one girl one day, then cooking for another the next.”

“Well, Joe would never do that,” Gloria continued, praising her grandson to secure Skylar’s future. “Once he sets his sights on someone, that’s it for life!”

Skylar smiled and agreed. “He really is different. Even the other contestants can’t compare to him.”

Joe had previously assured her he had nothing to do with Annie. While Skylar had been skeptical at first, recent events had proven that he truly didn't care about Annie's feelings.

As soon as she finished speaking, a deep, familiar voice resonated behind her.

“Do you really think that highly of me?”

Joe had arrived just in time to catch her praise. Skylar’s smile froze. She turned around in shock to find Joe standing there, his expression unreadable. Just how long had he been standing there?