Chapter 1096

Minerva nodded, taking a swig of her wine. “Rowan told me that, and Jenny confessed it as well,” she said. Rowan’s persuasive skills had coaxed the confession from Jenny, but Minerva remained unconvinced, believing it all to be lies.

“You’ve only heard my side of things. Regarding you and Mr. Martin… should I introduce you to some eligible men?” Minerva quickly dismissed her negative feelings and addressed Skylar. She had several well-connected cousins, and her grandmother knew both George and Alexander; their interest in Skylar was piqued upon learning of their acquaintance. If Joe didn't want Skylar, it was his loss.

Skylar, mid-sip of her drink, nearly spat it out. “No, I’m fine,” she replied quickly.

“It’s alright. Men aren't always reliable. Ultimately, you can only truly depend on yourself,” Minerva said. “Take me, for instance—many seek partnership, but their true interest lies in my family and the advantages of marriage. All that talk of true feelings is nonsense,” she confessed, the alcohol loosening her tongue. She felt comfortable sharing these thoughts with Skylar, unable to confide in anyone else. She mused that a friendship with Skylar years earlier would have been wonderful.

“Sometimes a little selfishness is good. Give too much, and you'll raise opportunists,” Skylar responded, her thoughts drifting to the Williams family. They, and Christopher, were distant memories now, their self-destruction having erased them from her mind. The Williams family had exposed her to humanity's darkest aspects.

Minerva stared at Skylar. “You sound like you’ve been through a lot.” Despite the simplicity of the words, Minerva sensed a depth of experience and hard-won wisdom.

Skylar responded calmly, “Who hasn’t encountered a few scumbags?”

“Haha… Yeah, everyone does!” Minerva felt a sense of understanding. Rowan and Jenny, she realized, were simply among those she couldn't abide.

An hour passed, the two women tipsy but continuing their drinks, until the doorbell rang.

Despite minimal alcohol consumption, Skylar felt unsteady as she rose. Her low tolerance was evident as she staggered to the door, peering through the peephole to see Joe. The sight instantly sobered her.

Minerva, slightly intoxicated, slurred, “Who is it? Send them away. I don't want to see anyone.”

“It’s not for you. He’s here for me. Let’s catch up another time. It’s late; I’m going home to rest,” Skylar explained.

Minerva waved dismissively. “Alright, another time then.”

Watching Minerva walk steadily to the bathroom, Skylar felt reassured. She opened the door, immediately falling into Joe's arms.

“Drunk?” Joe caught her, pleased by her closeness, until the scent of alcohol registered.

“A few sips,” Skylar mumbled, hugging his waist, her weight leaning heavily on him. Drowsiness weighed heavily on her eyelids.

Joe, noting her inebriation, realized those “few sips” were likely closer to several glasses. “Let’s go home.”

They soon left for home in his car.