Chapter 54

Less than two minutes later, Skylar emerged from her room with a convenience store bag. Joe couldn't figure out what she was up to.

"There are a few bags of tea here," she said. "They're good for insomnia. I mixed them according to an age-old recipe. I didn't make much, so just have these first." She handed the bag to Joe.

She explained that she had read many books at Viola's house and was capable of making things from age-old recipes. She had previously made a foot soak for Gloria; all her remedies were health-focused.

Joe received the bag, inhaling the herbal scent. "Is this also a type of tea?"

Had she called him just to give him tea?

"It's different," Skylar replied. "This tea is for sleep. I don't think you can buy it anywhere else. Anyway, it's getting late. Good night, Mr. Martin."

She retreated to her room, genuinely sleepy. Viola had confirmed that the old books she used were practically unique and unobtainable.

Joe's expression turned glum. She still hadn't asked for his help. Was she too embarrassed? Had she given him gifts first as a prelude?

He took the bag to his room. After half an hour, he returned downstairs, brewed a cup of the tea, and soon, a faint herbal scent filled the air. Unlike strong, unpleasant herbal soups, this tea had a subtle aroma.

"Would this be effective?" he murmured, thinking of Skylar's massage techniques and hoping the tea would be similarly helpful for his insomnia. He didn't mind if its effectiveness was comparable to other healthy teas. If it worked, he would help her, for the tea's sake and for Gloria's.

He finished the tea and returned to his room. The moment he lay down, he felt significantly less irritable about his insomnia. Was it psychological, or was the tea truly effective?

The next morning, Skylar woke at 6:00 a.m. and checked online comments. The situation had drastically changed overnight. Following further aggravation from the Williamses' PR team, comments now encouraged a public apology.

She was about to edit videos for Facebook and other accounts when Caleb sent a voice message: "Skylar, Skylar, have you seen Facebook? It looks like the Williams family's PR attacked you! I can't believe Maisy is part of the Williams family! There's a huge fuss. Don't be afraid, I'll help you! These cheaters are shameless! They denied everything and tried to slander you!"

Skylar replied that she wasn't afraid and began editing her videos and post. Caleb blurted out several swear words after sending the message, only to receive a few smacks on the head from Alexander.

"Grandpa!" Caleb shouted in pain.

Alexander, with a stern expression, chided, "Watch your mouth. Your parents aren't in Jipsburg, so I have to discipline you!"

Caleb cried out, "I'm your only grandson! You'll break my heart if you make me dumb! And I wasn't swearing on purpose! People are oppressing Skylar, so I was just angry on her behalf!"

"Skylar? Is she the woman you told me about two days ago? The one who knows about restoring old antiques?" Alexander, used to Caleb's bluffs, hadn't taken him seriously.