Later, Skyler bought a new phone and entrusted Zavier to deliver it to Iris. It was then that the two sisters reconnected. They made a pact – the phone was not to cross the threshold of the Blue family household. They couldn't risk another discovery. So Skyler would only call at agreed-upon times when Iris could safely answer.
"I'm just so thrilled to hear from you." Iris chattered away on the phone, a stream of updates and stories spilling out. Skyler could almost see her sister's animated gestures through the line.
Knowing that Iris was doing well eased Skyler's mind.
As they were about to end the call, Iris' voice dropped to a murmur, "Skyler, are you really not coming home for Christmas? If you don't, I'll be all alone."
Skyler's heart clenched. She made a snap decision. "I'll be there, Iris. I'll come home on Christmas Eve."
Christmas Eve was always a hive of activity in the Blue family, everyone buzzing with tasks and preparations. Nobody would notice if Iris was absent. Skyler figured she could slip in unnoticed at that time.d2
After hanging up, she immediately booked a flight from the Capital to Southern Port, making sure all her bases were covered.
Having tied up all her loose ends at work on the last day before the holiday season, Skyler approached Carter. "Mr. Carter, I've wrapped up my tasks. Anything else you need from me?"
"Are you getting ready to go back to school? I'll give you a ride." Carter said.
Skyler, not keen on mixing her personal life with work, gently declined, "You're busy, Mr. Carter. I wouldn't want to trouble you."
But Carter persisted, "There's a bit of work chatter I'd like to go over with you. With the holidays around the corner, I don't want to eat into more of your time. We can talk on the way."
Cornered by his insistence, Skyler reluctantly agreed.
However, as they descended to the lobby, Skyler was caught off guard by the sight of Zavier leaning against his car, a cigarette in hand, impossible to miss as she stepped out of the elevator.
Carter chuckled. "Ah, your fiancé's here to pick you up. That explains the refusal."
Without diving into explanations, Skyler offered an awkward smile and bid Carter farewell.
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