Impulsive Vow to an Enigmatic Husband

Chapter 1712 

Skyler arrived at the Rivera Manor with not a soul to pick her up from school. She had to hail a cab that dropped her off just outside the upscale neighborhood, leaving her to trek the remaining distance on foot. 

There were a lot of people at Rivera’s Manor. All the members of the Rivera family and close friends and relatives were present, including Skyler’s parents. 

She was the last to arrive. 

No sooner had she stepped into the yard than a voice hissed, “Jinx!” 

Skyler’s eyes darted around, trying to locate the source of the insult amidst the several stares fixed upon her. She couldn’t pinpoint who had uttered the word. 

Samuel had been in poor health ever since he’d lost his son, and though the recent incident had nothing to do with Skyler, there were whispers blaming her. 

It was reminiscent of the way some had tried to pin Samuel’s demise on Zavier, Samuel’s remaining son. Thankfully, Zavier had a will of steel and wasn’t easily shaken by their mind games.e2 

Skyler’s lips parted to retort, but considering the solemnity of the occasion, she held her tongue. 

Barbara tugged at Skyler’s arm. “What took you so long?” 

Even Skyler’s parents from Southern Port had arrived. Skyler had received the news only recently and indeed, it was hard to justify her delay. 

It had been two days since the incident, and it seemed the Rivera family had forgotten about Skyler altogether. No one had bothered to inform her. Besides, the Riveras had kept the matter tightly under wraps, with no media coverage. It was only after a call from Barbara that Skyler was in the loop. 

“I came as soon as I got the call,” Skyler explained, her voice a mix of haste and regret. 

Barbara dragged Skyler to a secluded corner and jabbed her finger sharply against Skyler’s forehead, leaving angry red marks. “You’ve been in the Capital for months now, and you’ve made no progress whatsoever.” 

Skyler winced in pain and tried to dodge, but Barbara pinched her waist fiercely. “I’m talking to you. Don’t you play dumb with me.” “Today is Samuel’s funeral. Shouldn’t we show some respect?” Skyler countered, her patience wearing thin. 

“Scaring me with the Rivera family? Don’t think I don’t know that Zavier hasn’t touched you once. What are you pretending for?” Barbara scoffed. 

Skyler chose to ignore her. 

Given the crowd at the Rivera estate, Barbara wouldn’t dare make a scene. “We’ll settle this later. For now, come with me.” 

Skyler followed Barbara mechanically.. 

Barbara approached the old butler, her demeanor instantly softening. “My dear Skyler is here. Should we have her join Zavier in the vigil?” 

After Brodie’s death, Zavier became Samuel’s only child. Draped in mourning clothes, he was receiving all the guests who came to pay their respects. 

As Zavier’s fiancée, Skyler was expected to join him to keep vigil for Samuel, according to local customs. 

Whether the Rivera family was too preoccupied to remember Skyler or had other reasons, they hadn’t even informed her of Samuel’s passing, let alone her expected role in the vigil. 

The old butler, not daring to make such decisions himself, especially with Hudson bedridden and the second son of the family in charge. 

Hudson had a total of three sons. The eldest had passed away. The second son, Matthew, had a high chance of inheriting the family business, and to ensure a better future, the old butler had to curry favor with him. 

The old butler subconsciously looked towards Matthew. Unexpectedly, Matthew’s gaze was right in their direction, as if he was waiting for the butler to report to him. 

The butler hurried over, bowing respectfully. “Mr. Matthew, may I ask how you wish to arrange for Ms. Skyler’s participation?”