Chapter 1685
Back in her dorm room, Skyler couldnât wait to wash off the dayâs grime. She showered quickly, laundering her clothes in the process. Lying on her bed afterward, her mind buzzed with the eveningâs events. Desiree was a piece of work, downright terrifying. Tonightâs lackeys hadnât succeeded, but Skyler knew that witch wouldnât hesitate to strike again.
Something had to be done. If not, her job and studies would suffer, and that was non-negotiable.
Lost in thought, she barely noticed when Emma and Amanda returned, trailed by Vivian, who rarely stayed in the dorm.
Skyler sat up, urgency coloring her tone. âVivian, you wouldnât happen to have Desireeâs contact, would you?â
Vivian nodded and cautiously asked. âYeah, why?â
âI need it,â Skyler said plainly.e2
Hesitation flickered across Vivianâs face. Sharing a friendâs contact without permission felt wrong. âCan I check with Desiree first?â âJust tell her that I have something to talk to her,â Skyler said.
Vivian immediately sent a message, but it took Desiree quite a while to respond after the message was sent.âVivian, darling, everyone at school wants my number, but Iâm selective with my friendships.â
A hint of pride welled up in Vivian. She felt she was special to Desiree. âSkyler, sheâs not comfortable with it.â
Skyler nodded, masking her disappointment. âGot it.â
Emma, puzzled, asked, âSky, why the sudden need for Desireeâs digits?â
âIâve got something to take care of,â Skyler deflected, grabbing her jacket.
âMore stuff?â Emma frowned. âHey, slow down. At least eat the BBQ we packed for you before you dash off.â
âThanks, guys, but Iâm not hungry. Iâll treat you guys once this mess is sorted.â Skylerâs voice trailed off as she hurried out the door. Emma glanced at the packed barbecue chicken wings and grilled fish. âLetâs just eat. Itâd be a shame to waste it.â
Amanda looked worried. âSkyler seemed off. Think sheâs in trouble?â
âSky looks delicate, but sheâs tough as nails. Sheâll tell us when sheâs ready,â Emma said.
Amanda said, âI hope sheâs okay.â
âSkyler is so good, she definitely will be fine,â Emma said. After that, she glanced at Vivian, about to say something, but after some thought, she chose to remain silent.
Stepping out into the brisk night air, Skyler dialed the Riveraâs Manor. As expected, the familiar voice of the elderly butler answered, âMiss Skyler, itâs quite late. Is everything alright?â
âI need to speak with Grandpa Rivera. Could you send a car to pick me up from campus?â Skyler asked, opting for the safety of a familiar ride over the risk of hailing a cab that could be a trap set by Desiree.
âIs Mr. Zavier giving you a hard time?â the butler inquired with concern.
âNo, itâs personal. I just need to see Grandpa Rivera,â Skyler clarified.
With understanding, the butler replied, âIâll arrange for a driver near the school to bring you home. Please wait a few minutes.â
Skyler hung up, once again impressed by the Rivera familyâs extensive network. She nodded to herself, and settled in to wait for the ride.