Chapter 1657


    Chapter 1657


    Hudson leaned on his cane, giving it an assertive tap on the floor as he turned to Zavier with a pointed


    look, “I’m letting you off the hook today, only because of Joshua and Skyler’s sakes. If you keep


    spouting nonsense in this house, I won’t recognize you as my grandson.”


    Zavier shed a disarming smile, “Grandpa, you’re saying she gets to push me around, but I can’t fight


    back?”


    At that, Hudson looked like he wanted to thwack Zavier with his cane. He had just mentioned Skyler,


    who, having previously retreated to a corner, now feltpelled to step forward, greeting Hudson


    respectfully, “Good evening, Grandpa.”


    “Good evening, Skyler.” Hudson coaxed with a smile, waving Skyler closer, “Come here, and let me get


    a good look at you, kiddo.”


    Skyler approached Hudson promptly. Hudson examined her closely, concern etching his features,


    “Child, you seem to have thinned out sincest month. Tell me, is Zavier not taking good care of you?”


    Skyler could tell despite his stern tone, Hudson genuinely cared for her well-being. She didn’t want


    someone who cared about her to worry, “Grandpa, Zavier takes great care of me. He makes sure I


    have the best of everything.”


    “But you look like you’ve lost weight,” Hudson persisted.e2


    The truth was that the recent academic pressures and her side job teaching piano had left her with little


    time for proper meals, naturally resulting in weight loss. However, Skyler offered a considerate excuse,


    “I think I’m just not quite used to the Capital yet. I’ll be back to normal soon.”


    Hudson seemed appeased, “Mhm, Butler, make sure to send some extra nourishment to Zavier’s ce


    later. Remind Marissa to take good care of Skyler and ensure she gets the proper nourishment.”


    “Skyler is the granddaughter-inw I chose myself,” Hudson announced firmly. “Anyone who dares to


    cross her is crossing me.”


    Though he didn’t name names, it was clear he was sending a message to Jillian. The cherished


    granddaughter-inw wasn’t to be trifled with on his watch.


    “Yes, sir, the butler responded dutifully.


    Jillian bit her lip, her expression souring.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Zavier, noticing Jillian’s difort, opened his mouth as if to say something, but Kalene gave him a


    sharp tug and whispered, “Zavier, mind the asion.” Zavier held back with a smile, biting his tongue.


    Then Hudson dered, “Now that everyone’s here, let’s sit down to have dinner.”


    And everyone followed after Hudson said that.


    The Rivera family gathered for dinner, with seating strictly arranged ording to seniority. On either


    side of Hudson’s seat, two spots were reserved: one permanently for his only daughter, Nora. The


    other seat, however, was left open for the person who demonstrated the best performance over the


    course of three months.


    Today, everyone expected Hudson to call the best-performing Joshua to sit by his side, but to their


    surprise, he beckoned Skyler as soon as he sat down, “Kiddo,e sit with me.”


    Nora, being Hudson’s only daughter, was adored by him, but even that love wouldn’t lead him to hand


    over Rivera Inc. to her. The brothers understood this, and her sitting next to Hudson was tolerable for


    them.


    But Skyler was a different story. As Zavier’s fiancée, she represented Hudson’s first son’s branch, and


    Hudson’s invitation for her to sit beside him was a clear endorsement of their branch’s standing.


    Because of this, Skyler’s meal was fraught with tension. The res from the others were palpable, their


    hostility barely veiled, as if they wanted to tear her apart with their eyes.


    Skyler sat there, trying to keep herposure amidst the silent hostility.