Chapter 153

In Lydia's hospital room, Skylar was slicing apples for her daughter when her cellphone erupted with a series of dings.

She set aside the knife and apple, checked her phone, and her expression soured.

Lydia, savoring her apple, caught the shift in her mother's mood and asked, "What's the matter, Mom?"

Skylar gripped her phone tightly, forcing a strained smile. "Oh, it's nothing. Just that investment I made tanked, that's all."

Lydia rolled her eyes. "Mom, those investment schemes are nothing but scams. They prey on folks like you who aren't in the know. If you're serious about getting your finances in shape, I could hook you up with a financial planner. You pay him a cut for commission, and he'll handle your assets. It's all the rage overseas."

Skylar dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "Please, my savings are hardly worth the fuss of hiring some finance guys, not to mention the fees. It's just not worth it."

She locked her phone and swiftly steered the conversation elsew