Charles noticed something was wrong when Steven’s expression shifted. “What did they say, Steven?” he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Steven let out a deep breath and replied grimly, “They said the best suggestion is for Skye to apologize. The Williams family’s PR team is well-known in Jipsburg City, and they’re notorious for turning things around—no matter what the truth is. They can ruin Skye’s reputation, no matter what we do.”
Charles could see the weight of Steven’s words in his expression. The situation was even worse than he had imagined. He had always known how powerful money and connections could be, especially in the entertainment industry where appearances mattered more than reality. Even though his rank in the industry was low, he understood how easily truth could be manipulated when the right people were involved.
It made him feel sick to think of their beloved sister being tormented like this—her reputation slandered, and no one willing to fight for her. The unfairness of it stung deeply.
“If only it were us being oppressed instead of Skye,” Charles muttered, clenching his fists in frustration. “I can’t stand how unjust this is.”
Steven’s face tightened as he thought it over. “The fact that my friends suggested that means there’s really no other option but for her to admit she was wrong. Unless…” His voice trailed off as he looked at Charles. “Unless we can somehow hire Martin Group’s PR team.”
At the mention of Martin Group’s PR team, Charles’ heart sank. He knew how out of reach they were. Martin Group was a powerhouse—hiring them was nearly impossible, and he couldn’t see any way they could afford to make that happen.
Meanwhile, Skylar had stopped by a florist on her way to the hospital, buying a bouquet of flowers. When she entered the ward with the bouquet in hand, she found Gloria chatting with an elderly man.
Gloria’s face lit up as she saw Skylar. “This is the granddaughter-in-law I told you about,” she said excitedly. “Isn’t she beautiful? She has such an incredible personality. Joe is truly blessed.”
Skylar smiled warmly and walked over to greet the man. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Querbach.”
George smiled in return, his face crinkling in a kind expression. “You’ve always been a good judge of character, Gloria. She looks like a wonderful person.”
Skylar felt a strange sense of familiarity as she looked at George. She had seen him on the news before—his stern, no-nonsense demeanor had always made her a little intimidated. But the man before her was warm and approachable, the kind of person who made you feel at ease instantly.
She kept a soft smile on her face as she placed the flowers in a vase by the window.
After a brief exchange, Gloria said, “Once I’m discharged in a couple of days, I’ll take Skye to visit your place.”
George nodded and looked at Skylar with a gentle gaze. “If you see anything you like, just let me know. I’ll be happy to give it to you.”
Gloria added, “George has a lot of beautiful things. Don’t be shy, just ask. I’ll have him give them to you.”
Skylar smiled again, grateful for their kindness. “Thank you, Mr. Querbach.”
George chuckled lightly, his smile widening. “You can drop the formalities with me. I used to love hanging out with Viola back in the day.”
Gloria’s voice softened as she reminisced, a nostalgic glint in her eye. “Oh, how time flies… It feels like just yesterday we were all so young. Now, look at us. Time doesn’t wait for anyone.”
For a moment, there was a wistful silence. George’s gaze lingered on Gloria, his expression shifting slightly as if touched by something from the past. Then, with a hint of sadness in his eyes, he said, “In my entire life, there’s only one person I’ve ever truly feared… and that’s her.”
Skylar noticed the fleeting emotion in his eyes and wondered about the connection between the two. It was as though George was remembering something—perhaps someone—lost to time.
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