Joe’s sharp gaze didn’t waver as he continued to stare at Jeffrey, the tension palpable. His eyes, cold and unfeeling, seemed to scrutinize every word that left Jeffrey’s mouth. The room fell silent as the weight of Joe’s presence became clear to everyone standing there.
Skylar felt a strange comfort in Joe’s protective stance, yet she didn’t let her guard down completely. She had learned not to rely on anyone’s protection, especially not when it came to her father.
“I think you’re mistaken, Mr. Williams,” Joe’s voice was low, but firm. “If you think I would allow anyone to lay a hand on Skylar, you are sorely mistaken.” His words sent a chill through the air, leaving no room for argument.
Jeffrey’s expression faltered for a moment. He had never been one to back down easily, but something about Joe’s calm demeanor unsettled him. He knew that Joe was not a man to be trifled with, especially not when it came to someone under his protection. Still, his pride as a father, and the weight of his company’s downfall, pushed him to continue pressing.
“I understand your concern, Mr. Martin, but this is a family matter,” Jeffrey said, his voice strained. He tried to regain some composure, though he couldn’t help but notice the subtle power dynamic at play. “I just want to speak with Skylar for a moment. It’s important.”
Joe’s eyes flicked to Paul, who had been quietly observing the situation, then back to Jeffrey. He didn’t speak right away, as if weighing the situation carefully. “If you have something to say, you can do so here,” Joe finally replied, his voice smooth but with an undercurrent of authority that brooked no opposition. “I have no interest in your family’s personal matters, Mr. Williams. But if you think that coming here and threatening Skylar will get you anywhere, you are mistaken.”
Maisy, trying to make herself noticed, stepped forward again, her face a perfect picture of innocence. “Mr. Martin, surely you can understand. My father only wants to—”
Joe cut her off with a glance, his gaze unwavering. “I understand perfectly, Miss Williams. But it seems to me that what you are suggesting is not of interest to me.” His tone, while polite, was definitive, and Maisy’s words hung uselessly in the air.
Skylar’s chest tightened with an unexpected rush of relief. She had feared the moment where her father would resort to physical violence, but now, with Joe standing beside her, it felt like there was someone who actually cared about what happened to her.
“I don’t need anything from you,” Skylar said, her voice quiet but resolute. She turned to face her father, her gaze steady. “I never did. I’m done trying to make things work that never had a chance to.”
Jeffrey stared at her, his expression conflicted. For a long time, he had believed that Skylar needed him, that she couldn’t survive without the Williams family name, their connections. But now, as he looked at her—standing there with Joe, composed and calm—he realized how much he had underestimated her.
The realization was a bitter pill to swallow.
“Well,” Jeffrey said, trying to maintain some semblance of control, “I’ll leave you to your… new life. But don’t think you can just cut ties with the Williams family. There will be consequences.”
Skylar’s lips curled into a small, almost sad smile. “You don’t get to threaten me anymore, Jeffrey. I’m not the same person you once knew.”
Joe stepped forward slightly, his presence like a wall between Skylar and her father. “I think it’s time for you to leave, Mr. Williams,” he said, his voice cold and final.
Jeffrey’s face reddened in frustration, but he knew there was no point in continuing. He gave one last glance at Skylar, his eyes lingering on her a moment too long, before turning and walking away with Maisy close behind him.
Skylar stood still, her heart racing, but she didn’t feel the sting she had once expected. She had stood her ground. And this time, it was enough.
As the sound of Jeffrey’s retreating footsteps faded, Skylar turned to Joe, her eyes meeting his. “Thank you,” she said quietly, but her gratitude was palpable.
Joe’s expression softened ever so slightly, though his demeanor remained composed. “You don’t need to thank me, Skylar. I’ll always stand by you.”
For a moment, Skylar simply looked at him, feeling the weight of his words sink in. It wasn’t just about his protection—it was about respect.
And for the first time in a long time, Skylar felt like she was truly seen.
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