“Bullshit! The way your family does business is immoral, just like your unsavory characters. It’s no surprise that you’ll go bankrupt sooner or later. You’re just trying to pin the blame on Skylar for your own failures,” Steven snapped.
Steven, usually soft-spoken, had no patience for shameless people like Kenny and his family. They didn’t deserve his courtesy. He’d heard from Charles about how Kenny and Samuel had treated Skylar. The things they’d done to her were so despicable that they made Steven’s blood boil.
Kenny, embarrassed at being called out so bluntly, scowled. “We’re not blaming her. Skylar and her boyfriend broke up because she found a better option.”
Steven couldn’t understand how Kenny could be so blind. “Has your whole family been brainwashed by Maisy? What did she use to brainwash you all so thoroughly that you can’t think for yourselves anymore?”
“Even if Skylar did get someone to deal with you, it’s because you pushed her to it. Don’t come to me for anything related to Skylar again. I’ll never help you!” Steven added firmly.
He couldn’t help but wonder what Skylar had gone through in the Williams family. They wouldn’t be hounding her so relentlessly if there weren’t any signs of something suspicious. Who had Skylar married?
Steven decided he’d have to ask Skylar about it again. He couldn’t let anyone bully her. What happened with Christopher had been bad enough. There would be no repeating of that.
Pushing Kenny aside, Steven walked away to an isolated spot, ready to call Skylar. But just as he was about to dial, a message from her popped up.
“Hey, Steven. When are you free? My husband will be back from his business trip soon, and I’ll arrange for you two to meet. Don’t worry about me. I’ve thought this through. Once bitten, twice shy. I won’t let myself be fooled again.”
Steven’s tense emotions softened as he read her message. He reminded himself not to be swayed by Kenny’s words—he needed to trust Skylar.
After the confrontation with Kenny, Steven returned to the laboratory, but he couldn’t focus on the instruments before him. His mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Skylar. He sent another WhatsApp message to her, but there was no reply.
Peter had mentioned the current situation of the Williams Group in the family group chat. All their troubles stemmed from the Martin Group attacking their business. How did Skylar get involved with the Martin Group? If it wasn’t Paul she was connected to, then who else could it be?
Steven thought about it more carefully. Was it possible that Skylar had nothing to do with the situation and that the Williams Group’s own actions were the cause of their downfall?
The Williams Group had been expanding rapidly in recent years, and maybe, just maybe, they had done something that had upset the Martin Group.
Kenny took a deep breath. He’d just sent his thoughts to the family group chat when Samuel and Peter opposed him, questioning his reasoning. Even Jeffrey chimed in, insisting that Skylar was behind everything. They believed Skylar was trying to gain their approval so she could settle down with their family in Jipsburg. That was why she’d allegedly orchestrated all of this.
Kenny was torn. He hoped it was indeed Skylar who was behind everything, because if that were the case, maybe there was still a chance for a turnaround.
Meanwhile, Skylar was presented with a painting that needed restoration. Alexander was there to inspect it.
He spoke to Frank Doherty, who stood beside him, as they examined the artwork. “This painting looks even more tattered in person than it did in the photos. It really tests the skills of the restorer.”
In his younger years, he would have been intimidated by such a damaged and ancient painting. Restoring it would be a challenge—one wrong move could ruin everything. It required immense patience.
Frank’s expression was solemn. “This painting was passed down from my ancestors. It’s precious and holds deep meaning for me. Unfortunately, I didn’t store it properly, and it got damaged. When I discovered the extent of the damage, it was already beyond repair. Money isn’t a problem. I’ll pay double if it can be restored.”
It was clear that to Frank, the painting’s value went far beyond its monetary worth.
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