Chapter 401
Intonately familiar with Joe, Skylar couldn’t help but wonder about his thoughts With Gloria son tri the siblity, would he truly be entertaining such lascivious thoughts?
Feeling flustered, Skylar quickly looked away.
“Grandma, Skylar sald, her voice sweet and childlike. “How about I stay with you tonight at Pearlhall Residence? We have so much to catch up on.”
Gloria’s face lit up. “That sound’s lovely! I have things I want to share with you too. We’ll stay at Pearlhall Residence tonight. I’ll tell Edgar to prepare some snacks and fruit. We can relax, watch TV, and chat all evening.”
Joe’s gaze darkened as he watched Skylar.
Suddenly, Gloria seemed to realize Joe’s presence and spoke again. “Actually, why don’t you call Lucas to take you back to Galaxy Villa? Skye and I will be fine on our own tonight.” She clearly desired a private conversation with Skylar, and Joe’s presence was becoming a hindrance.
Feeling a familiar sting of rejection, Joe scowled. “Are you my grandmother or Skylar’s?”
“I’m both yours and Skye’s,” Gloria firmly declared.
Joe couldn’t find the right words, silently fuming over the thought of returning to Galaxy Villa. He then
cast a glance at Skylar, who seemed smug. She had avoided him today, but tomorrow was another ston
Skylar caught Joe’s lustful stare in the rearview mirror. Unease prickled her skin.
“Why do you keep staring at Skylar?” Gloria snorted. “You can’t sleep without her around, huh?”
Skylar remained silent.
Unexpectedly, Joe admitted, “Actually, no. I can’t.”
He planned to make up for lost time tomorrow.
Gloria rolled her eyes. Tonight, she just wanted some quality time with Skylar. Besides, she’d heard from the maid at Galaxy Villa that the sheets were being changed nearly every day.
Joe needed some self–control, she thought. He was going to wear Skylar out at this rate. And that look in his eyes earlier was pure, unadulterated desire.
When they reached the next intersection, Joe got out and drove back to Galaxy Villa on his own while Gloria and Skylar continued on to Pearlhall Residence.
30 minutes later, Joe arrived at Galaxy Villa. After showering, he climbed into the large, now strangely
empty bed. He had become accustomed to Skylar’s warmth beside him.
A realization struck him, and his expression darkened further.
E
Chapter
Jacky was engrossed in a new case file. He typically visited the Martin Group on Mondays and Fridays, dedicating the rest of his time to the law firm.
Within half an hour of starting his workday, Emily Diaz, his assistant, walked in.
“Mr. Lourdes, there are two gentlemen here to see you without an appointment. They say it’s about a Ms. Sullivan,” she announced.
“Ms. Sullivan?” Jacky immediately thought of Skylar.
“Yes, sir.”
“Please show them in.”
A few minutes later, Jeffrey and Peter entered the office.
Upon hearing their voices, Jacky looked up from his documents. Jacky recognized Peter, from previous encounters and had seen Jeffrey at social functions. Their unexpected arrival piqued his curiosity, though his expression remained unchanged.
His mind began to race with calculations.
The Williams family, it seemed, was never far from trouble.
Chapter 402
is there something you need?” Jacky asked coldly.
Jeffery furrowed his brow at Jacky’s aloof demeanor. “We’re here to confirm your relationship with my daughter
Peter chimed in, “It’s Skylar Sullivan.”
Baffled, Jacky furrowed his brow, pondering whether he had any relationship with Skylar. “Ms. Sullivan?” he inquired.
Suddenly, a curious incident came to mind. John had mentioned the Williams family approaching the Gardners, questioning his relationship with Skylar.
They believed she was his mistress and hoped to exploit their connection to escape their predicament. Now, they were desperate enough to seek him out.
“She’s my client,” Jacky stated firmly.
Knowing how much Joe valued Skylar, Jacky wondered who dared claim a relationship with her. John had mentioned Joe’s displeasure at seeing photos of Skylar working on his phone. Jacky didn’t want to spark Joe’s jealousy.
“Just a client? We’re all intelligent people here, Mr. Lourdes. You wouldn’t represent Skylar solely because of her finances. Many in Jipsburg City couldn’t afford your services, let alone someone like Skylar,” Peter stated frankly.
Despite the Williamses approaching Jacky for legal help previously, he wouldn’t even grant them a meeting, let alone listen to their case. Peter found it difficult to believe there was no relationship at all.
Jeffrey spoke gravely, “Since we’ve come to you, Mr. Lourdes, we would appreciate your honesty. You can simply tell us the truth.”
“The truth?” Jacky’s voice deepened.
“Is it true you’ve been involved with Skylar, using your connections to get her on Alexander’s team and halt the television program?” Peter wasted no time, getting straight to the point.
The Williams family was desperate for any opportunity to turn things around.
After hearing their accusations, Jacky discreetly activated his phone’s recording function.
“So?” he said.
“If you have a relationship with Skylar, we hope you can help our family. Our company is in trouble. Banks are refusing loans.
“You wouldn’t want Skylar’s family to drag you down, would you? Help us, and it can benefit your relationship with Skylar. She’ll be grateful, even if you don’t marry her. She’ll be devoted to you, willingly becoming yours. We’ll support you,” Peter laid out his scheme.
The Willems Group was in dire straite. The company was doomed if they didn’t come up with a solution
Jeffery nodded. “That’s our only request. If you can assist, I can ensure Skylar becomes your lifelong mistress. She’ll obey you faithfully and won’t interfere with your family.”
The Williams family disliked Skylar. If she could be of service, then perhaps her existence wouldn’t be
entirely in vain,
After hearing their plan, Jacky recalled what John had told him previously. He couldn’t help but wonder if they knew how foolish they sounded.
His two encounters with Skylar had left him with a positive impression. Gloria and Joe had also accepted her. Yet, here she was, being bullied by her own family.
“I repeat, Ms. Sullivan is a client. This entire conversation has been recorded, and it can be used as evidence of slander in the future. You have two options. Leave on your own accord, or I will have our security guard, Anthony Richardson, escort you out,” Jacky said coldly.
He would have demanded compensation for his wasted time if he hadn’t intended to record their conversation.
“You!” Both Peter and Jeffrey’s faces turned pale. They wondered if they had approached the wrong person again. It seemed impossible–they couldn’t have made the same mistake twice.
“Are you truly saying there’s nothing between you and Skylar?” Peter found it hard to believe. He was convinced there had to be more to the story.
Skylar had grown up in the countryside. Peter couldn’t understand how she could have managed to hire Jacky. He wondered if she had used up all her money to secure his services.
Chapter 403
Jeffrey couldn’t understand why Jacky would only help Skyfer when so many wealthy people in Jipsbu City were willing to pay him. It didn’t make sense unless Skylar was using some kind of seduction,
“Did Skylar say something to make you treat us differently?” Jeffrey frowned. The more he thought about it, the more suspicious he became. Skylar’s behavior was really starting to get on his nerves.
Jacky turned to Emily and said curtly. “Call Anthony.”
“Okay”
The mention of Anthony darkened both Peter’s and Jeffrey’s faces.
“Mr. Lourdes, aren’t you taking this a bit too far?” Jeffrey exclaimed angrily.
Peter stared defiantly at Jacky, but his expression was unreadable. Jipsburg City’s most renowned lawyer was a master at concealing his emotions.
Within two minutes, Anthony arrived.
Peter and Jeffrey’s faces fell even further upon seeing him.
Ten minutes later, Joe finished a meeting and checked his phone. Jacky had left him a message and a
recording.
The message said that Peter and Jeffrey Williams had confronted Jacky. They believed Skylar was his mistress and tried to pressure him into helping them.
The recording revealed Peter and Jeffrey disparaging Skylar with every word. Each insult made Joe
angrier.
It infuriated Joe to think the Williams family saw his wife this way? Were they trying to pimp her out? Did they want Skylar to be someone’s mistress for life?
and the Williams family seemed no different. These
The Martins had their fair share of shameless people, experiences fueled a burning resentment in Joe’s heart.
“There’s no need to tell Skylar about this,” Joe decided as he dialed Jacky’s number.
Jacky chuckled. “If the Williams family knew Skylar married you, they’d be in for a shock. They might even come begging. But trust me, they won’t get a simple escort out by security this time.
“I’ve gathered evidence of their corporate crimes. That evidence is enough to put them away for a decade at least. I’ll hand it to Mr. Ziegler when he gets back.”
“Good,” Joe said before hanging up. His mind drifted back to the day he and Skylar registered their
marriage. She had looked pale and heartbreakingly fragile.
Was she really being bullied by those Williams jerks? And what about Christopher?
Restless and frustrated, Joe lit a cigarette. A few drags didn’t ease his agitation.
He glanced at his chat with Skylar on his phone. Was she truly happy living at Pearlhall Residence? She had yet to send a single message or call him. He took a few more drags and dialed her number. However, it wasn’t Skylar who took his call,
“Hello, this is Caleb Gardner, Skylar’s assistant,” Caleb said, surprised to see “Partner” displayed on the caller ID.
Caleb pondered whether Skylar was engaged in a business venture with someone.
My Joe insured hea voice laced with suspicion
Joe’s voice, a deep, menacing rumble, sent a jolt of terror through the phone and straight down Caleb’s
ne, leaving him trembling
Yes, I’m Skylar’s assistant. She’s currently unavailable and can’t take your call. Please let me know if I can help you with anything. ITI pass the message along”
Joe’s expression hardened as he listened to Caleb’s voice. He bristled at the thought of a male assistant, especially one who sounded so young.
“Tell her to call me when she’s free,” Joe said curtly before hanging up.
Caleb blinked, confused. Who could that have been? Despite the icy tone, the caller seemed close to Skylar.
He approached Skylar, who was engrossed in work.
“Who was it?” Skylar asked.
“Someone named ‘Partner‘ called, Caleb said. “He said to have you call him back when you’re free. Are you in business with someone?”
Hearing “Partner piqued Skylar’s curiosity about Joe’s reason for calling.
Nonetheless, Caleb’s casual mention of “Partner” sent a jolt through her. Hadn’t she, on a whim, renamed Joe’s contact to “Partner“? She saw their relationship fitting that label. However, she hadn’t anticipated Joe calling while she was busy, and Caleb stepping in to answer had led to the misunderstanding.
She smiled. “That’s my husband.”
Skylar’s revelation caught Caleb off guard, the realization hitting him hard. When he thought about Skylar being another man’s wife, a pang of dissatisfaction settled in his gut. He wondered if this man deserved her and if he treated her well.
“So, that was your husband,” Caleb said, attempting nonchalance.
Skylar hummed in acknowledgment. She quickly finished her work and called Joe back.
“I was busy with work just now. Did you need something?” Skylar asked.
Joe’s response was sharp. “Can’t I call without needing something?”
Skylar was taken aback and unsure how to respond.
“What time will you be home tonight?” Joe continued.
“I should be home around 5:00 pm. If there’s anything you’d like for dinner, let me know. I can cook something for you,” Skylar replied.
Joe’s irritation subsided slightly at her concern. However, he wasn’t interested in food.
Chapter 404
“I’ll be devouring you tonight. Be ready by 9:00 pm,” he said, his tone a chilling mix of casualness and possessiveness. Skylar’s cheeks flushed at his suggestive words.
Taking a deep breath, Skylar was gr
Chapter 405
Skylar spoke softly into the phone. “Mr. Martin, I’m sorry, but it’s that time of the month.
There was a boat of silence, and then Joe’s voice returned, even colder than before. “See you at 9:00 pm.”
After they finished, they snuggled back into bed. Nestled in Kenny’s arms, Maisy murmured, “When can we finally tell Dad about us? Sneaking around is getting tiresome.”
- on.
Maisy’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “I support you completely. We could use some of Dad’s money to launch our own business. You’d be the CEO. How prestigious is that?”
Maisy fantasized about being the CEO’s wife, a position Skylar could never hold. She believed Joe only saw Skylar as a fling. He’d get bored eventually, and then her hopes of staying on Alexander’s team would be dashed.
Maisy, meanwhile, was about to step into the role of a CEO’s wife. But did she brag about it? Moreover, the Williams family assets would eventually pass to Kenny.
“Yeah, we shouldn’t concern ourselves with others in the company. Let’s proceed with this decision. Kenny hesitated initially. But Maisy’s words convinced him.
Besides, he’d also noticed Steven’s increasing competence and how his colleagues distanced themselves. Staying on seemed pointless.
“Kenny, there’s something I’ve been debating telling you,” Maisy confessed. “I only found out yesterday, and it’s been weighing on me. I can’t be certain, but Dad and Peter went to see Mr. Lourdes and came back furious. I’m torn because Dad will only get angrier if it’s wrong.”
“Tell me, whatever it is,” Kenny urged. “This is a safe space.”
ateful Caleb was in the restroom and hadn’t overheard their conversation.
Chapter 406
Kenry pondered for a moment before saying, “We need to tell Mom and Dad about this.”
“No, I need confirmation first. Three mistakes in a row–if we get this wrong again, Joe’s anger might fall upon our family, and we’ll be done for in Jipsburg City.” Kenny quickly turned cautious again.
Scenes from her dreams resurfaced. She vividly recalled how they had ignored Skylar’s situation, just like they were doing to her now, or even worse. At least the maid visited Sadie, while in her dreams, they dismissed the maid whenever she tried to help Skylar.
Sadie began sobbing. “K–Karma. This is my retribution… They will get theirs too!” she almost screamed, the vast silence amplifying her words.
Startled awake, Jeffery clenched his fists. He couldn’t believe he was married to such a selfish and erratic woman. All she had to do was rest quietly.
During her lunch break, Skylar headed to the mall across the street to meet Natalie for lunch. Natalie happened to be nearby.
Skylar expressed her happiness for Natalie sincerely. “The vibrant Natalie is back, shining bright like a sun!
Natalie had seemed listless a while back. Her life essentially revolved around Jeremy, who was perpetually swamped with work.
They both took large gulps of their smoothies.
Suddenly, Natalie spotted a familiar face. She blinked, unsure at first, but a closer look confirmed her
“What’s going on?” Skylar followed Natalie’s gaze.
The commute from Jeremy’s company to the mall and back took roughly 40 minutes, barely enough time for lunch. It wouldn’t make sense for someone to travel this far just to shop at an ordinary mall in Jipsburg.
head–turner.
“Still, you outshine anyone, Skylar. You’re one of a kind! But you must look at her physique! She’s Incredibly fit. If were a man, I’d be amitton!”
- it.
“He merely said the previous one had some personal problems and left. He doesn’t seem to have much of an impression of this secretary, Natalie explained, shrugging off her concerns.
Natalie didn’t think Annabelle was Jeremy’s type. During their movie or TV nights, Jeremy never seemed interested in actresses who looked like Annabelle. Moreover, Jeremy wasn’t one to pursue someone readily available; he seemed to prefer more challenging pursuits.
Skylar didn’t dwell on it. She just had a nagging suspicion. Ultimately, she trusted Jeremy’s character and their relationship. Besides, their situation was entirely different from hers and Christopher’s. Furthermore, Jeremy and Natalie were familiar faces to each other’s families.
“Mr. Hughes, please don’t do that again like this morning. I slept in until 10:00 am, and my back is killing me,” she said in a soft, flirtatious voice.
Annabelle couldn’t help but compare herself to Skylar, whose beauty rivaled her own. Within the company. Annabelle had always prided herself on her unique attractiveness. But now, doubt gnawed at her.
Annabelle frowned, Was Alexander serious about sending his greenest team member to evaluate her precious item? It felt like a blatant dismissal.
Caleb blinked as Skylar’s clear aversion to the fragment she had just handled was impossible to miss. A sliver of unease snaked through him. Were these broken pieces beyond even her exceptional skills?
Annabelle, noticing Skylar’s hand–wiping, spoke with a hint of displeasure. “I clean the porcelain daily. It’s not dirty. Besides, the breakage happened at home. There’s no dirt on it. There’s no need for such disdain.” Skylar’s response was cold and direct. “I can’t fix this.” She looked at Annabelle before turning to Alexander.
Seeing Alexander usher her out. Annabelle’s anxiety flared. I understand repairing it by you would cost significantly more than my offer, but Mr. Gardner Sentor, could you please reconsider? This porcelain is very important to me.”
Caleb crossed his arms and sized Annabelle up. “Miss, are you targeting the wrong person with charms? Mr. Gardner Senior is getting on in years. You’d be better off saving your effort.”
Chapter 410
ter porcelain isn’t as broken as the one we’re working on,” Caleb sald. “Why’d you say it couldn’t be fixed after one look? Is there a reason?”
Alexander’s curiosity piqued. “What’s wrong with that porcelain?”
Skylar saw no reason to withhold the truth. “There’s definitely something off about that porcelain. It’s not meant for decoration; it houses a negative Item for some dark purpose.”
not for the occasional fatigue,
Just a little longer,” she whispered. “Soon, we’ll both be part of the Hughes family. No one will stop us. That Natalie can’t compete with me. Your father will eventually see how amazing I am, and we’ll all be a family.”
Gazing at the shattered porcelain, a deep unease settled over Annabelle. On some level, she sensed it signified something.
Austin decided to rest, and so did Natalie. She passed by Jeremy’s company on her way back and decided to stop by. Instructing the cab driver to pull over, she dialed Jeremy’s number.
Natalie, mollified by his tone, simply said, “Alright.”
The driver saw Natalie end the call. “Ready to go?”
The driver privately remarked that losing oneself didn’t always signify being loved more. He viewed men as generally practical and realistic in matters like these.
“Yeah, I’m home,” Natalie replied, her voice muffled. Only then did she realize she had been crying Into fier paste just moments ago.
trusted him so much, but he still lied to her. Are there no good men left in this world?”
“Nothing… Nothing’s wrong. I’ll talk to you later. I need to go. See you tomorrow, Mr. Powell.” Natalie hurriedly terminated the call.
Natalie’s facade crumbled the moment the call connected. “Jeremy lied to me! He lied to me!” she cried, her voice cracking. She knew all too well the sting of deception. This wasn’t the first time Jeremy had betrayed her trust.
Skylar had just returned to Galaxy Villa when the sound of Natalie’s distraught words drifted through the receiver, sending a jolt of worry through her. An Image of Annabelle Inexplicably flashed in her mind.
“My friend needs me urgently,” Skylar explained after confirming Natalie was home. “I won’t be back tonight.”
A hint of coldness flickered in Joe’s eyes as he clenched his jaw.
Natalie had stopped crying by the time Skylar arrived at Hughes Residence. However, she’d managed to unearth a few bottles of alcohol, one of which was already half–empty. The strong scent of liquor hung
Natalie nodded forcefully. “I’m absolutely sure. I know him and his driver, Lucas. When he said he was on a business trip, he sounded normal. But I’m sure he’s been lying about all these trips lately. Maybe…. Maybe he’s fallen for another woman.”
Skylar’s expression turned serious. “All we know is that he lied this time. We shouldn’t jump to other
“Nath, I know little about your relationship. And I don’t know your husband as well as you do or what changes he might be going through. You need to calm down and think carefully about what to do next.”
Earlier, Natalie had felt utterly lost. But as the alcohol wore off, a sense of clarity began to return. She
“Mr. Hughes,” she pleaded, her voice tinged with vulnerability she couldn’t quite conceal, “I can’t bear the thought of being apart from you. Couldn’t we delay our departure until tonight?”
Despite succumbing to his desires with Annabelle, his heart harbored a gnawing fear. The call from Natalie two days ago served as a stark reminder. He couldn’t lose her.
Annabelle stared at the card, taking a deep breath. “Didn’t you promise I could stay as long as I behaved? Haven’t I been compliant? I cater to your every whim, and when you lose interest, I’m simply your secretary again. Haven’t I been flawless at work? Is this still not enough?”
He rose, methodically putting on his clothes. The finality in his demeanor brooked no argument.
Annabelle’s face drained of color. “Since starting college in Jipsburg City, I vowed never to leave the city. Mr. Hughes, you can’t be this selfish. I can resign, disappear from your sight entirely.” Her voice trembled
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