Chapter 104

As soon as Kenny said that, the others held their breath. Kenny and Steven hadn't been getting along, but they appeared fine on the surface. Many in the company turned a blind eye, despite knowing Kenny had stolen Steven's thesis. At this point, Kenny seemed arrogant and dismissive of Steven. After all, he had just come to attack him.

Steven turned and punched Kenny in the face, his expression grim. "You said Skye's your sister. Is this how a brother should behave? Skye will marry someone and she will never need a 'sugar daddy!'" he exclaimed.

Kenny was stunned by the punch. He covered his face, an indescribable feeling washing over him as he looked at Steven defending Skylar. It was as if they had never acknowledged Skylar's accomplishments. They seemed to prefer Skylar's underachievement and Maisy's success. They would never offer Skylar the unconditional trust and defense Steven showed.

"Have you ever treated her like family? What does she have to do with Maisy's illness and need for a blood transfusion? You've been guilt-tripping her into donating blood. Have you ever considered her health? Since you despise her so much, you'd better not look for her next time," Steven spat. "Also, Kenny Williams, you stole my thesis, and you dare confront me? Aren't you ashamed?"

Steven rarely fought. He wasn't bothered by Kenny's secret harassment. However, Skylar was his weakness. He couldn't tolerate anyone slandering or harming his younger sister, whom he'd pampered since childhood.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Kenny raged.

Kenny had lived with regret since stealing Steven's thesis. He wondered why he'd committed such a despicable act. Now, he couldn't even defend himself. However, he felt Steven was overreacting; it was just a thesis.

Steven sneered. He despised Kenny.

Skylar hadn't seen Joe for days. Paul had messaged her, saying Joe was on a business trip. She'd recently visited her adoptive mother, Janine, for a meal. Then, she went to school to see Harvey, who was studying for his college entrance exams. She wanted to visit Charles, but he said the filming location was in poor condition and she might be uncomfortable. He suggested she visit later.

Steven called, asking to meet the person she'd married. Skylar was slightly troubled by his insistence and unsure how to tell Joe. Busy with work, she made an excuse to decline. He didn't press the issue.

Skylar finished her last painting at Daniel's. She had an interview at the auction house the next day, thanks to Daniel's recommendation. That afternoon, she had to go shopping with Natalie.

Natalie and Jeremy were attending a banquet at 8:00 p.m. As soon as they met, Natalie complained, "I hate these banquets and the socializing. But they invited us both, so I have to go with Jeremy, even though I don't want to. It's the engagement banquet for John Gardner, the youngest son of the Gardner family. Do you know who else is attending? Joe Martin—the man we met at the stew place the other day. Joe and John are childhood friends. My husband was their college classmate; they sometimes get together. But I've never met either of them."

Skylar's mind drifted when Natalie mentioned Joe Martin.