Chapter 184

The four of them were escorted from the Gardner Group building. The security captain even issued a threatening warning not to return. They were told that any further appearance at the entrance would result in a call to the police. Such an incident, if publicized, would utterly disgrace the Williams family in Jipsburg. Embarrassed, they returned to their car.

Peter, sitting in the driver's seat, pounded the steering wheel twice. He was accustomed to getting his way, but lately, he'd suffered repeated humiliations. Today, even a security captain dared threaten him.

"What's wrong with those people? I made everything perfectly clear, but they still defended Skylar. She must have been buttering them up," Maisy complained angrily, her resentment momentarily overriding her usual caution.

Samuel, witnessing the astonishing hatred in Maisy's eyes, froze. He'd always considered her kind and timid. Now, her twisted expression suggested she was capable of harming Skylar.

"It's useless trying to get anything out of Skylar. Let's get someone else to investigate," Kenny said, sighing helplessly. Glancing at his watch, he added, "I have to go to work. I'll talk to Steven later and see if he knows anything."

"I know someone who might know something. I'll go find her," Maisy said, suddenly remembering Annie. Annie had previously asked numerous questions about Skylar, something Maisy hadn't initially considered significant. Now, she believed Annie must know who was financially supporting Skylar; otherwise, why would she have asked? Maisy realized Annie might have manipulated her, but she wouldn't be a pawn.

Caleb, home after his hospital discharge, spent his days lazily watching TV, playing on his phone, and occasionally reading books his grandfather provided or receiving tutoring. He found it incredibly boring. He longed to see Skylar but couldn't invite her; she still didn't know he was Alexander's grandson. He'd never felt this strongly about a girl before.

Bored, he called Alexander. "Grandpa, what's Skylar busy with? Did you give her a lot of work? She's not responding to my WhatsApp messages!"

Alexander frowned. "You're not good enough for Skylar. Stop daydreaming about dating her and leave her alone. Those superficial WhatsApp messages—Skylar doesn't have time for her phone while working. You're from different worlds. Don't force it."

"Are you really my grandpa? I thought you wanted Skylar as your granddaughter-in-law! I just had surgery; I'm not crippled! Why are you kicking me while I'm down?"

Caleb's anger surged. He wanted to confront his grandfather, to understand his discouragement.

"This has nothing to do with whether I'm your grandfather. Get rid of these improper thoughts; it's impossible for you and Skylar," Alexander said sternly, hanging up.

Caleb gritted his teeth. Alexander seemed even more disdainful than before. Glancing at the book beside him, he opened it with clenched teeth, determined to become worthy of Skylar.

After work, Skylar visited Pearlhall Residence for dinner with Gloria before returning to Galaxy. There, she received a WhatsApp message from Joe, informing her of a two-day business trip. Recalling the morning's embarrassing incident, Skylar felt relief at avoiding him. She replied, "Okay. Don't worry about Grandma. I'll visit her these two days."

Joe replied, "Sure. Please don't drink with anyone these two days."

Skylar blushed at the word "drink," a silent scream of anguish escaping her. She felt Joe held some kind of leverage over her.