Chapter 22

Humans are born evil, but the Williamses seemed to have lost all conscience. They never introspected; instead, they blamed others. Their egotism was appalling.

Jeffrey and Sadie froze. "That's a horrible thing to say, Skye," Sadie began. "You've never behaved like this. It's only been a few days. What's changed? Did someone say something to you?"

Jeffrey added, "Your mother and I have always loved you and wanted a good life for you. We don't want to see you go down the wrong path. Your brothers feel the same. How can you disregard their good intentions? You think we have ulterior motives and won't stop until we achieve them?"

Jeffrey frowned deeply. "Your mother's right. I'm disappointed. We only came here today so others wouldn't gossip. We don't want people to think we've neglected you and let you go astray. If that happens, we'll be blamed."

Skylar glanced at the time. "You have three minutes."

Sadie said, "You're not even up to the job. Going to work is just a way to improve your resume. Being a few minutes late won't matter! You're not getting away with this, even if you refuse to talk. We still don't know whose mistress you've become, but you can't hide it from us for long. Before things get worse, tell us the truth." She looked up at the office building. "Your lover must be the one who got you into Gardner Group, right? Who is he?"

They'd discussed this thoroughly. Their company management might be flawed; Martin Group's refusal to collaborate also contributed to their current situation. Skylar might have created problems, or she might be completely innocent. However, if Skylar had an influential "sugar daddy," they might save their company through her connections. To their dismay, they couldn't find out who it was and dared not investigate openly.

Jeffrey adopted a kindly tone. "Skye, I made mistakes and misunderstood you. You don't have to donate blood to Maisy if you don't want to. I'll buy you your favorite car for your birthday. But our company's future is at stake. Please put aside your resentment; I'll make it up to you later."

Sadie heard him relieve Skylar of the blood donation. She wanted to object—she couldn't bear to see Maisy suffer—but she remained silent. The blood donation was non-negotiable. That morning, Maisy had looked pale after visiting a friend, but she endured the discomfort and kept Sadie company at breakfast. Maisy even advised Sadie to stop arguing with Skylar. Sadie loved her sweet daughter and wouldn't let her suffer.

"I don't have a sugar daddy," Skylar replied coldly.

How low did Jeffrey and Sadie think she was? Did they believe she needed someone else's help at Gardner Group? Had they never checked Gardner Group's recruitment process? "How could you join Mr. Gardner Senior's team without help? Skye, when did you learn to lie so convincingly?" Sadie frowned.

Skylar had been raised in the countryside, so Sadie questioned her qualifications for Alexander's team. "What a liar! She doesn't know her place!"

"That's not important. I'll take your word that you got the job on your own. I only want to meet your sugar—no, your boyfriend," Jeffrey said, frowning.