Chapter 269

The middle-aged man standing nearby sweated profusely, his back drenched with tension. The drug seemed to be taking effect, but another woman distracted Joe. He was clearly more interested in her, barely glancing at his daughter, who possessed an ethereal grace, like an angel descending from heaven. Any man would want her. He rarely showed her in public, fearing others would covet her, and intended for her to marry someone who could benefit him.

The other woman was also anxious. Everyone who had seen her play the flute called her enchanting. She had performed at college events and was voted the most beautiful student. A beloved star in the entertainment industry, how could she become a mere backdrop to a stranger?

Joe ignored her, and her face flushed with frustration. Feeling uncomfortable, Skylar decided to leave, wanting to wash her face and clear her head in the bathroom. As she stood, a familiar sensation washed over her, reminiscent of the time before her rebirth when Maisy and Christopher had drugged her. That drug had caused uncontrollable desire and confusion. Though the current feeling wasn't as intense, it still created an overwhelming urge to undress. She couldn't understand why she would be drugged while dining with Joe.

Taking a deep breath, Skylar said, "I don't feel well, Joe. Let's go home."

"Okay," Joe replied, his eyes bloodshot. He stood and moved toward Skylar.

Before he could take another step, the woman stopped him. "Mr. Martin," she pleaded softly, "I haven't finished playing yet. Could you please listen to the rest of the piece?"

The middle-aged man looked at his other two daughters and ordered, "Take this lady upstairs to the hotel to rest." He couldn't back down; there was no room for retreat.

The two sisters approached to help Skylar, but she pushed them away. "Get lost!"

She quickly realized who had drugged her. She wasn't a fool.

"You don't look well. You'd better take a rest," one sister said.

"Yes, there's a hotel upstairs. Rest for a bit; you might have caught a cold," added the other. They planned to send men to her room later. Such a beautiful woman could easily ruin their father's plans, forcing them into poverty.

Skylar pressed her lips together, about to push them away again, when Joe kicked the woman aside. Her scream filled the air. The middle-aged man tried to intervene, but it was too late. Joe landed a fierce punch, sending several of the man's false teeth flying. "Dad!"

The restaurant descended into chaos as staff rushed in, alarmed by the commotion. They froze at the sight before them.

Joe coldly instructed the manager, "Send them to the police station. Have these dishes tested, and deal with this immediately!"

The manager, understanding the gravity of the situation, nervously responded, "Mr. Martin, don't worry. I will handle everything accordingly."