Chapter 29

Maisy was astonished to see Skylar looking perfectly composed, even exhibiting an air of superiority. The manager and staff were equally perplexed, sensing a prior connection between the women.

Skylar ignored Maisy and Sadie, addressing the manager directly. “I’m Janine’s daughter, and I believe these women are deliberately causing trouble and framing my mother. If you don’t call the police, I will.”

The manager attempted to de-escalate the situation. “Please don’t call the police. Do you ladies know each other? Is there a misunderstanding?” He continued, “Why don’t we all sit down and talk? Calling the police will only complicate matters.”

Sadie glared at Skylar, her expression hardening. “Don’t you know who your biological mother is? You’d call the police on your own mother because of this woman? You’ve become such a disrespectful troublemaker!”

“Our biological relationship is irrelevant. My mother, the woman who raised me, is far more important than you,” Skylar retorted. “You’re criticizing me, but Maisy is equally disrespectful, framing her own mother! She’s as ruthless as a murderer!” she scoffed.

Maisy’s heart pounded. “What did you say? How dare you compare that woman to Mom? Skylar, are you trying to ruin our relationship?” She’d never expected such boldness from Skylar. Rage consumed her. She stomped toward Skylar, intending to slap her.

“Skye!” Janine cried out in alarm.

Before anyone could react, Skylar swiftly grabbed Maisy’s arm, spun her around, and threw her to the ground, pinning her with a knee to the abdomen. Maisy kicked and struggled, her underwear briefly visible in her frantic movements. “Let me go, Skylar!”

The incident unfolded so rapidly that the others could only react after Skylar had already slapped Maisy repeatedly. Maisy, ears ringing, screamed, “I’m not done with you, Skylar! I’m calling the police! How dare you hit me?” Her entire body ached.

Sadie intervened, pushing Skylar away, but Janine stopped her. “As elders, we shouldn’t interfere in our children’s fight.” Janine remembered Skylar’s fighting prowess from their time in the countryside; Skylar had only stopped fighting in high school due to Janine's strict prohibition. No one knew her fighting techniques, but those she'd fought had reported intense pain despite lacking visible injuries. Steven later revealed that Skylar knew acupuncture points and targeted them.

To the onlookers, Maisy seemed to be in excruciating pain, but Janine was accustomed to such displays. Then, a chilling voice called from the doorway, “What is this?”

All eyes turned to the entrance. Maisy was mortified to see a man—Joe—and Skylar was equally surprised by his unexpected appearance.