Chapter 30

Joe's frosty gaze snapped to Skylar, who had a woman pinned to the ground. The woman's face was red and swollen from the beating. Skylar, however, appeared calm and unwavering. Her supple skin gave her an almost innocent look.

Joe thought, "She's recovered."

Paul, shocked to see Skylar, turned to the manager. "You'd better sort this out."

The manager panicked. He couldn't understand Joe's presence or the unfolding scene. He knew his job was on the line.

Skylar then realized the hotel and building were owned by Martin Group—hence Joe's presence.

The manager quickly explained the situation and his proposed solution to Joe.

Joe listened, trying to understand the cause of the altercation. His intense gaze swept the office, leaving everyone feeling suffocated.

Sadie knew little about the company's affairs, but almost everyone in Jipsburg City's upper social circles knew Joe. Furthermore, Jeffrey had spent the last two days suggesting they introduce Maisy to Joe, hoping to elevate the Williams family's social standing.

Seeing Joe, Sadie was shocked and felt regret for causing trouble for Janine. She couldn't bear that Joe had witnessed Maisy's beating; it was devastating to Maisy's image. She saw Skylar still violently restraining Maisy, nearly losing control herself. She couldn't believe Janine was simply watching.

Snapping out of it, Sadie feigned victimhood. "Get off her, Skylar! How dare you!"

Janine finally grasped the situation's complexity, regretting her earlier firmness and fearing the repercussions for Skylar. She wished she'd been more tolerant and apologized to Sadie.

The manager noticed Janine's panic and understood his decision: sacrificing a housekeeper was preferable. Hotel guests were akin to gods, especially those of high standing.

"Janine, tell your daughter to release our guest immediately!" the manager barked.

"I'm no longer upset. Let's drop it. Your hotel should conduct background checks on future applicants for kleptomania," Sadie said self-righteously.

Maisy, tearful and appearing weak, contrasted sharply with Skylar, who looked like the aggressor. Skylar removed her knee from Maisy's stomach and stood, as if nothing had happened.

"Janine, regardless of what happened, you should apologize to the guest," the manager said, no longer concerned about the women's relationship. He simply wanted to resolve the situation in front of Joe, though he found Joe's and Paul's demeanor odd.

"Do I need to repeat myself? My mother isn't at fault. These women are framing her. Should I call the police?" Skylar asked, taking Janine's hand.

Janine said quietly, "Skye, I'll apologize and end this."

Skylar shook her head. She knew appeasing Maisy and Sadie would only embolden them.

"How dare you?" Sadie raged.

Maisy, feigning fear, murmured, "You hit me"

Skylar, used to Maisy's victim act, half-smiled. "The police will say I was defending myself. Would I have hit you if you hadn't tried to slap me?"

"Skye would never start a fight," Janine confirmed.

Joe glared at Sadie, then met Skylar's gaze; a moment unnoticed by the others.