Chapter 34

“I broke up with you long ago, Christopher! Don’t call me ‘babe.’ The sight of you repulses me. Because of you, I even hate the idea of marriage!” Skylar growled. The flame within her ignited at the sight of him, but simultaneously, a stomach cramp made her face pale.

Surprise flickered across Christopher’s charming face. “Babe, do you know what you’re saying?” He couldn’t comprehend her sudden change. This wasn’t a typical tantrum.

Skylar pursed her lips, then barked, “Get lost!”

“Skylar, I’d never threaten to break up randomly, yet you keep bringing it up. Aren’t you afraid we’ll actually separate?” Christopher thundered.

“Don’t show your face again,” Skylar said grimly. He’d become a vile scumbag, and the thought made her feel she’d wasted her youth. She mused, “I can’t wait to see what Christopher will do when I need exorbitant surgery fees again.”

Christopher took a deep breath, pointed at her, and said, “You’ll regret this!” Then he turned and swiftly left.

Skylar’s chest eased once Christopher was gone.

Joe, observing from the hotel lounge’s first-floor windows, had watched the entire quarrel. All warmth left his eyes as he texted Skylar: “You don’t have to wait.”

Maisy exited the elevator. She was immediately drawn to Joe; he was hard to ignore.

“You must be Mr. Martin,” she said. “What happened earlier was a misunderstanding. I’ve already forgiven that impetuous young woman.” She hurried toward him, her heels clicking. Sadie didn’t intervene.

Maisy rarely liked someone, but the Williamses wanted to connect with Joe. She hoped he’d become her son-in-law.

Joe turned, his unfriendly gaze settling on Maisy. His brows furrowed.

Maisy jolted. “M-Mr. Martin?”

Joe remained emotionless and walked away. Maisy paled. She couldn’t believe he’d ignored her. She’d had many admirers, but no one had ever ignored her.

Sadie rushed over. “Maisy.”

“Mom, he ignored me!” Maisy’s eyes reddened. She’d never taken the initiative with men before, and this felt like a slap.

“Maybe he’s busy or in a bad mood. Don’t overthink it. Your dad wants to negotiate a collaboration with Martin Group in two days. I’ll ask him to bring you,” Sadie said comfortingly.

Maisy’s confidence returned.

An hour later, she called Christopher. “Did you meet Skylar? Did you punish her for me? My face still hurts! I don’t know what’s wrong with her!”