Chapter 430

Skylar didn't get her break. Joe cradled her limp body, and she drifted off to sleep. As he listened to her calm breathing, he glanced at her swollen lips and kissed her. He couldn't help himself; the thought of spending their lives together didn't seem so bad. They were perfect for each other.

Gloria, having just taken her medication and preparing for her afternoon nap, was interrupted by Edgar's announcement: Skylar's biological father, Jeffrey, had arrived to meet her. Gloria knew about the Williams family and their past actions; she'd even questioned Joe about the trouble they'd caused. She had a poor impression of them, believing they wouldn't have come unless they had something to gain. Their motives were purely self-interested.

Seeing through their machinations, Gloria, after a moment's consideration, instructed Edgar to show them in. She wanted to witness their shamelessness firsthand and, remembering Skylar's suffering, yearned for a chance to disrupt their lives. Karma, she thought, would surely repay them for their mistreatment of Skylar.

Jeffrey and Peter waited nervously outside, clutching expensive gifts, terrified of being refused entry. The opulence of Pearlhall Residence far surpassed their expectations. They knew of the Martins' power in Jipsburg City but hadn't researched them thoroughly, aware only that they were a family beyond their reach. Seeing Pearlhall Residence only amplified their fear and apprehension. They questioned their decision, but ultimately, they had no other choice; their company, and the Williams family itself, was on the brink of ruin.

Feeling as though they were dreaming, they were ushered into the mansion and met Gloria. Jeffrey presented his gifts, saying, "These are gifts from us. We hope you'll accept them."

Gloria coldly replied, "I don't need them."

Jeffrey hesitated, his outstretched hand frozen as he wrestled with whether to retract his gifts. He forced a smile through his embarrassment, finally placing them down stiffly before glancing at Peter. Peter, lacking the courage to meet Gloria's gaze, felt it pierce through him.

Gloria raised a cold eyebrow and asked, "Tell me. Why did you want to see me?"

The Williamses' behavior was unacceptable. It was fortunate they hadn't raised Skylar; even with her talent, they would have made her an idiot.

Jeffrey, still smiling, attempted to appease Gloria. "We learned that your grandson and my daughter, Skylar, are together. I don't know how long they've been together, but as her father, I can't allow Skylar to continue a relationship with Joe without your approval. I wanted to discuss this with you."

"You have no say in Skylar's affairs," Gloria snapped. The smile froze on Jeffrey's face.

Undeterred, Jeffrey insisted, "I'm Skylar's biological father. Of course I have a say!"