Chapter 48

Charles knew something was wrong the moment he saw Steven's face fall. "What did they say, Steven?"

"They suggested Skye apologize. The Williams family's PR team is notorious in Jipsburg City," Steven replied, his face grim. "They can spin anything. No matter the truth, they'll ruin Skye's reputation."

Charles knew Steven was right. Despite his low rank in the entertainment industry, he understood its cutthroat nature. Appearances could be deceiving; money and connections ruled. He couldn't believe his sister was being slandered. He felt miserable. He wished they were the ones suffering, not Skylar.

"Let's think of something else. This is so unfair," Charles said, his brow furrowed.

Steven pressed his lips together. "My friends say the only option is for Skye to admit fault, unless we hire Martin Group's PR team."

Charles looked even more distraught. Hiring Martin Group was impossible—a huge undertaking.

On the way to the hospital, Skylar stopped at a florist and bought flowers. At the ward, she found Gloria chatting with an elderly man. Gloria excitedly introduced them. "This is my granddaughter-in-law, Skylar. Isn't she lovely? Joe was so lucky. Oh, you brought flowers! They'll brighten the room."

"This is George Querbach, the friend I mentioned," Gloria continued. "I wanted you to see his antique collection."

Skylar greeted George politely. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Querbach."

"She seems lovely," George chuckled.

Skylar felt a sense of familiarity. She recognized him from news reports; he'd seemed stern, intimidating. But in person, he was friendly and approachable.

Skylar smiled, arranging the flowers in a vase.

"After I'm discharged in two days, I'll take Skye to your place," Gloria said.

George nodded, his gaze warm. "Let me know if you see anything you like. I'll give it to you."

"George has plenty; don't be shy," Gloria added. "Just tell me what you like."

Clearly, Gloria and George were close, enjoying easy conversation. Skylar smiled and thanked George.

"You can call him George," Gloria said. "He used to hang out with Viola." Gloria seemed to relish reminiscing, perhaps due to her age. Past events felt recent to her.

"Who knew life was so short?" she mused. "It's flown by."

George smiled at Gloria, a momentary flicker of tears in his eyes at the mention of Viola's name. Then, his expression neutral, he said, "In my life, I've only ever truly feared her."