Chapter 60
After Christopher posted his statement, another wave of insults targeted Skylar. The most inflammatory response suggested she be admitted to an asylum. Some self-proclaimed professionals even labeled her delusional, claiming her love for her boyfriend caused her to perceive another woman's presence as an imaginary threat. They asserted she needed psychological help.
These individuals emerged almost immediately after Christopher's post, making it the top trending topic online.
Joe, in the car, scrolled through his phone. Despite the driver's presence, the tension was palpable; he barely dared to breathe. Paul entered mid-journey, immediately sensing Joe's anxiety. Glancing at Joe's phone, Paul, ever sharp-witted, remarked, "Mr. Martin, I've noticed those so-called 'professionals' spreading lies online. Their actions outrage me. I've found people to expose them; I can't stand the public being deceived. The companies they partnered with will release statements in under an hour. They won't be able to spread their falsehoods for much longer."
"What do those idiots know? They accepted money from the Williams family to peddle their nonsense."
Joe switched off his phone, rolled down the window, and lit a cigarette. He felt he'd been overly involved in Skylar's situation, worried about causing unnecessary misconceptions or uncertainty. After a thoughtful pause, he addressed Paul with a grim expression: "No drastic actions. Just ensure the online rumors subside. That's all."
Paul was stunned. Was Joe reconsidering his support for Skylar?
After leaving Galaxy Villa, Skylar informed Daniel she would be late. She then drove to the police station where she'd previously filed a report. Numerous WhatsApp messages and calls arrived during her journey. She saw Natalie's screenshot of Christopher's social media statement, which asserted Skylar was inherently jealous, assuming he was involved with every woman near him. He even claimed Maisy was a victim and apologized to her and anyone else Skylar had hurt.
"Christopher's a jerk! He's heartless. I've updated my Facebook post to support you, Skye," Natalie fumed, disgusted by Christopher's morning actions.
Despite mental preparation, Skylar's chest tightened upon seeing Christopher's statement. Taking a deep breath, her eyes clouded with sadness. She thanked Natalie for her support, explained she was heading to the police station, and hung up.
As she prepared to drive on, Sadie called. Her tone lacked its usual arrogance.
"I'm sure you've suffered. It's all your boyfriend's fault. He caused this. Maisy is innocent; you can't blame her. Now, apologize. Once you do, we'll quell this online storm and send you abroad to study. Your father will then arrange a company position upon your return. We'll also arrange a suitable marriage. While you might feel like you've lost, you'll ultimately gain."
Skylar laughed.
"What's so funny?"
Suppressing her laughter, Skylar replied, "I'm laughing at how delusional you all are, fantasizing like this."
"How rude, Skye! Who taught you to speak to me like that? I'm your mother!" Sadie retorted angrily.
Undeterred, Skylar continued her argument, even deliberately provoking them. Wasn't she afraid of familial disownment? Tapping the steering wheel, she said, "Maisy overstepped. And you, Mrs. Williams, can't distinguish right from wrong. The entire Williams family lacks decency. Do you think you deserve to call me rude? Tell Maisy she's gone too far. I'd like to see how she handles the consequences of her actions."