Chapter 649

Christopher stared at the photographs scattered on the ground. They depicted his coercion of Maisy and her subsequent sale, along with Kenny. The images, taken with a full-frame camera, were starkly clear; even his expression was visible.

Terror gripped him. He’d trembled before Joe, but now his knees threatened to buckle. He fought to remain upright, to avoid collapsing.

“These are photoshopped! It’s not me! This is illegal! I would never do that!” he insisted, vehemently denying any involvement.

Joe lacked patience for his pleas. He glanced at Paul.

Paul chuckled at Christopher's feeble defense. “I’ve met some pretty dumb people, but you surpass them all. Since you didn’t do it, why don't we report this to the police? I might even get a medal. I have a copy of your transaction records,” Paul continued, “showing the exorbitant price you demanded. We have concrete evidence. Current laws mandate a life sentence.”

Paul had encountered many unscrupulous individuals, but none were as adept at self-deception as Christopher. He appeared a gentleman, yet was a disgrace and a laughingstock.

Just as Paul reached for his phone, Christopher shouted, “Wait! Don’t call the police!”

Terror consumed him. Imprisonment was his worst nightmare.

913

He knew the photographs weren't doctored. Initially, he'd considered claiming they were edited, but he hadn't anticipated Joe's unwavering resolve. He'd heard warnings in Jipsburg about angering Joe or any member of the Martin family. The rumors proved true.

Christopher hadn't expected such harsh treatment. He was merely Skylar's ex, yet Joe even provided her with bodyguards. The sheer audacity terrified him.

Did Skylar know the kind of man she'd been with? Wasn't she afraid of the potential consequences? Of being left with nothing?

Paul chuckled coldly. “Have you finally remembered what you did?” he asked.

“I’ll leave Jipsburg and never contact Skylar again,” Christopher replied, launching into a slanderous attack. “But do you really think Skylar likes you, Mr. Martin? She only wants your status and money. If you don't want to be scammed, dump her. I still don't understand her.” He desperately wanted to remain with Skylar.

Paul couldn't endure his lies any longer. He glanced at Joe, whose rage was evident. Joe punched Christopher, roaring, “Bullshit! You sorry excuse for a man!”

"Believe me, Mr. Martin! You'll regret this! I've known Skylar a long time. I know her better than anyone," Christopher spat, a tooth dislodging and coating his lips with blood. He continued his desperate pleas.

Joe lit a cigarette and circled behind Christopher, kicking him in the back with his suede shoes. Christopher screamed in agony.

Skylar returned to Galaxy Villa. After showering and chatting with Janine and Charles, she fell asleep. In the middle of the night, she heard a rustling sound beside her, as if someone had climbed into bed.

Skylar awoke instantly. “Who’s there?” she demanded. It couldn’t be Joe; he was on a business trip. Could it be Christopher? How dare he break into her house?