Chapter 693

Molly knew Joe wasn't joking; it was a threat. Her assistants had texted, reporting his arrival with a film crew. Until now, Molly hadn't grasped his intentions. Joe's demands—that she endure what Skylar had—turned her legs to jelly. He seemed to know everything, perhaps even having saved Skylar. Or perhaps the men had raped Skylar, explaining Joe's reckless outburst; he was seeking retribution.

Molly understood instantly. Edwin, too, though his expression was somber.

Joe left, calling someone as he went: "Pass the evidence to the police. I'll be holding a press conference later."

Edwin shouted, "What are you doing? You're insane! Why would you want a woman ruined by me? You're antagonizing me because of her?" He'd fathered a perfect son! Joe was threatening him for a woman, forcing a choice! Unbelievable.

Ignoring Edwin's furious questions, Joe added, "Do it now."

Molly's composure shattered. Her usual elegance vanished. "No! He mustn't! Darling, stop him! If not, we're ruined!" Their social standing in Jipsburg would be destroyed. Years of hard work would be undone. She'd considered Joe might know, but expected only anger and a strained relationship with Edwin, not this extreme measure. What a madman!

Chapter 693 (Continued)

Edwin roared, "Stand there!" Then, as if under duress, muttered, "Let's talk."

Joe took a drag of his cigarette, exhaling slowly. He offered no negotiation. "Will you choose option one or two?"

Edwin exploded, "You're a lunatic! We're choosing neither! Is Skylar worth this? Your relationship with Edwin has improved. How would this have happened if you hadn't insisted on being with Skylar and refused a divorce?"

Joe responded, "This has nothing to do with me. Your disrespect for your father caused this. Why make me pay? Are you still avenging your mother? She was the one who couldn't let go. It had nothing to do with me!"

Molly, losing all reason, questioned Joe's actions. Edwin had been her benefactor, advancing her career in entertainment. The press had chronicled their excesses—partially true—but insufficient to drive Joe's mother to suicide. Was her mental state so fragile? How many wealthy men remain faithful? Jeremy, her previous partner, had been unfaithful; she'd seen proof, but could ignore it. Why couldn't Joe's mother?

Molly concluded she was blameless. Years had passed; she'd never believed otherwise.

Edwin added, "Your mother chose suicide. I never drove her to it. I wanted a divorce because she was stubborn, humiliating me publicly. You're grown now. Don't you see her death wasn't my fault?"