Chapter 701

Edwin remained as insufferable as ever. Pressing his fingers to his forehead, he groaned, “Mom, why do you always deny what I’ve done? Don’t you realize Joe doesn’t see me as his father? Do you even know why he came to me yesterday?”

Gloria, unwavering, retorted, “It doesn’t matter what he did yesterday. He was right. You’re the one who forced him into it!” Her defense of Joe was absolute. She had seen the toll the years had taken on Skylar, who had become a vital source of comfort, a steadfast presence through thick and thin. Now, this wretched father, Edwin, was attempting to ruin Joe’s life. Joe was completely blameless.

Edwin’s frustration boiled over. “Mom, aren’t you being a little too biased?”

“Yes, I’m biased. But let this be clear—none of you will lay a hand on Skylar! If you do, Joe won’t let it slide, and even as my son, I won’t show mercy,” Gloria said, ending the call.

Every conversation with Edwin felt like a test for Gloria. No wonder Viola had once warned her she’d face painful choices in her later years. Every decision seemed to lead to hurt, regardless of the path chosen. Gloria had dismissed these concerns in her youth, even assuring Viola she wasn’t afraid of difficult choices. But now…

Edgar watched the weariness settle over Gloria’s face. He sighed and said, “Mrs. Martin Senior, please don’t upset yourself. Your health is crucial. From what I see, this situation has only brought Mr. and Mrs. Martin closer.”

“It’s a blessing in disguise. Mr. Edwin will think twice before acting like this again. The most important thing is for you to look after yourself, or else both Mr. and Mrs. Martin will worry,” he added.

Gloria understood, but her anger lingered. “I get it, but…” Despite deep breaths, her agitation persisted.

Chapter 701

Meanwhile, Edwin finally noticed his surroundings after the call. The villa was in complete disarray. He had spent the night on the couch, and Molly on the opposite one. She’d woken during his call and overheard Gloria’s threats. To Molly, Gloria seemed the most unreasonable, baffling woman she had ever encountered. Despite everything, Gloria cared more about Skylar than her own son.

Molly wondered if she could ever compare to Skylar as a daughter-in-law. After all these years, she herself remained unacknowledged. She had fought to maintain her dignity within the Martin family.

“Did Gloria give you an earful?” Molly asked, feigning indifference.

Edwin’s face darkened further, and he tossed his phone aside. “She’s old and senile! Joe’s behavior is all her fault—she’s the one who spoiled him!”

Molly sighed and rose from the couch. Her face paled as she surveyed the disarray from the previous night. “I’ll call the maid to clean the villa. Don’t worry too much or get angry. It’s bad for your health.”

Edwin waved her off. “Handle it. I wasn’t just comforting you last night. We’ll visit Uncle Ernest.”

Molly’s eyes lit up. Natalie had called Skylar twice, but neither call was answered.