Chapter 80

Christopher was an ordinary man, yet Skylar couldn't forget him. At that moment, the darkness within Galaxy Villa paled in comparison to the darkness in Joe's eyes. Inside the towering Martin Group building, everyone bustled with activity.

At 10:00 a.m., Jeffrey, impeccably suited, arrived with Maisy. As chairman of his own company, he exuded an air of refinement and authority. However, his company was dwarfed by Martin Group, and recent events had left him anxious.

As Maisy entered the building, she felt a sense of belonging, as if destined to lead it.

"I'm sorry, you didn't schedule an appointment with Mr. Ziegler. I'm afraid you can't see Mr. Martin," the receptionist replied with a smile, upon learning of Jeffrey's lack of appointment.

Jeffrey felt embarrassed. He had called Paul repeatedly to schedule a meeting, only to be rebuffed each time. Paul consistently cited Joe's busy schedule, advising Jeffrey to contact the commerce department. However, the department head reiterated that collaboration depended not only on fate but also on whether their proposals met Martin Group's requirements.

Williams Group employees had worked overtime for days, yet Martin Group rejected every proposal. Collaboration was impossible. For Williams Group, it was a devastating blow.

"My father is Williams Group's chairman. We came specifically to see Mr. Martin. Can't you make an exception?" Maisy demanded arrogantly, emphasizing "chairman." Such tactics might intimidate other companies' receptionists, but Martin Group's staff were unfazed, maintaining their polite smiles.

"I'm sorry."

Maisy frowned, feeling the receptionist was stubborn and uncooperative. Jeffrey's face darkened. After years in business, this felt like a slap in the face.

"Fine," he managed. He called Paul.

Coincidentally, Paul exited the elevator as his phone rang. He glanced at it and immediately declined the call. Jeffrey and Maisy witnessed this.

Maisy hurried over, her high heels clicking. "Mr. Ziegler, why did you decline my father's call?"

Paul raised an eyebrow, assessing the striking woman. He recognized her instantly.

"I'm busy. Contact me through reception," he said indifferently.

Jeffrey, having just approached, hesitated only three seconds before speaking. "Mr. Ziegler, could you spare ten minutes?"

He had ulterior motives: understanding Martin Group's changed attitude and introducing Maisy to Joe. The shift in Martin Group's stance had severely impacted his company, costing them numerous projects in a matter of days.