Chapter 81

The Williams Group’s future in Jipsburg looked bleak if things continued as they were.

“Mr. Williams, I’m very busy. I’ve told you before: contact the commerce department for these issues. I can’t make these decisions.”

Paul maintained a professional demeanor, but inwardly, he was consumed by gossip. He wondered if he was the odd one out. Why were Jeffrey and his family so devoted to a fake daughter instead of their own? Did they feel no guilt about prioritizing the impostor over their real daughter? No matter how he viewed it, Maisy couldn't compare to Skylar. If Skylar had requested to elevate the Williams family's status when she signed the agreement, they would have become one of Jipsburg's top families. Unfortunately, they were blind to this opportunity.

“We just want to meet Mr. Martin today,” Maisy said. “I met him at the Jubilance Hotel. I think if you speak to him, he’ll agree to see us…”

She was furious at Paul’s arrogance. He was merely Joe’s assistant—a lackey, to put it bluntly.

Jeffrey echoed her sentiment. “I’m here to meet Mr. Martin.”

Paul was speechless. Their audacity was astounding.

“Mr. Martin is a busy man. He has no time for you today, Mr. Williams.”

He’d lost his patience. Since the Martin Group canceled the Williams Group’s orders, the company had been visibly declining. Skylar clearly didn't want to be involved with Jeffrey’s family.

Paul admired Skylar; she was beautiful and knowledgeable in metaphysics. He found the couple before him condescending and easily imagined how they treated others.

“If he doesn’t have ten minutes, then five? I only need five minutes,” Jeffrey said anxiously. As company chairman, he was usually respected, but humbling himself before an assistant was difficult to swallow. He did it for Joe, though.

Paul shook his head. “Forget five minutes. He doesn’t have even one to spare.”

Just as Maisy was about to confront him, Paul’s phone rang. It was Skylar. He answered, “Ms. Sullivan.”

“Mr. Ziegler, I’m at your company’s entrance,” Skylar’s voice said. She’d visited Pearlhall Residence that morning; Gloria had asked her to deliver some soup—a grandmother’s loving gesture—and, since she was nearby, Skylar decided to drop it off.

Paul immediately headed for the entrance. “Wait a moment, Ms. Sullivan.”

Seeing Paul leave, Jeffrey and Maisy felt even more awkward. Should they leave? Staying wasn't right either.

“Ms. Sullivan?” Jeffrey frowned. The voice on Paul’s phone sounded like Skylar.

Maisy bit her lip. “Dad, what should we…”

She stopped, stunned. A familiar figure stood outside. “Skylar?”

“Skylar’s here?” Jeffrey looked in Maisy’s direction. By the time he saw her, Paul had blocked Skylar from view.

“Why would Skylar come to Martin Group? And why does she know Mr. Ziegler?” Maisy muttered, frowning.

“Is it really Skylar?” Jeffrey hurried toward the entrance. It had been a while; much had happened. He needed to speak with her.