Chapter 82

After Paul left the building, he immediately told Skylar, "Mr. Williams and Maisy are inside." Skylar was surprised. She hadn't seen Jeffrey since leaving the hospital after her time travel, and hadn't expected him at Martin Group that day.

She was about to respond when Jeffrey and Maisy emerged from the building. Initially, they were uncertain if it was really Skylar, but upon confirming her identity, Maisy's surprise was evident. "Skylar, you" She wondered if Paul was Skylar's sugar daddy, given his position as Joe's well-respected assistant in Jipsburg. Maisy found it hard to believe Skylar would have such a benefactor, even a young one. However, she reminded herself that he was still just an employee.

Jeffrey began, "Skye, how could you", but paused when he saw Paul carrying a lunchbox. Paul, usually composed, felt awkward. "Ms—"

"You can go ahead and do your work," Skylar interrupted.

Paul nodded, left, and, once out of sight, immediately texted Joe: "Mr. Martin, Ms. Sullivan delivered soup; she unexpectedly ran into Jeffrey and Maisy, who were looking for you."

After Paul entered the elevator, Jeffrey adopted a stern tone. "Skye, what's been going on? You haven't answered our calls, you've moved out—how could you?"

Maisy added, "Skylar, we're worried. Those internet rumors aren't true. How could I possibly be with your boyfriend? Please don't misunderstand me."

Skylar inwardly sneered. She used to care deeply about their opinions, questioning her actions whenever Jeffrey blamed her. Even when innocent, she felt everything she did was wrong.

"Say something!" Jeffrey's voice rose slightly. "I heard you moved in with someone. Is Mr. Ziegler your sugar daddy? Are you crazy? How can you be a sugar baby?"

Chapter 62

They were at Martin Group, so he didn't dare speak too loudly. Maisy sighed. "Mr. Ziegler might be better than Christopher in some ways, but Christopher didn't cheat or betray you, Skylar. Did you spread those Instagram rumors about me and Christopher because of Mr. Ziegler?"

"You know very well what happened between you and Christopher, Maisy. Your act doesn't work on me," Skylar retorted, then turned to Jeffrey. "We're only biologically related. Otherwise, you're not worthy of being my father."

"How dare you?" Enraged, Jeffrey's eyes widened. His frustration from his earlier encounter at Martin Group fueled his anger, and he raised his hand to strike her.

Skylar's gaze met his, extinguishing any remaining hope. Long-suppressed pain surfaced, leaving her pale. "I suggest you keep your hands to yourself," she spat.

Unlike her gentler memories of Finn (Steven had described him as patient and kind), Jeffrey only offered verbal abuse or attempted violence.

Jeffrey's hand trembled. He would have struck her before, but seeing Skylar's lack of fear and subservience gave him pause.