Chapter 84

Joe's initial impression of Jeffrey was unfavorable, and seeing him about to accost Skylar only worsened it. He had promised Skylar no special treatment for the Williams family and no collaboration with them. He intended to adhere to their agreement.

"Mr. Williams, please go to the commerce department. Mr. Martin is busy. Let us through," Paul said, his expression unwelcoming.

Jeffrey's face darkened. Noticing Joe's firm stance, he frowned and said, "Just five minutes. I only need five minutes of your time, Mr. Martin."

Skylar found it ironic that Jeffrey, unable to stand up to Joe, was forced into submission. Another man domineering only within his comfort zone.

"We don't even have a minute, Mr. Williams," Paul stated firmly.

Paul's resistance further darkened Jeffrey's expression.

As Joe left, he glanced at Skylar. The disdain in her eyes evoked a strange mix of emotions. Perhaps he was unfamiliar with being disregarded by his closest kin.

"Let's go," he said to Paul.

Paul immediately followed.

"Wait a moment," Maisy interjected. She needed to act; this was her chance to meet Joe, and she wouldn't let it slip away.

Joe frowned at the abrupt interruption. His aloofness intensified.

Maisy's heart pounded. "Could youspare me a few minutes? Let's give us both a chance."

"Maisy!" Jeffrey was shocked. Why was Maisy suddenly so bold as to stop Joe?

"Dad, we've been working hard to collaborate with the Martin Group. Everyone's been working overtime. Now, the collaboration is suddenly canceled. Shouldn't we at least know why?" Maisy's concern for Jeffrey was genuine.

Turning to Joe tearfully, she pleaded, "Mr. Martin, please give us a reason. If we've done something wrong, we can correct it."

Anyone would sympathize with a beautiful, sensible woman and devoted daughter, wouldn't they?

Skylar nervously watched Joe. Would he feel for Maisy as the Williams family might?

"Maisy" Jeffrey felt a pang of pity.

Tears glistening on her carefully applied makeup, Maisy pleaded, "I know this is sudden, but I'm genuinely worried about my dad, soplease forgive me, Mr. Martin."

When Skylar saw Joe stop and look at Maisy, her face paled. Maisy always stopped a man in his tracks.

"Paul, call security," Joe ordered coldly.

Paul swiftly contacted the nearby security guard. "The company pays your salaries, not for you to stand around. Can't you see someone is harassing Mr. Martin?"

The four security guards at the door paled and rushed over, blocking Jeffrey and Maisy, even attempting to restrain Skylar.

Paul was shocked. "Ms. Sullivan isn't with them!"

"S-Sorry, Ms. Sullivan," the guards apologized hastily.

Skylar was surprised by Joe's decisive departure. He didn't believe or sympathize with Maisy.

Maisy stared in disbelief and embarrassment. Her tactic always worked. Why not with Joe? "Dad" she looked at Jeffrey, lost.