Chapter 61
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Chapter 61
Skylar had a second chance at life. There was nothing for her to be afraid of.
She had her family and friends backing her up. So, she wasn’t afraid of burning bridges.
She suppressed the pain within her heart and said her last word. “I was blinded to have wanted to get in your good books, Mrs. Williams. You don’t deserve to be my mother.”
Sadie stared at the phone after she was hung up on. Her ears were ringing.
For some reason, Skylar’s words kept replaying in her head. She said that she didn’t deserve to be her
mother?
She was Jeffrey’s wife. She was a reputable person within Jipsburg City. Her three sons were outstanding achievers in their respective fields, while her daughter, Maisy, was magnificent and beautiful.
All she did was look down upon and rebuke Skylar, who was mistakenly adopted. Yet, she now claimed she didn’t deserve to be her mother?
If this happened before, Sadie wouldn’t have been bothered by what Skylar said. But, right then, Sadie felt
disturbed.
Maisy noticed the frown on Sadie’s face and became anxious. “Mom, is Skylar refusing to apologize and let this go? Does she still hate me even though Christopher has already given his side of the story?
“If it doesn’t work out, I will just admit to everything. Then, I’ll seek shelter overseas and let her come back home again.”
“Forget about her. She’s still stubborn and refusing to change. Let your brothers work on having this issue die down as soon as possible. Let’s not make such a fuss with Skylar,” Sadie said, frowning.
Deep down, Maisy was shocked. What did Skylar say earlier? Why was Sadie trying to smooth things over
with her?
Sadie didn’t even turn down the idea when she offered to apologize and leave the country. She didn’t have a go at Skylar, either. Instead, she just said not to make such a fuss with her.
She wanted to not make a fuss? How could this be?
Without Sadie realizing it, Maisy messaged her three brothers.
“Skylar called earlier. She’s still refusing to apologize. She was also rude toward Mom. I feel like all these happened because of me, so I should be the one to end it. Maybe I should just yield and admit that what Skylar said was right.”
Peter: “You can’t do that, Maisy. She was the one who was wrong, so she should be punished.”
Kenny: “Leave this to us. Don’t be afraid.”
Samuel: “It’s so annoying to have Skylar as a sister!”
Chapter 61
A smile of satisfaction came across Maisy’s face when she saw their replies. She gave it some thought
before she also made a post.
It was a photo of her not knowing whether to laugh or cry, with the caption, “Truth will speak for itself.”
Within a few minutes, a bunch of followers commented with their support and trust toward her.
She’d like to see what else Skylar had up her sleeve!
Ten minutes later, Maisy had put on a sheet mask chirpily. She planned to go shopping with some friends
later.
All she had to do was act miserable, and her brothers would be able to settle the issue. Plus, Skylar’s hands were tied. She wouldn’t be able to create a stir.
Even if someone else discovered the videos, their PR team would be able to cover up the truth behind it. She didn’t have anything to worry about.
Just then, Kenny messaged their group. The tone of his message sounded urgent.
“Samuel, did the company’s PR team even do their job right? Why is there so much negative news against Maisy on the internet? Wait a second, this video…”
“Maisy, you spent the night with Christopher at a hotel?
Chapter 62
40 minutes later, Skylar arrived at the police station. She had just parked and was about to get out of her
car when Steven called.
“Where are you now, Skye?”
“I’m at the parking lot in front of the police station. I was just about to go in to make a report. What’s up,
Steven?” Skylar asked.
Sounding relieved, he said, “Put a hold on your visit to the station. Many videos have just been released on the internet. They’re more complete than the ones you have.
“There are clips of Christopher and Maisy going to the hotel. Some even showed them going on dates at various restaurants. People who claimed to be your high school classmates also spilled the beans. It’s now the most–searched topic on the Internet.
“Someone also revealed that you were being falsely reported and banned from posting on social media. We have the upperhand. They should be the ones running around like headless chickens now.”
Skylar ended the call with Steven and checked on the news immediately.
Indeed, the most–trending topic had changed. All sorts of mindblowing scoops overwhelming the falsehoods Maisy and the others had spread.
had
appeared,
Could it be that these people hated to see the ugly side of these capitalists having control over the online comments, so they decided to step forward to see justice served?
There were similar voices last night, but they were all subdued by the Williamses.
The internet trolls would never have allowed these voices to be louder than theirs. So, how were they able to pop up like this?
Just as Skylar tried to wrap her head around all these, her phone rang. It was Natalie.
“Skye, I’m not sure if it was because I found a few schoolmates to share their statements, but it worked,” Natalie’s voice came from the other end.
She continued, “The internet trolls that the Williams family hired can no longer keep the truth under wraps. Justice will always be served. Maisy’s righteous–sounding statement is such a joke.
“Also, you had so many pursuers back in university. I never had a good impression of Christopher when he went to our university to see you. It turns out that he’s really such an ass.
*He also released a statement saying that you accused Maisy out of jealousy. I really wish that I could slap him a few times!
“It’s almost been a month since we last met, right? You just got back to the Williams family when I tried to meet you the last time, and you said that you weren’t free.
“Then, you were often unwell from having to donate blood. I’m sure you’ve got some free time now, don’t you, Skye?”
Chapter 62
Skylar laughed. “We have plenty of time in the future. Go ahead and decide on a place. It’ll be my treat”
There was a slight glimmer from the tears in her eyes. Because of the Williams family, she lost out on meeting with her friends and family in her previous life.
That would no longer be the case moving forward.
“It’s my husband’s birthday today. I just cooked an entire meal for him and am waiting for him to come back. Let’s meet at 6:00 pm tomorrow. We’ll go to our regular stew restaurant. Then, I’ll take you somewhere that’ll completely surprise you.”
“I can’t believe that our Natty has become such a dutiful wife,” Skylar joked.
“I might be a dutiful wife today, but I’ll be your understanding friend tomorrow. I’m definitely not someone who cares only for my husband.”
After ending the call with Natalie, Skylar drove to a street with antique shops.
Steven’s friends were going crazy in their group chat after he spoke with Skylar.
“Steven, did you guys find a fucking awesome PR team?”
“This comeback is fucking great. The Williamses‘ PR team couldn’t even react in time.”
“Plus, they were really quick in finding all the evidence!”
“When did you become acquainted with such fucking amazing people? You were just discussing with us for a solution yesterday. Then, you managed to find the right people today. Working things out without even saying a word, were you?”
Steven stared at the messages that were flooding the group. He frowned as he typed his reply.
I
“It wasn’t me. I don’t think this is a comeback that anyone orchestrated. My sister and I aren’t acquainted with any PR teams that are this great.”
If they were, he wouldn’t have to lose sleep from all that worry last night.
That’s impossible. I work in public relations. Majority of the posts were by verified accounts. There were also all kinds of paid media and the evidence was posted by many. I know very well that all these indicate sufficient preparation.”
Chapter 63
“Plus, it all happened too fast. One hour ago, the Williamses were still in control of the entire situation. It’s only been tens of minutes. Look at what it has become. The Williamses must be losing their nerve.”
“A speed like this is comparable with Martin Group’s PR team’s work.”
Steven didn’t know what to say. As he read the comments on the screen and went through his friends! analyses, his eyebrows knitted even tighter together.
He thought about how Skylar had remained calm throughout. Also, he had no idea where she had been staying since leaving Williams Residence.
Could it be…
Was her head in a mess thanks to Christopher’s lies and betrayal? Did she end up finding some backing.
as a result?
Also, Janine told him that Skylar had given her money.
After working hard for many years, Steven knew what a bad influence society could bring. Furthermore, Skylar was a natural beauty. Recently, she was deceived by Christopher and oppressed by the Williams. family.
Would she…
Steven jumped to his feet.
His colleagues next to him were shocked to see how fierce he looked. “Calm down, Steven, Kenny has some history here at Jipsburg City. We really don’t have any evidence of him stealing your research paper.
Why don’t we write a new one? It wouldn’t do you any good to go against him.
“Everyone now knows that he stole your paper. He wouldn’t dare to come against you so blatantly in the
future. If it wasn’t for the connections that his family had, he couldn’t have been accepted in the company.
Steven’s face dropped. He looked at his colleagues and said, “I don’t plan on meeting him again. He might
be able to steal my paper, but he can’t steal my execution. He won’t be able to handle it when he works on
his experiment.”
“You scared me! I thought that you were going to get even with him?” His colleagues breathed a sigh of
relief.
Steven picked up his phone again to call Skylar up. But he stopped himself.
All he had right now was guesswork.
He decided to ask Skylar out/after work so that he could clarify things with her face–to–face.
Joe was at Martin Group. He took a quick glance at his phone after his meeting ended.
Chapter 63
Gloria had tried calling him earlier, but his phone was on silent. He didn’t realize she called.
He called her back.
“Any reason you were looking for me, Grandma?”
“What? Do I need a reason to call my grandson? Can’t I call you even when nothing has happened?” Gloria grunted.
Joe could hear the energy in her voice as she questioned him. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course, you can call me any time, Grandma.”
“You don’t have to come to the hospital today. A few of my old friends have come to visit with their great- grandchildren. You might embarrass me if you bump into them here,” Gloria said.
I
Joe was used to hearing all sorts of complaints about him. So, he obliged. “Alright, I won’t go over then.”
“You should just ask Skye to the hot springs. It’s a good opportunity for you two to stay a night at our family’s hot spring hotel and get to know one another better.
“It’ll be even better if you can create my future great–grandchild tonight so that I can show them off next year,” Gloria suggested.
Joe frowned. “I’m swamped with work today, Grandma.”
“Did Martin Group hire a bunch of trash? You’re turning 30 soon. Why aren’t you getting down to business yet?” Gloria questioned.
Chapter 64
Joe was speechless.
In the end, he could only say, “I’ll ask her. If she’s also occupied, we’ll go next week.”
“Yes, go ahead and ask her. She seems to be having a lot on her mind lately. She needs to relax. As her husband, you need to care more for her. Do you understand 7 Gloria reminded him, her tone filled with
worry.
“Okay.”
After ending the call with Gloria, Joe first went to check the news about Skylar on the Internet.
Once he ascertained that there were no flaws with Paul’s execution, he called Skylar.
The line was busy. Joe put his phone down.
A few minutes later, Skylar called him back.
“Did you just call me, Mr. Martin?”
“Grandma is meeting a few friends at the hospital today. She arranged for us to go to the hot springs. I’ll pick you up if you’re free tonight,” Joe replied in his naturally cold voice.
Skylar was able to hear a hint of reluctance in his voice. She was sure that Gloria was the one who forced him to ask her out.
Going to the hot springs was usually reserved for going with one’s best friends or intimate partner. It was no wonder that Joe was reluctant.
“Someone just asked me out earlier. I’ve already agreed to meet him. I’m sorry,” Skylar replied.
That was a fact. She happened to be on the phone with Steven when Joe called her earlier.
He asked her out for dinner that night, saying they hadn’t caught up in a long time. Plus, Christopher and Maisy’s issue had already come to an end.
e evidence had
Maisy and the rest of the Williams family wouldn’t be able to do anything funny after all the been presented. So, he suggested that they meet up and have a chat.
Joe listened to Skylar’s reason for turning him down over the phone. He frowned and said, “Okay. I’ll let Grandma know.”
“Thank you, Mr. Martin.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Skylar hung up. Joe lowered his head and looked at his phone. The look in his eyes intensified.
She didn’t want to go to the hot springs with him?
Deep down, a sudden feeling of gloom came over him.
He tugged at his necktie and threw his phone aside. He then picked up a proposal from a pled documents beside him and looked through it.
He didn’t have to go to the hot springs and waste his time. This was exactly the outcome that he wantes
The Williams family was in chaos. Jeffrey and Peter wererit around. Only Kenny and Samuel had gone
home.
They held their phones in their hands as they questioned Maisy.
Sadie sprawled on the sofa. She was slowly returning to her senses after spacing out for an hour
Maisy’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at Kenny and Samuel. She acted as if the had been extremely
wronged.
“It’s true that I was falsely accused. I don’t know these people. The person in the videos isn’t me
Most of the exposés on the photo were saying that it was true.
Photos of Maisy and Christopher going to a hotel were captured, but there were no photos of her and Christopher in bed.
As long as there were no photos of them in bed, there was no proof that they had slept together.
“Are you sure it’s not you, Maisy?” Sadie searched up the photos and videos on the internet repeatedly. The more she looked at them, the colder her heart became.
Maisy had thought of her excuses.
“It really isn’t me, Mom. I’m sure they’ve messed with it and used Al to create deepfakes. Mom, I feel like Skylar had planned this all along. She planned to break up with Christopher, then planned how to deal with me. She had planted all these people beforehand.”
Chapter 65
If no one helped Skylar, how did the sentiments on the internet change so quickly?
Malsy figured that she had underestimated Skylar,
She assumed that Skylar was smitten with Christopher. Even if she argued with him, it would be minor.
By the looks of it, it seemed like Skylar had already found a backing.
Kenny frowned.
Upon hearing what Malsy said, Samuel had a sudden realization.
He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, “I underestimated Skylar. She was able to turn the tables within an hour. This means that she has found an exceptionally rich backing! Otherwise, how could she turn the tables with only those videos, photos, and her so–called high school classmates?”
“That’s not surprising, since she does have the looks.” Kenny looked glum.
The matter had caused their family utter humiliation.
“I believe that Maisy would never have eyes for Christopher. Skylar must’ve been the one who was jealous that we favored Maisy more. So, she became conceited and wanted to mess with her.
I
“Speaking of which, I think that she won’t be able to really take Maisy down,” Samuel shared his insights
with a frown.
Sadie looked at Kenny and Samuel, then at Maisy. She hesitated.
Was it really deepfake AI?
Her doubt only lasted momentarily. Maisy was a child whom she raised. Moreover, once she saw Maisy’s. pitiful face, she thought, “How could she be lying?”
So, did that
that mean that Skye really found a financial backer? How could she let herself go and find herself a sugar daddy?
Sadie felt uneasy.
“Samuel, have the PR team think of a win–win solution. Also, tell them to be mindful of Skye.” Sadie spoke
up after some thought.
Maisy was stunned. She looked at Sadie in surprise.
Was she beginning to care about Skylar now?”
Maisy nodded and cried. She acted as if she was being thoughtful toward Skylar and Sadie.
“That’s right. She found a financial backer and she has some misunderstanding with us now. Mom is also very worried about us. We should find a solution that works for both parties and let this thing come to an
end.”
Chapte 65
“Maisy is still the more mature one,” Sadie sighed.
With a gloomy expression on his face, Kenny remarked, “If she really found a sugar daddy, I’ll never acknowledge her as my sister. What an embarrassment! How could a Williams stoop so low as to have a sugar daddy?”
Maisy sighed, “He’s someone who’s able to have so much influerice in Jipsburg City and resolve this issue with such speed. Skylar’s sugar daddy… I’m afraid… I’m afraid that he’d be around Dad’s age.”
Maisy rolled her eyes and started speculating in spite.
He was surely an elderly man.
“Something like this is common in the entertainment industry. Even men without much family background could become sugar babies, let alone women who are somewhat attractive. But, it really is disgusting to know that something like this is happening near us.”
Samuel, too, looked upset.
Previously, Sadie was still feeling bad for Skylar. However, she seemed to have been grossed out after hearing her children’s comments.
“It hasn’t been long since she returned. Yet, she was able to cause so much trouble,” she grumbled.
“There’s a way!” Samuel fixed his eyes on his phone.
The troubled look on his face disappeared after he saw the solution given by the PR department.
It was 7:00 pm. Steven had arrived at a barbecue restaurant along a food street ten minutes earlier. He placed orders for meat skewers and drinks.
When Skylar arrived, the roasted meat skewers had just been served.
She caught a whiff of the barbecued meat and began to salivate.
Back when she was in high school, Steven studied at the university. He would work hard and live thriftily. Once he had saved up some money, he would take her, Charles and Harvey to a barbecue restaurant.
The food was reasonably priced and tasty.
“Hurry up and sit down then. Have the skewers while they’re still hot. I ordered quite a lot today, so I’m sure there’ll be more than enough for you.
“If only Harvey wasn’t about to have his college entrance exams. I would have gotten him to join us,”
When he went over again the next time, some of those broken pieces were restored into various antique porcelain.
Skylar noticed the change in Steven’s gaze. She remained calm and smiled. “This barbecue restaurant is good. They grilled the meat really well.”
It was indeed more freeing to dine with family. She didn’t have to watch her table manners when she ate. “I’m really full too. Here, have some fruit juice.” Steven offered as he handed her a glass of juice.
Joe was wary of her in the first place. He didn’t even have a good impression of her. If anything were to happen to her, it would become a good opportunity for him to declare to Gloria that she didn’t deserve to be her granddaughter–in–law.
Paul had plans with college friends that day, so he came to an old store for a barbecue. However, he hadn’t expected to see Skylar with a man at a restaurant.
Though the man had his back turned, Paul could tell he was probably handsome. Otherwise, Skylar wouldn’t be smiling so brightly and naturally at him.
Without hesitation, Paul selected a few photos and sent them to Joe.
He glanced at the fallen button before picking it up. The finely crafted button shimmered under the light in
His eyes, already devoid of much emotion, grew even colder.
Today, it was just the two of them. Steven could tell if Skylar had something on her mind.
These days, Skylar seemed to have become a different person. The sadness and loneliness she
emanated suffocated him. It was the kind of suffocation he would feel when he found out that his dear
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