Chapter 468

Fueled by alcohol, Samuel blurted out, “We know all about it. You earn a hefty sum every month from Mr. Gardner Senior, and word on the street is you’re quite capable. Besides, being Joe’s woman, lending us a few million dollars shouldn’t be a big deal.”

Samuel, once a big spender, now found even a hundred dollars a luxury. Frustration gnawed at him. This wasn't the life he'd envisioned. He couldn't even land a supporting role. People he once considered beneath him openly mocked him. Even directors who had once fawned over him now criticized his acting, claiming he relied solely on his popularity and never honed his craft. Even extras outperformed him.

Once revered, he was now ruthlessly ridiculed—a bitter pill to swallow. He craved money; he needed a lot of it. He loathed commuting by bus.

Skylar looked at the two men, her disgust unconcealed. “You haven’t changed a bit. Still shameless.”

Samuel’s face flushed crimson. He yelled, “We’re in this mess because of you! You could have helped us, gotten Joe to help us, but you just watched it all happen. This is all your fault!”

He tried to intimidate her with his shouting, but Skylar saw through his act. He wasn't drunk; he was pretending.

Peter let Samuel continue his drunken theatrics. The truth was, Peter couldn't handle their drastically changed circumstances any better than Samuel. Once showered with praise, they were now followed by mockery like a shadow. Peter considered delivering takeout demeaning. Both men had pinned all their hopes on Skylar.

They figured showing Skylar their dire situation would tug at her heartstrings and prompt her to help. After all, she had once been incredibly kind and considerate. Lately, they'd reminisced about her past kindness, their regret festering with each memory.

“Go ahead and sue me. I’m ready whenever,” Skylar said flatly, pushing Samuel away.

The food court buzzed with activity, and everyone's attention turned to them. Some patrons were about to intervene, ready to help the beautiful woman being harassed by a drunk and a delivery person. Others recognized Samuel and Peter.

“Hey, aren’t those the rich young heirs who went bankrupt overnight? I heard rumors about the sister publicly stripping, and something about the eldest brother getting a little too close with her for comfort in front of everyone.”

“Oh my god, it is them! I remember this just happened a few days ago. I can’t believe I’m seeing them here. Have they really fallen so far? And now they’re bothering some girl?”

“If they still had their trust funds, maybe they’d get some attention from pretty ladies. But now, they’re nothing but has-beens!”

“Yeah, look at them—one’s a drunk, and the other delivers takeout.”

A barrage of mocking comments rained down on Samuel and Peter. Their faces fell. Chasing Skylar for money was the least of their worries now. They scurried out of the mall, utterly defeated. Across the street, they glared at the Gardner Group building.

“How do we get Skylar to give us the money willingly?” Samuel gritted his teeth.

Peter took a deep breath. “She’s stubborn. She won’t give in willingly.”

“We must find a way to make her give us money willingly. I’ll think about what to do,” Samuel said, his eyes hardening with a newfound resolve.

They would try a tougher tactic if being nice didn't work.