Chapter 553
Annie stared intently at Steven. She tried to find any trace of love in Steven’s eyes. But Steven avoided her gaze.
“Fine, I admit I approached you with a purpose initially. My family fell into trouble because of me, and I had to find a way to solve it. Otherwise, my parents would be too ashamed to face the rest of the Silver family.
“With no other options, I had to place all my hopes on you. At first, I thought it was just using you, and I didn’t feel guilty. But now I realize that I really do like you. Steven, I’m falling for you.”
Her words were heartfelt. Any other man might have softened, but Steven remained unmoved. His expression was stern.
Panic surged within Annie as she continued, “Steven, please believe me this time. I won’t ask for your help with my Silver family anymore. I just want you to think about our relationship.
“Ending it like this would be a regret for both of us. I can swear I’ll never lie to you again. I’ll be frank with you.”
She had never felt so humbled before. When she had pleaded with Joe to spare her Silver family, it had been out of fear. She naturally lowered her stance, hoping the Silver family
wouldn’t suffer.
However, her panic now was entirely different. She was terrified of losing Steven, who, unbeknownst to her, she had genuinely fallen for.
“Annie, there’s no need for this,” Steven said. He walked to the door and opened it.
Tears streamed down Annie’s face as she looked at him. She was stunned. “Are you really that disappointed in me? Steven, do you really not care about me anymore?”
Steven’s eyes flickered slightly. “Time will heal everything. Go back and face what you need to with your family. Even if what you said this afternoon was true, I don’t have the power to change Joe’s decision. You sought help from the wrong person from the start.”
“You promised me this afternoon. You said we would face it together and you would find a way to help me. You seemed confident that you could get Skylar to talk to Joe,” Annie said. She stared intently at Steven, seeking an answer.
“No, what I promised was to face everything together with you. Regardless of what happens to your family, I wouldn’t abandon you like others might. If you’ve made mistakes, you need to face the consequences of your actions,” Steven declared firmly.
Annie felt a deep sense of loss. She gave a self–deprecating smirk. She knew there was nothing she could say to change Steven’s mind
Chapter 553
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Her footsteps were even heavier than when she arrived. She walked outside one step at a
time.
An hour later, Annie returned home. Sabrina and Grayson were surprised to see her. “You didn’t stay at his place?”
“What did he say? Didn’t he ask Skylar to intercede on our behalf? Didn’t you say he was a young talent with unlimited potential? Can’t he even handle something as simple as asking for a favor for his sister?”
Seeing Annie’s distraught expression, Sabrina’s suspicions were confirmed. Immediately, she began to scold.
Annie sat down. Her voice was weak as she said, “Get ready. Our family is done for. Steven and I have broken up.”
“What?”
It was three days later.
Skylar had just finished breakfast and was prepared to leave for work.
As she stepped out, she glanced at Joe’s slippers by the door. They showed no sign of having been moved.