Chapter 551
Sabrina couldn’t help but clench her fists. She felt utterly lost.
“A gentleman? Only ordinary people bother with that. Annie, don’t tell me you’re really into him. He’s not good enough for you,” Sabrina said with a tone full of disdain.
Annie knew that she couldn’t change Sabrina’s mind no matter what she said. Hence, she muttered quietly, “I understand.”
After Annie left, Sabrina sat on the couch, looking displeased. “That Steven is really taking advantage of Annie.”
Grayson frowned deeply. He looked at Sabrina with the same displeased expression. “If you hadn’t made those impulsive calls to Mrs. Martin Senior in the beginning, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
He replayed the entire situation in his mind. Ultimately, it was Sabrina’s foolishness and thoughtlessness that caused all their problems.
Of course, it was also partly Skylar’s fault. A woman from the countryside caused so much trouble for the Silver family.
“You blame me? You supported me then, believing we couldn’t let anyone hinder Annie’s future. How was I supposed to know Skylar would captivate Joe so much? How could I have predicted he would dote on her so much?”
Sabrina felt embarrassed whenever she thought of it.
Now that the Silver family was in trouble, all her former friends refused to take her calls Some even blocked her on WhatsApp.
Thinking about it felt like a heavy stone was pressing on her chest. She felt a relentless
suffocation.
Grayson fell silent.
Sabrina said, “Our family… If we can’t get through this crisis, will we really be finished? Will we end up like the Williams family?” Sabrina finally realized the gravity of the situation and was scared.
Grayson’s face turned pale. “Our situation could be worse than the Williams family. We might not be able to face our family members afterward. So, let’s hope Steven can persuade Skylar.”
“If Steven manages it, do we really have to marry Annie off to him?” Sabrina asked reluctantly.
A gleam appeared in Grayson’s eyes. He shook his head and said, “It’s too early to discuss marriage. Let’s first see if he can help us. If he does, we’ll support him in his career. That’s more than enough.”
Chapter 551
212
“You’re right. It’s too soon
Osay anything definitive.” Sabrina nodded in agreement. She had been overthinking the situation.
Annie drove to Steven’s apartment. As she got out of the car, she looked up at the apartment building.
The lights were on in Steven’s apartment, so he should still be there. It was already 10:00 pm; Skylar should have left by now.
Annie had a key card Steven had given her, so she entered the apartment building and took the elevator.
Steven lived on the 28th floor.
Most of the residents in this apartment were Steven’s colleagues.
In the elevator, someone even recognized her. They knew her as Steven’s girlfriend. She had visited his company before in that capacity.
She stopped in front of Steven’s door when she stepped out of the elevator.
Annie felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. She took a few deep breaths.
Then, she rang the doorbell. After a few rings, she thought she heard footsteps approaching from inside the apartment. It should be Steven coming to the door.
But the footsteps stopped in front of the door. Annie’s heartbeat quickened.
She knew Steven was standing just on the other side. However, she couldn’t help but wonder why Steven wasn’t opening the door. Why was he hesitating?
“Steven, are you there?” Annie asked softly.
As soon as she spoke, the door opened.
Chapter 552
Steven stood in front of the door.
At six feet and two inches tall, he had to look down slightly to meet Annie’s eyes. As Annie looked up at Steven, she suddenly felt distant.
This sense of alienation left her standing at the door. It was as if her feet were glued to the floor. She couldn’t lift them to step inside.
It was.a completely different feeling from when she saw him that afternoon.
When he saw her that afternoon, Steven’s eyes shone brightly. It was the kind of light one has when looking at a beloved–firm and full of strength.
It was as if he could give her the whole world and shield her from harm, keeping her safe under his care. Even though his strength might not be that great, he would use all his power to keep her safe.
But now, Steven’s eyes held only a faint coldness as he looked down at Annie. There was no trace of the affection she had seen earlier.
Annie’s heart tightened, and she spoke with a strained voice, “Steven.” Steven glanced outside and replied in a low voice, “Come in, let’s talk.” “Okay.” Annie walked in with heavy steps. She sat down on the couch. The comfort of the couch did little to dispel the cold she felt inside.
“Why did you come to find me?” Steven asked.
Annie’s heart skipped a beat. “You don’t trust me anymore, do you?”
“I do like you genuinely, Annie, but you shouldn’t deceive me. I may not like using manipulation on people around me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t understand it,” Steven said calmly.
Annie’s heart pounded as she listened. She felt her eyes welling up with tears. She couldn’t stay seated on the couch any longer.
She stood up abruptly. She explained, “No, Steven, it’s not like that. There have been misunderstandings, but what I’ve told you is true. I know there’s been a profound misunderstanding between Skylar and me. I understand Skylar’s doubts about me.
“But Steven, since we committed to this relationship, you said the key to lasting is mutual trust. So why are you suddenly doubting me?”
“I did say those words, but I also said there shouldn’t be lies between two people. Annie, everything you’ve said so far still seems self–serving and full of deceit. I understand why you approached me.” Steven’s words were powerful.
Chapter 552
2/2
His words weren’t heated. Even his demeanor remained calm.
Yet every word struck Annie’s heart like a blow. Annie looked at Steven in confusion, her facé turning pale. “What did Skylar say to you that made you believe her so unquestioningly?”
She couldn’t understand it. She had taken the initiative. She had come to see Steven early.
Besides, she had admitted to certain things first. This approach should have made Steven trust her first and then question Skylar.
Annie couldn’t believe he would trust Skylar’s words instead of hers.
“When you ask the question, it shows you’re feeling guilty. Annie, you’re someone I’ve genuinely liked. But some things don’t need to end messily. Let’s part amicably,” Steven stated. He proposed a breakup with Annie.
Annie staggered, nearly falling over. She looked at Steven in disbelief. “What did you say? Break up?”
“There’s no need for us to see each other again.” Steven’s voice remained cold and resolute.
The more composed he was, the more he understood the distance that had grown between him and Annie during their recent interactions.
Initially, he had mistaken this distance for a woman’s reserve or simply the dynamics of a boyfriend–girlfriend relationship,.or perhaps it was because his sense of security for Annie wasn’t sufficient.
Today, after learning some truths, he was suddenly clear. It was because he was merely a means to an end for her.
Annie’s heart raced, and she instinctively grabbed Steven’s arm.
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
212
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.
Chapter 554
1/2
That night, after Joe got out of the car, he never returned to Galaxy Villa.
It had been three days since there had been news from him. Skylar’s eyes flickered with a hint of emotion, but she quickly and subtly averted her gaze.
Perhaps maintaining their three–year marriage with this distance was for the best.
Somewhere deep inside, a faint voice reminded her that she was being emotional. It seemed like she was avoiding something.
She tried to downplay it and avoid overthinking it. With so many tasks lined up for the next few days, she would be busy from morning until night and sometimes even working late.
She decided to set those concerns aside and deal with them later once her schedule cleared up.
After the meeting ended at Martin Group, Paul brought over a few documents that needed signing.
For the past three days, Paul had been by Joe’s side. He felt as if he were on a battlefield Joe had seemed in a good mood at the hotel that day. The matter of the Silver family’s drugging had already been handled. The Silver family would soon pay for their actions.
Paul had only recently learned that Joe hadn’t returned to Galaxy Villa and had been staying elsewhere.
When he asked Lucas, Lucas remained tight–lipped. It looked like there was trouble between Joe and Skylar.
Joe finished signing a few documents. Joe called him back as Paul was about to leave with the document.
“Wait a moment.”
Paul’s heart skipped a beat as he looked at Joe with an ingratiating smile. “Is there anything else you need, Mr. Martin?”
“Has Skylar asked you about my whereabouts?” Joe’s tone was dark and intense.
Paul dared to glance briefly before quickly averting his gaze. He answered honestly, “No, she hasn’t.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Paul realized he might have said something wrong. Joe’s expression grew noticeably colder and more severe.
“Get out.” With a sharp command, Paul hurried out as if fleeing from a disaster.
Chapter 554
2/2
“Oh my god!” Paul sighed inwardly. He felt like he had just escaped from hell.
As the door slammed shut, Joe threw the pen he had been holding. His lips curled with icy words. “Skylar, you really are something.”
What a schemer!
After escaping from Joe’s office, Paul hid in the break room.
He made himself a cappuccino. He held the cup and thoughtfully contemplated.
Suddenly, he had a brilliant idea. He quickly sent a message to Skylar.
“Mrs. Martin, the custom traditional dress Mr. Martin ordered for you will be ready this afternoon. Please try it on and check if any adjustments are needed. I must say, Mr. Martin is truly thoughtful.”
Paul knew that Skylar would be very busy once she started her work, so she might not respond immediately.
However, Paul was confident she would reply when she found time. He was so clever. He’d planned to take Joe to inspect a project near the traditional dress shop that afternoon.
When they met, it would be…
When they met, things would get interesting…
He smirked to himself.
Chapter 555
The scene was explosive and intense.
On set, Austin completed a dangerous explosion scene in one take. Many in the industry fear the risks and injuries involved, so they often opt for stunt doubles.
But Austin rarely used a stunt double and tackled the dangerous scenes himself.
This was Natalie’s first time witnessing such a perilous stunt up close. She stood by and held her breath, and her heart pounded uncontrollably.
The scenes were terrifying. Seeing it in person was even more shocking.
After the director called cut, Natalie immediately rushed over to Austin. With concern, she
asked, “Did you get hurt?”
The special effects makeup made it hard to tell if he was bleeding or injured. Austin smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine, no injuries. Don’t worry.”
Hank approached with a serious expression. “Did you injure your leg? Let’s get you to the
car and check it out.”
Hank had known Austin for many years and had been together almost daily. Hence, he could spot an injury instantly, while others might fail to notice.
Austin glanced at Hank with a wry smile. He was surprised that Hank could notice it at first glance.
Then, he glanced at Natalie, whose face had gone pale. “It’s probably just a scraped knee! A bit of iodine for disinfecting will do.”
“Should we go to the hospital? The scene is over, and there’s no more filming today until the afternoon. We have time,” Natalie said quickly.
As a woman, she couldn’t assist Austin in the car, and she still didn’t know the full extent of his injury.
Natalie was deeply concerned about Austin’s injury as an assistant and a fan.
“It’s not that serious, don’t worry,” Austin said in his gentlest tone.
It was hard to tell from his expression that he was injured. Natalie nodded in relief.
Hank noticed Natalie’s worried glance and then boarded the car. Austin followed closely behind.
Natalie noticed that Austin seemed to favor his left leg when he got into the car. It looked like the injury was on his right leg.
Inside the car, Hank examined Austin’s bloodied knee with a grim expression. “You injured this badly and still saying you’re fine? Austin, what’s going on with you and Natalie?”
2/2
Hank was no stranger to seeing this level of injury.
The first aid kit in the car was professional–grade.
Hank had learned from medical professionals how to handle such wounds. He treated Austin quickly and efficiently.
However, it must have been quite painful as Austin’s brow furrowed in discomfort.
“She’s going through a divorce with Jeremy. Even if I had feelings for her, it would be after she’s officially divorced,” Austin‘ explained.
Hank’s hands paused, his face filled with shock. He finally blurted out, “Damn it! I knew my instincts were right. She never mentioned a divorce. How did you find out?”
“She’s been different these past few days. She hasn’t been in touch with Jeremy and hasn’t returned to the Hughes Residence. Instead, she’s staying in an apartment. It’s obvious what’s happening,” Austin said. He knew Natalie’s situation well.
Hank grimaced. “You’re asking for trouble. So many female celebrities are in the industry, yet you are interested in Natalie. It’s like you’re competing with Jeremy for her.
“I don’t think her divorce will be smooth. Even though Jeremy was in the car that day, I could see his possessiveness. He won’t let go easily.”
For over a decade, everything had been smooth sailing. But now, out of the blue, this previously easygoing man had become a major headache. This rebellion was nothing short of a disaster.
Austin’s eyes darkened, and he remained silent.
Meanwhile, Natalie stood outside the car. She glanced at the time. 20 minutes had passed, and Austin and Hank still hadn’t come out. This indicated Austin’s injury was likely serious.
Just then, she noticed a familiar figure standing not far away. She stared expressionlessly at the person standing not far away. The sense of humiliation she had deliberately ignored in recent days came rushing back.
Natalie raised her voice slightly toward the car. She said, “Mr. Powell, I need to take a half- hour break for some personal matters.”
After a brief pause, Austin’s voice came from inside the car. He granted permission, saying, “Okay.”
With Austin’s approval, Natalie walked toward the figure.
Chapter 556
Annabelle maintained her smile as Natalie approached. However, the jealousy in her heart grew like wild, unchecked grass. It kept spreading uncontrollably, taking over her emotions.
Jeremy had been indifferent toward her, while Natalie remained unaffected. She continued her life as if nothing had happened.
However, Annabelle felt trapped in Jipsburg, like a lifeless shell. It wasn’t supposed to end like this.
“I mentioned at the hospital that I didn’t want to see you again. Clearly, you didn’t take my words seriously,” Natalie said expressionlessly.
Chapter 557
Hank narrowed his eyes at the distant Annabelle. “Was that person bothering you? Who is she?”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Flash Romance With the Richest Mogul