Chapter 1219

Annie stared blankly at Steven, who stood outside the elevator. For a moment, she didn't register her assistant, Emma Pierce's words, forgetting to exit the elevator. Just as the doors were about to close, Emma quickly reopened them. Steven remained calm, subtly shifting to allow Annie and Emma to exit. His composure helped Annie regain her composure.

“What a coincidence,” she smiled. Steven nodded. Noticing his indifferent expression, her smile faltered. Emma nudged her. Taking a deep breath, Annie stepped out.

Afterward, she glanced back at Steven. He didn't look at her. His cold expression caused a sharp pain in her chest. Over the past few years, mostly residing in Jipsburg City with occasional work trips, she'd encountered Steven at various events. Each time she'd tried to connect, he'd maintained a noticeable distance, as if avoiding her. She knew he was in a stable relationship—with the "Stupid Girl" in his contacts. Mona was unremarkable; Annie couldn't understand Steven's affection. Every attempt at connection was met with complete indifference.

“Ms. Silver, we should go,” Emma reminded her.

Only then did Annie return to reality, realizing the elevator doors had closed. The person she once cared deeply for had left without a word, completely cutting her off. She chuckled self-deprecatingly. The Silver family had regained its former glory; her earning potential surpassed many celebrities. Yet, she had completely lost Steven. She couldn't accept it.

“Let me ask you something. If you made a mistake and accidentally lost something incredibly important, and one day realized your mistake, what would you do?” she asked.

Chapter 1218

Emma, a recent college graduate, replied without hesitation, “Of course, I'd do everything to get it back. It was a mistake, right? It's not like committing murder. I'd shamelessly try to recover it—it belongs to me.”

The recent graduate's bold response surprised Annie. She realized she'd been held back by fear. Her greatest fear, Joe, had been dead for three years. The Martin Group was nothing like it had been.

She’d heard Steven was preparing to marry, and she wouldn't let that happen. No one could stop her now. She no longer needed advantageous marriages or to impress anyone. Steven was brilliant, a peer in his field. They were meant to be together.

“You're right. I shouldn't be timid. Now that I know I was wrong, I will make amends,” Annie declared, feeling a sudden clarity.

Emma nodded enthusiastically.