Chapter 169

Skylar's initial impression of Annie, formed during their encounter at the club, had been favorable. Beauty, after all, tends to be captivating. However, Annie's recent investigation into Skylar had soured her opinion.

"Your foster family isn't exactly well-off. This one million dollars could change their lives, Ms. Sullivan. I suggest you consider the offer before it's too late," Annie said, visibly annoyed by Skylar's continued cold response.

Just as Maisy had warned, Skylar's greed seemed boundless. If not for her greed, the Williams family wouldn't dislike her.

"A one-million-dollar check seems a bit meager, Ms. Silver. I pocketed several million dollars in cash from a few casual card games that night at the club. Is this one-million-dollar check a joke—to you or Mr. Martin?" Skylar retorted, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

Since childhood, Skylar had a habit: when dealing with strangers, she'd brush off rudeness if she was in a good mood, but otherwise, she was ruthless. This wasn't so obvious before her rebirth, but now, why should she let Annie get away with it?

"It was a few million dollars? He really gave you all that cash?" Annie asked, surprised. She'd heard from Rowan about Skylar's incredible luck that night; the others had lost heavily.

Joe had promised to cover losses and let Skylar keep her winnings—initially a courteous gesture, but unexpectedly, he'd followed through.

No wonder Skylar found the offer underwhelming compared to Joe's casual spending. It only fueled her greed, Annie thought.

"Mr. Martin always keeps his promises," Skylar said confidently.

Skylar felt Annie was running out of excuses. She didn't know much about Joe; even if it hadn't been her that night, he would have kept his promise.

Annie's face paled. Hostility and anger flared in her eyes. "Name your price."

"Even if I were to negotiate, I should speak to Mr. Martin. How much could you possibly offer? Ms. Silver, you'd better keep that check. If you ever try to intimidate someone again, be better prepared." Skylar tapped the check on the table.

Angered by Skylar's provocation, Annie took a deep breath. "This is your final chance, Skylar. Miss it, and when Joe tires of you, I'll ensure you won't survive a day in Jipsburg. I've dug up plenty on your foster family. Think long and hard. You're not alone; you have a family to consider."

"So, take the money and leave, or you'll threaten my family's safety? You're quite powerful, Ms. Silver. People might think you could rule Jipsburg City alone," Skylar sneered.

Skylar had once admired Annie's professionalism, but now saw her differently. Annie was no different from Maisy and the others. Birds of a feather.

"It seems you've figured it all out," Annie said, narrowing her eyes.

Annie had many methods to deal with a young woman. She didn't mind teaching Skylar a lesson if she refused the offer. Skylar would face the consequences of offending her in Jipsburg.

"Mr. Martin, did you hear all that?" Skylar said into her phone.

Annie's expression changed. "You! Did you call Joe?" Didn't that mean he'd heard everything?

"Ms. Silver, you came here with a million dollars to humiliate me and threaten my family. Haven't you heard of 'live and let live'? Mr. Martin heard our conversation, and I recorded it. If this goes to the police, I may not be famous, but can you handle the public scrutiny?"

Skylar wasn't easily intimidated. Annie had pushed her too far by threatening her family. This mess was Joe's doing, and he should clean it up.