Chapter 176

“Were you interested in me long ago?” Joe asked. The question hit Skylar like a bombshell, shattering her composure.

“Can I explain?” Skylar stammered. She needed to quit drinking! She vowed never to touch alcohol again—not even cooking wine.

Joe’s mood brightened at Skylar’s contrite expression, a reaction that oddly pleased him.

“It’s fine. I understand you were drunk,” Joe smiled.

But Skylar couldn’t forgive herself. She’d acted embarrassingly drunk, touching and pinching him… yet she remembered nothing. Did he even have pecs?

Just as Joe was leaving, he turned back. “Oh, by the way, you kept calling me ugly last night and enthusiastically searched for plastic surgery clinics.”

Skylar bit her lip, tears welling as she stared at his handsome face. “Darn it!” she muttered. Would any man stand a chance if Joe got plastic surgery?

Joe burst out laughing. Skylar was even more adorable sober.

As Joe went upstairs, Skylar checked her phone. Her recent search history displayed: “Where is the most expensive plastic surgery hospital in Jipsburg?” Joe’s words were true.

Annie had arrived at the Martin Group building ten minutes earlier. Her messages to Joe remained unanswered. Pride prevented her from begging Skylar. In Annie’s eyes, Skylar wasn't worth pleading with; she didn't believe Joe's interest in Skylar would last.

Joe had meant every word. Annie had discussed the situation with her parents the previous night, and they, too, were surprised by Skylar’s immediate call to Joe. Skylar's boldness stemmed from Joe's favoritism. The thought stung Annie.

Paul arrived, surprised to see Annie. “Ms. Silver?”

“Mr. Ziegler, I need to see Mr. Martin,” Annie stated.

Anyone who knew Joe understood Paul’s importance; he was Joe’s most trusted confidante. Annie had to go through Paul.

Paul smiled politely. “I’m sorry, Ms. Silver, but Mr. Martin’s schedule is full today. He’s leaving on a business trip after a meeting. If you have something important, I’ll convey it.”

Chapter 176

It was a joke. Joe had instructed Paul to refuse all of Annie’s appointments. She should have known better. Not only had she confronted Skylar, but she’d also threatened her with a check to leave Joe.

(The final line, "Claim Bonus For Free Every Days*," appears to be unrelated and should be removed.)