Chapter 177

“It’s impossible for Annie to dismiss the person chosen by Gloria with just a million dollars,” Paul thought.

Apart from undermining Joe’s authority, the large diamond ring gifted to Skylar alone exceeded a hundred million dollars in value. If Skylar had been a gold digger, targeting Gloria might have been a more strategic move. Annie’s decision to offer a mere million dollars to threaten Skylar seemed foolish and inappropriate. Annie felt embarrassed.

“Mr. Ziegler,” she pleaded, “I’m sure you understand why I need to speak with Mr. Martin face-to-face. Some misunderstandings are difficult to clear up over the phone. We’ve known each other since childhood. Is it truly necessary to deny me a chance to explain?”

“Ms. Silver,” Paul stated bluntly, “you’ve crossed a line. Interfering in Mr. Martin’s affairs might cause others to misunderstand your relationship with him. Since you’re nothing to Mr. Martin, meddling in his affairs is inappropriate. I doubt you can explain why you threatened Ms. Sullivan. You should leave.”

People love stirring up trouble based on long-standing connections. Paul’s straightforwardness couldn’t hurt.

Annie’s face turned even paler. “Have you investigated Skylar?”

“Ms. Silver, you’ve crossed another line,” Paul said, his fake smile gone, his demeanor darkening.

It was clear Annie had investigated Skylar. Would people dare dig deeper if they knew Skylar wasn’t just Joe’s lover but his wife?

Annie froze. She had crossed the line again. She suddenly realized that anyone close to Joe would be thoroughly investigated. Joe knew everything about Skylar, but he completely ignored it. It felt suffocating. Annie took a deep breath.

Annie watched Paul enter the building; his resolve was unwavering, without a hint of hesitation. Clearly, there was no room for negotiation.

Her mother, Sabrina Madison, called. “Mom.”

“How did it go? Did Mr. Martin listen to your explanation? Let’s tone it down. It’s just a fling. Mr. Martin wouldn’t really go against us because of her,” Sabrina said.

Annie’s voice was strained. “Mom, I couldn’t see him; there’s no room for discussion.”

“What? He won’t even let you apologize in person? Is he ignoring your lifelong friendship for a woman?”

“I have Mrs. Martin Senior’s number. I’ll talk to her,” Sabrina said before hanging up.

She immediately called Gloria. “Mrs. Martin Senior, it’s Sabrina Madison, Grayson Silver’s wife. We met at Gardner Manor a few years ago,” Sabrina said, attempting to ingratiate herself.

Gloria listened absentmindedly while watching TV. She was used to such calls, especially from people they weren’t close to. They always had a purpose.

“I know,” Gloria replied indifferently.

“Something happened. Annie and Joe have known each other since childhood; they even attended the same university. There might have been something between them. But recently, a woman named Skylar Sullivan intruded. She’s a homewrecker; even her parents despise her. Annie was worried Joe was deceived, so she…” Sabrina explained the situation.

Gloria was initially uninterested, but her face turned cold as she listened. Edgar saw the change and knew someone had upset her.

“Skylar’s a homewrecker? It seems the Silver family failed to educate Annie. How dare you meddle in our family’s affairs?” Gloria said before hanging up.

Then she called Joe. “Are you even a man?”

“What’s wrong, Grandma?” Joe asked, bewildered.

“Annie’s mother called to slander Skylar. How could they bully my granddaughter-in-law? Did you agree to let the Silver family bully Skylar? Did you let them all bully her?” Gloria bombarded him with questions.