Chapter 26

Paul stopped Annie just as she was about to chase after them.

“Ms. Silver,” he said, “you’re a smart woman. You should understand that you have to face the consequences of your actions. I’ve worked for Mr. Martin for many years, and this is the first time I’ve seen someone act in his name without his consent. Your mother even disturbed Mrs. Martin Senior. I’ve never seen anyone act this way. Ms. Silver, you should focus on your work at the TV station and mind your own business.”

Annie, usually so professional, was acting rashly. Had the Silver family raised her to be so unruly? She hadn’t taken his words seriously before, instead racking her brain for another solution. Now, she was the black sheep of the Silver family, even blamed by the uncles who had supported her relationship with Joe and helped her find opportunities. But now that things had gone wrong, they blamed her. Why hadn't they said anything when they were using her to get close to the Martin family?

Her eyes reddened. “Mr. Ziegler, you’ve already told me that. But you can’t deny that I love Joe, and we’ve known each other for years. We wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for Skylar.”

Paul was speechless. Annie still insisted on pursuing the matter. “Mr. Martin has made his position clear. Can’t you see that? I advise you not to make a fool of yourself.”

“Mr. Ziegler, please help me. The Silver family will do anything you want,” Annie pleaded, desperate. She regretted her actions; she’d lost her composure simply because she saw a woman with Joe.

Paul looked at Skylar and her group walking away. Was Joe looking for Skylar?

“From the moment you decided to act in Mr. Martin’s name, you jumped into a bottomless pit. If Mr. Martin lets you off easily, people like you will spring up everywhere tomorrow. That would be a huge slap in his face. Do you understand now, Ms. Silver?”

Afterward, Paul took out his phone. While chasing after Joe, he made a call. “In the future, don’t allow Ms. Annie around Mr. Martin.” His voice was low, but loud enough for Annie to hear.

Annie felt even more humiliated. Was there really no other way?

Standing dazed, she saw Skylar in the distance. Annie felt conflicted toward Skylar. If not for Skylar, she and Joe would still be friends, even if their relationship hadn't progressed further; they wouldn't have parted so bitterly.

She couldn't wait for Joe to tire of Skylar. By then, if Skylar remained in Jipsburg City, she would become a target. Skylar would be ruined.

Annie took a deep breath and calmed down. Though her eyes were bloodshot, she knew what to do. She had to pay for her actions.

She glanced at Skylar and her group and hissed, “Skylar, it’s not worth ruining the Silver family over you. Joe can’t protect you forever. I will get even with you for the humiliation I suffered today.”

As they walked away, Natalie occasionally looked back. She saw Joe approaching them, but dismissed it as a coincidence. But why was Annie glaring at Skylar?