Chapter 458

Beautiful, polite, and graceful, Annie was the kind of woman anyone would admire. However, it was clear that Steven was particularly smitten.

“She seems lovely, Steven,” Janine said quietly. “You have good taste.”

Steven blushed slightly. “She really is amazing.”

Meeting Annie felt like a stroke of luck. They shared many common interests.

Janine smiled as she watched Steven praise Annie. “As long as you’re happy, Steven, so am I. If you two decide to get married, I’ll be your biggest supporter.”

The conversation continued in the kitchen. Meanwhile, in the living room, Skylar sat on the couch, munching on fruit. Annie approached and sat beside her.

Annie peeled a banana and ate it. After a few bites, she said, “Were you surprised to see me? I confess, I was too. It seems fate has a funny way of connecting us.”

Skylar glanced at Annie. Away from Janine and Steven’s watchful eyes, her smile faded. She nodded curtly, without enthusiasm. “Indeed, it seems so.”

Annie noticed the coldness in Skylar’s voice, and a shadow of unease crossed her face.

Spending time with Joe had subtly changed Skylar. Her speech, her gaze—there was a hint of Joe in her now. It wasn’t intentional, Annie was sure, but it caused her pain.

“Isn’t there anything else you’d like to ask?” Annie pressed, surprised by Skylar’s apparent lack of curiosity.

From the beginning, Skylar hadn't shown the slightest interest. A faint smile played on her lips. “There’s nothing I need to ask.”

Even if Skylar had asked, Annie wouldn't have told the truth.

A sense of futility washed over Annie. She glanced toward the kitchen, smiling. “Steven is wonderful. We’re truly in love.”

“Congratulations,” Skylar replied with another nod.

Annie frowned, unsure what was going on behind Skylar’s cool exterior. There was a hidden depth to her that Annie couldn't grasp.

Skylar should have confronted her to understand if her interest in Steven was deliberate and what her motives were. Yet, she didn't pry. This lack of curiosity left Annie bewildered.

“Aren’t you curious?” Annie asked.

Skylar chuckled softly. “Curious about what? How you met Steven and fell for him? You already shared that during dinner.”

“Steven is undeniably a remarkable man and has always attracted admirers. He’s never lacked attention, even as a child. But what is it about him that draws you in specifically? That’s something only you can answer.”

“What do you think my reasons are?” Annie countered quickly, displaying her honed hostess skills by getting to the point.

The smile on Skylar’s face faltered. “Annie, intelligence can be a double-edged sword. My family is my priority. If someone approaches them with malicious intent or tries to harm them, they’ll deeply regret it. There won’t be a second chance.”

Her cool gaze met Annie’s. She continued calmly, “Have you heard about the recent troubles plaguing the Williams family?”

The mention of the Williams family almost wiped the smile from Annie’s face.

The Williams family's scandalous affairs were the talk of Jipsburg City. Everyone knew about their downfall, fueled by a series of public scandals. It was clear—there was no coming back for them in Jipsburg.

A sudden chill ran down Annie’s spine. She stared at Skylar’s composed profile as Skylar calmly continued eating her fruit.