Chapter 459

Skylar's phone rang. "Skye, you need to be here thirty minutes early!" Natalie's voice crackled through the receiver.

Skylar checked the time; it was late. She hurried to the kitchen and told Janine and Steven she was leaving to meet a friend. As she left, she turned to Annie, who had been watching her intently. "See you another day, Ms. Silver," Skylar said. "It was nice meeting you."

Steven, exiting the kitchen, overheard. He gazed at Annie with tenderness. "Skylar likes you, Annie, and so does my mom. I knew they would."

Annie looked flustered.

"Is everything alright? Are you tired?" Steven asked, noticing her weary expression.

Annie shook her head. "No, it's nothing. I just didn't sleep well last night."

"Was it because you were nervous about coming here?" Steven asked gently.

Lost in thought, Annie nodded slightly. "Yes, I worried I wouldn't be a good fit and that your family wouldn't approve. Thankfully, they seem happy with me."

"Don't worry," Steven reassured her. "As long as I like you, my family will too."

Annie's heart ached. Had she not been in love with Joe for so long, she might have fallen for Steven. She appreciated his considerate nature, impressive integrity, and capability.

Suddenly, Skylar's words echoed in her mind: "The Williams family" Considering Skylar's connection to the Williams family and witnessing their downfall

Observing Annie's discomfort, Steven paused before excusing himself to find Janine. Annie didn't hear their conversation, but Steven returned shortly.

"Let's go. I'll take you home so you can rest. You've got a busy schedule with the new show coming up. You need to be well-rested."

"Alright, I'll just apologize to your mom."

"I already did. She understands. Let's go."

"Okay."

On her way to the movie premiere, Skylar stopped at a red light and sent Joe a voice message: "Are you busy right now?"

Ten minutes passed without a response. Joe seemed busy.

Skylar felt compelled to learn more about Annie from Joe. She doubted Annie truly liked Steven. If she did, she wouldn't have been so eager to gauge Skylar's opinion at the house. And Annie's expression wouldn't have changed so abruptly when Skylar mentioned the Williams family.

If Annie genuinely cared for Steven, Skylar would be happy for them. However, if Annie intended to use Steven for some ulterior motive, Skylar wouldn't allow it.

Soon, she arrived at the cinema for Austin's movie premiere. Natalie was waiting outside. She handed Skylar a ticket. "Let's go! You're going to be one of the first to see this movie. Aren't I the best?"

Skylar gave Natalie a thumbs-up. "Of course, you're my best friend."

"Haha! Absolutely! But hey, have you lost weight recently? Are you secretly dieting?" Natalie teased, squinting playfully.