Chapter 461

Joe was likely busy, Joe realized.

"Hurry up! The game's starting," Rowan urged.

Someone nearby teased, "Only you would dare rush Joe like that."

"What's the big deal? He's not a monster. He's not that scary," Rowan retorted unconcernedly.

Rowan had been closely observing Joe, who had read a WhatsApp message and made a phone call—unusual behavior indicating deep feelings for Skylar. Joe had, indeed, fallen for Skylar.

After returning home, Annie collapsed onto the couch, closing her eyes for a much-needed rest. She massaged her temples, then grabbed her phone to search for news about the Williams family.

Maisy was frantic. Kenny had been publicly humiliated; Samuel faced rejection at every audition; and Peter was constantly denied job opportunities. Reporters hounded the Williams family daily, detailing their every move. The downfall of a wealthy family was a captivating story—sensational news that everyone wanted a piece of.

Annie hadn't given it much thought before, but Skylar's earlier words echoed persistently in her mind, causing a headache. She furrowed her brow.

Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Sabrina.

"You said you had a plan to save our family. How's it going? Your uncles are causing chaos at home every day. I can't hold on much longer. With the Williams family's troubles, everyone says they offended Joe, and that's why they've fallen. Your uncles think our family will be next."

Sabrina's words drained the color from Annie's face. She bit her lip hard. "Mom, we won't be like the Williams family."

"Tell me your plan. What solution have you come up with? Have you figured out how to get Joe's help?"

Sabrina had become increasingly restless lately, especially after the Williams family's incident and their own worsening situation. Sleep had become elusive.

"I have a way to get Skylar to help me, but it will take some time. Please be patient, Mom. We can't rush this," Annie reassured her.

Despite her confident tone, Skylar's earlier attitude had shaken her resolve. Once certain of her plan, Annie was now riddled with doubt.

After a few more anxious questions from Sabrina, the call ended.

Annie's heart pounded relentlessly. The TV station had practically blacklisted her. The new show she'd mentioned to Steven and the others was a fabrication; there was no new program.

Time was running out. She needed to make a quick decision and marry Steven. Becoming family with Skylar would gain her trust—a necessary step.

Annie looked at her phone, scrolling through her photo gallery until she found a picture of Joe. Her fingers hovered over the image, as if yearning to touch him.

"Are you truly this heartless?" Annie whispered.

Skylar and Natalie planned to have dinner. However, when Jeremy arrived to pick Natalie up, Skylar decided to avoid being a third wheel and left them.

Skylar only checked her phone on her way to the parking lot. Joe had called an hour earlier; she assumed he'd seen her WhatsApp message.