Chapter 520

Annie stared at the message, her eyes welling with grievance. Even her closest family didn't understand her. She wondered if they realized the Williams family's fate today mirrored the Silver family's potential future. Even now, they only cared about their self-respect.

Even Grayson had called, urging her to find a way to meet Joe. He stopped short of explicitly suggesting she offer herself. She had wanted to be with Joe. When their relationship was good, she'd seized every opportunity to be intimate with him. However, in the end, Joe hadn't even given her a glance.

Now, with Skylar by his side, being with Joe seemed impossible. It wasn't that she lacked clarity; her parents were blind to the truth.

Recalling Skylar's words from the restaurant, Annie's mood grew heavier. Her phone rang, snapping her back to reality. It was Steven.

Her fingers stiffened slightly as she answered.

"I just bought a gift for your parents. What time tomorrow would be good for me to visit?" Steven's voice was gentle.

Annie's heart fluttered slightly. Steven was remarkably outstanding, with limitless prospects, but his background was humble. Even if he genuinely cared for her—and she knew she wouldn't find someone as sincere—they were from different social classes. She needed time to consider her next step.

"My parents had to go abroad unexpectedly. I'm sorry, Steven. Can we wait until they return?" Annie's tone was heavy.

Chapter 520

It wasn't feigned helplessness; she was genuinely tired and down.

Steven sensed her shift in mood. "It's alright. We can wait. Is everything okay?"

Annie explained softly, "It's nothing. I just feel bad. We planned to meet my parents tomorrow, but now we can't. I was worried you'd be disappointed."

Steven, with even more patience and tenderness, replied, "It's really nothing. I'm not disappointed. It doesn't matter when we meet. What matters is our mutual understanding. Besides, I have a project at the lab requiring my full attention. If I don't reply to your messages promptly, please don't worry."

"I won't," Annie replied with a smile. She knew Steven wouldn't deceive her; he valued commitment and integrity above all else.

After ending the call, Annie leaned back in her car, eyes closed. She felt lost, uncertain about her next move.

Just then, Grayson called again.

"Joe will be at a banquet tonight at the Stargaze Hotel. I'll create an opportunity for you two. Tonight, you must seize it, Annie. Do you understand?" Grayson demanded.

Annie was stunned.

Grayson's tone turned displeased. "Annie, did you hear me? Tonight is our family's last chance. You must seize this opportunity, understand?"

"Can you guarantee nothing will go wrong, Dad?" Annie breathed, gripping the steering wheel.

She thought of Joe; the emotions she'd suppressed surged. But immediately after, Steven's image appeared.

Grayson was silent for a moment. "Yes, I can guarantee nothing will go wrong. For the Silver family, I won't make a mistake. Don't worry. I'll arrange everything. You can rest assured and go to the Stargaze Hotel tonight."