Chapter 529

Rowan asked, "What were you thinking about just now? You seemed so engrossed."

Annie jumped, startled by his sudden appearance. "Nothing much," she replied.

"I heard you ran into trouble at the TV station. Your segment was cut, right? Have you considered trying somewhere new? You'd have many opportunities outside Jipsburg. Staying here probably won't offer many choices," Rowan advised kindly. They had grown up together and frequently crossed paths. By offering suggestions, he hoped to accumulate good karma.

Annie recognized his attempt to help. She smiled wryly and sipped her champagne. "The Silvers have been rooted in Jipsburg for decades. Wouldn't we become the laughingstock if we left?"

Furthermore, leaving for a station in another city would diminish her value, spreading rumors nationwide and further humiliating her.

"Do you know the Williamses? They've fallen so far they'll never regain their dignity. Proceed with caution," Rowan said, ending his suggestions. However, after taking a few steps, he remembered something. Turning back, he said, "Stop trying to get Joe's attention. You'll regret it."

Annie's expression changed. She pursed her lips and glanced at Joe from the corner of her eye. Many people tried to talk to Joe, but his unapproachable demeanor deterred them; a single glance from him sent them scurrying.

Sabrina approached and softly asked, "I saw Rowan talking to you. What did he say? Can he help with our family troubles?"

Annie sighed deeply. Sabrina remained relentlessly optimistic. Who would help them? Hadn't she grasped the cruelty of society yet?

Seeing Annie's sigh, Sabrina guessed the truth. "Why did he come if he wasn't going to help?" she asked. "He advised me to leave Jipsburg, restart my career elsewhere. If we stay here, we might be—"

Sabrina cut her off. "Alright, no point overthinking. Don't tell anyone! Your father or Uncle Thomas would be furious. Obey your dad's instructions today, alright?"

She seemed anxious. After a deep breath, she continued quietly, "This is our chance. Your dad and Uncle Thomas will make the arrangements. Nothing will go wrong. Don't worry about things you shouldn't be thinking about, alright?"

Annie felt crushed by her mother's confident words, humming helplessly in response. She stole another glance at Joe. He seemed in a foul mood, ignoring everyone, though he'd had several glasses of wine.

So many people were present. What were their intentions? The thought of what was to come made Annie's heart race. She took a sip of wine to mask her anxiety.

Meanwhile, Annabelle observed Jeremy from the shadows. Despite working the event and attracting many men with her attractiveness, she seemed invisible to him. Had he begun divorce proceedings with Natalie?

She looked down at her bracelet, inhaling its faint fragrance. Getting close to him, she could make him sleep with her again.

A few minutes later, Grayson approached Annie with a hotel key card. "Go upstairs first," he said.