Chapter 535

A figure suddenly appeared before Skylar, casting a shadow over her. Joe then kissed her furiously. Skylar dropped her bag. "You" she began, but when she could finally breathe, she said, "Wake up. I'm not who you think I am. I'm not Annie. Do you understand?"

Skylar tried to move away, but Joe seemed to have lost all rationality. He pressed his lips to hers again. Skylar didn't want to be a replacement for anyone. She raised her hand to slap him, but Joe caught her hand and pulled it around his back.

She realized then that Joe's professional training set him apart from other men she'd encountered. She knew how to fight, but he was even better. The physical differences between men and women were starkly apparent in that moment.

On the way home, the Silvers remained silent. The driver, sensing the heavy atmosphere, stared straight ahead, driving cautiously. Their silence stemmed from the knowledge that grave trouble was brewing. The opportunity they'd meticulously planned for all night had vanished.

Grayson was pale, his pursed lips betraying his near-breakdown. "How did Joe realize it? Didn't they say the aphrodisiac would disorient him? Even if he didn't like Annie, he should have believed she was the one he loved. How?"

Sabrina composed herself, horror mounting. "Annie, what happened? Were you still thinking of Steven? Did you fail to please Joe and anger him?"

Joe, atop Jipsburg's power pyramid, was a man few dared to cross. This time, it seemed the Silvers were finished.

Annie was ashen. The events at the hotel felt like a cruel mockery, a testament to her overconfidence. Even under the influence of the aphrodisiac, Joe felt nothing for her. The moment he touched her, he repulsed her as if she were repugnant trash. She was overcome with intense embarrassment.

"I did nothing. Joe's self-control was too strong; the aphrodisiac didn't affect him. He loves Skylar. When he saw me, he initially mistook me for Skylar, but he quickly recognized me. Then, Paul and you both arrived," Annie explained with a strained smile.

Sabrina was astonished. "How important is Skylar to Joe? Was she so important that he thought of her even then? I've seen pictures of Skylar. She's pretty, but otherwise incomparable to you. What were Joe and Gloria thinking?"

"Mom, this isn't what we should be focusing on now. Tomorrow, our family will be in chaos," Annie said, her smile bitter. Why couldn't Sabrina grasp their predicament?

Grayson bit his lip. "We underestimated Joe. We wouldn't be in this mess if we'd used a larger dose." They'd used a standard dose, fearing unforeseen consequences. This was the result.

"Annie's right. Tomorrow, Joe will be hunting us. We have few options left."

Terror gripped Sabrina. "Then, what do we do? None of you will give this up. We're already in a terrible situation. What can Joe do to us?"

"All the wealthy families in Jipsburg know how Joe treats his enemies. We do too, don't we?" Annie chuckled bitterly.

Grayson had a sudden idea. "Annie, your boyfriend is Skylar's brother, right? Skylar might be our only hope. Talk to Steven and get him to pressure Skylar to help us! I give my blessing to your relationship right now!"