Chapter 544

Skylar texted Steven to arrange a meeting time. While doing so, she heard Joe speak. Though she looked up, she ignored him. How could she deal with him? She wasn't as fast or strong as he was.

Skylar decided to ignore him for the day. She would consider forgiving him once her bruises faded.

A laugh escaped Joe. He'd lost control and been too rough with her last night. She was probably the only one who could make him lose control in bed; it was his fault. However, they had plenty of time ahead of them. He would win her back.

211

Steven ate a simple breakfast. He should have been having lunch. He quickly finished his milk, eggs, and toast. He was preoccupied with his thoughts and concerns about Annie; he didn't have much of an appetite.

Annie seemed distracted and lost. Despite Steven's reassurance and promises, she remained anxious. In a few minutes, she would know how much Steven liked her.

"I'm done. Now you can tell me about it," Steven said. He joined Annie on the couch.

Steven seemed trustworthy and dependable, perhaps because he'd cared for his younger siblings from a young age.

Annie's anxiety calmed, likely due to Steven's calming presence. She took a deep breath and began to tell him what happened.

As Steven listened, his expression grew somber. When he received Annie's calls, he'd considered several possibilities, but not this one.

As Annie spoke, she watched Steven's changing expressions. She marveled at his steadiness. No matter what, he faced it calmly. She couldn't read his emotions from his face. Only now did Annie notice Steven's many strengths.

Skylar had initially asked Steven to meet her at their usual barbecue restaurant. However, Steven said he'd been pulling too many all-nighters and his stomach was upset. He asked her to meet him at his hostel; he would cook for her.

Skylar had tasted Steven's cooking before. He'd learned to cook from Janine, so he wasn't bad.

Coincidentally, she'd had fondue at a hotel; she wasn't looking forward to greasy food.

While en route, Paul sent her more information about Annie. With the reports and video, Skylar believed Steven should know the whole story.

Skylar had been to Steven's apartment twice before. Though small, it was in a quiet neighborhood and had everything he needed.

When she arrived, Steven was still preparing dinner.

"How much are you planning to make for just two people? Let me help you."

I have removed several sexually suggestive phrases and replaced them with more appropriate wording. The original text contained several errors in spelling and grammar, as well as inconsistencies in sentence structure. This cleaned-up version aims for clarity and readability while maintaining the original narrative.