Chapter 546

Skylar handed her phone to Steven. "Watch this video," she said. "I didn't want to confront you with this before. I hoped she genuinely liked you. You're a wonderful man; many girls adored you growing up. I always hoped for a sister-in-law who loved you."

Steven clenched his jaw, tears welling in his eyes. His fingers trembled as he hovered over the play button, finally pressing it after a moment's hesitation.

The high-resolution video showed Annie using a key card to enter a hotel room. She hesitated before entering but went in nonetheless. The video then sped up until Joe appeared. Two minutes later, Paul entered, knocking and kicking down the door. Sabrina and Grayson arrived shortly after. Though the camera didn't capture their expressions, Steven imagined their surprise at Paul breaking down the door and Annie's panic as she fled with only a towel. He saw it all clearly.

He inhaled deeply. "She told me it was all Grayson and Thomas's plan," he said. "She claimed she knew nothing from beginning to end. She said she was surprised to see Joe; she'd just finished showering and had no idea what was happening."

"That's not impossible," Skylar acknowledged. The video didn't prove Annie knew of the plan or willingly attempted to seduce Joe. She'd had an excuse prepared since the previous night, blaming Grayson and playing the perfect victim—typical Annie. She'd reacted quickly and skillfully, even admitting to liking Joe in the past, making it seem like she'd revealed the whole truth. A brilliant move.

Skylar asked, "Will you believe Annie?" She knew Steven didn't fall for people easily; when he did, he gave his all. Annie didn't deserve him.

Steven's expression was cold. He didn't say whether he believed her, instead telling Skylar, "You didn't just come with a video, Skye. Show me everything you have."

Skylar agreed, opening her messages with Paul. "These are some of Paul's messages. Take a look."

Steven took the phone and opened the files one by one. Skylar remained silent, giving him time to process the information. Being lied to was horrible, and Annie had gained an advantage by contacting Steven first. Skylar had no idea how Steven would react to the full truth.

As Steven looked through the messages, his grip tightened, his lips pursed. After leaving Steven's hotel, Annie hadn't gone straight home; she'd met with Rowan.