Chapter 553

Annie stared intently at Steven, searching his eyes for any trace of love. He avoided her gaze.

"Fine," she admitted. "I approached you with a purpose. My family is in trouble because of me, and I needed to find a solution. Otherwise, my parents would be too ashamed to face the rest of the Silver family. I had no other options; I placed all my hopes on you. At first, I thought I was just using you, and I didn't feel guilty. But now I realize I truly like you. Steven, I'm falling for you."

Her words were heartfelt. Most men would have softened, but Steven remained unmoved, his expression stern.

Panic surged within Annie. "Steven, please believe me," she pleaded. "I won't ask for your help with my family again. I just want you to consider our relationship. Ending it like this would be a regret for both of us. I swear I'll never lie to you again. I'll be completely honest."

She had never felt so humbled. When she'd pleaded with Joe to spare her family, it had been out of fear; she'd naturally lowered her stance to protect them. This panic, however, was different. She was terrified of losing Steven, whom she had genuinely fallen for.

"Annie, there's no need for this," Steven said, walking to the door and opening it.

Tears streamed down Annie's face. Stunned, she asked, "Are you really that disappointed in me? Steven, do you really not care about me anymore?"

Steven's eyes flickered. "Time will heal everything. Go back and face your family's problems. Even if what you said is true, I can't change Joe's decision. You sought help from the wrong person from the start."

"You promised this afternoon!" Annie exclaimed, staring intently at him. "You said we'd face this together, that you'd find a way to help me. You seemed confident you could get Skylar to talk to Joe."

"No," Steven declared firmly. "I promised to face everything with you. Regardless of what happens to your family, I wouldn't abandon you. But if you've made mistakes, you need to face the consequences."

A deep sense of loss washed over Annie. She offered a self-deprecating smirk, knowing there was nothing more she could say.

Chapter 553

Her footsteps were heavier than when she'd arrived. She walked outside, one step at a time.

An hour later, Annie returned home. Sabrina and Grayson were surprised. "You didn't stay at his place?" Sabrina asked. "What did he say? Didn't he ask Skylar to intercede? Didn't you say he was a young talent with unlimited potential? Can't he even handle something as simple as asking a favor for his sister?"

Seeing Annie's distraught expression, Sabrina's suspicions were confirmed. She immediately began to scold.

Annie sat down, her voice weak. "Get ready," she said. "Our family is done for. Steven and I have broken up."

"What?"

Three days later…

Skylar finished breakfast and prepared to leave for work. As she stepped out, she glanced at Joe's slippers by the door; they hadn't been moved.