Paul quickly stepped in to stop Annie from chasing after Joe and the others.
“Ms. Silver,” he said firmly, “you’re a smart woman. You should understand that actions have consequences. I’ve worked for Mr. Martin for many years, and this is the first time I’ve seen someone act in his name without his consent.”
He paused, his tone growing more serious. “Your mother even went as far as disturbing Mrs. Martin Senior. I’ve never seen anyone act like this before. Ms. Silver, you should focus on your work at the TV station and mind your own business.”
Annie, who had always been the picture of professionalism, seemed to have completely lost her composure. Why was she acting so recklessly now? Was this really the way the Silver family had raised her?
She hadn’t taken Paul’s words seriously before, but now that things were spiraling out of control, she was grasping for any possible solution. However, instead of support, she was now becoming the scapegoat of the Silver family. Her uncles, who had once backed her relationship with Joe and even helped her try to get closer to the Martin family, were now turning their backs on her.
Her eyes filled with tears, but her pride still stood firm. “Mr. Zieglar, you’ve already told me all this last time, but you can’t deny that I love Joe. We’ve known each other for years! It’s not right that we’re in this mess because of Skylar.”
Paul was at a loss for words, witnessing Annie’s stubbornness. “Mr. Martin has made himself clear. Can’t you see that?” he said, his voice stern. “I advise you to stop making a fool of yourself.”
“Mr. Zieglar, please help me. The Silver family will do anything you ask,” Annie pleaded desperately, clinging to Paul for any possible way out. She was running out of options and regretted losing control when she saw Skylar with Joe.
Paul glanced at Skylar and the others walking away in the distance. Was Joe looking for Skylar?
“From the moment you decided to act on Mr. Martin’s behalf without his approval, you stepped into a bottomless pit,” he said, his voice colder now. “If Mr. Martin lets you off easily, people like you will spring up everywhere. That would be a huge blow to his authority. Do you understand, Ms. Silver?”
Annie could only nod, her pride battered and broken. She felt humiliated, trapped by her own decisions.
Paul then pulled out his phone. As he walked after Joe, he made a quick call. “In the future, don’t allow Ms. Annie near Mr. Martin.” His voice was low, but just loud enough for Annie to hear. The words were a cold dismissal.
Annie’s face flushed with humiliation. Was there truly no other way out? She stood there in a daze, struggling with the reality of her situation.
Suddenly, her eyes locked onto a familiar figure in the distance. It was Skylar.
Annie’s teeth clenched. She bit her lip hard, torn between her emotions. She knew if it weren’t for Skylar, she and Joe might still be friends, or at least on better terms. But now everything had soured. Skylar had gotten in the way, and if their relationship hadn’t progressed, they wouldn’t be at odds like this.
Annie’s thoughts darkened. She couldn’t wait for Joe to grow tired of Skylar. Once he did, Skylar would be left behind in Jipsburg, a target for everyone’s scorn.
Skylar would be ruined.
Annie took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Her eyes were still bloodshot, but she knew what she had to do. She needed to face the consequences of her actions.
She turned her gaze back to Skylar and the group, her lips curling into a spiteful sneer. “Skylar,” she muttered under her breath, “it’s not worth ruining the Silver family over you. Joe can’t protect you forever. I’ll get even with you for the humiliation I suffered today.”
As Skylar, Charles, and Natalie continued walking, Natalie turned around from time to time, surprised to see Joe approaching them. She didn’t think much of it—it was probably just a coincidence. But when she noticed Annie glaring at Skylar, a chill ran down her spine. Why was Annie so angry at Skylar?
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