<b>Chapter </b><b>519</b>


    Skr nced over the dishesid out before her. She found them quite to her


    taste.


    Skr wasn’t particrly fond of Wiscadian cuisine, but she enjoyed certain


    dishes.


    “I asked Steven what you might like from Wiscadian cuisine, and I’ve ordered those. You can see if it suits your taste.” Annie spoke softly. She had taken the initiative to connect with Skr.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    She was now actively showing goodwill toward Skr.


    Skr sensed Annie’s proactive gesture and nodded lightly. She said, “Thank you. These look delicious.”


    Annie noticed Skr’s reserved demeanor. For a brief moment, her face stiffened, but she quickly recovered and dismissed it as inconsequential.


    “That’s good to hear.” Annie smiled gently.


    With neither Steven nor Janine present, Skr’s attitude toward Annie gained a touch more genuine indifference. She said, “If there’s something on your mind, just say it.”


    “Well, there’s nothing specific. It’s just that Steven and I are both satisfied with each other and taking our rtionship seriously.


    “But before this, there were misunderstandings between us. Looking back, I regret it deeply. I was too irrational at that time.” Annie expressed with remorse


    in her voice.


    Skr observed Annie’s sincerity. She took a few bites of her food. As Annie was whitewashing the previous incident, Skr’s eyes flickered slightly.


    “Do you not believe me?” Annie asked. She locked eyes with Skr.


    Skr lifted her gaze to meet Annie’s. “Does it matter whether I believe you or


    not?“.


    Annie looked momentarily surprised. “Of course, it matters. You’re Steven’s sister, and he cares about your opinion.


    Chapter 519


    “We both hope for your blessing, and I don’t want past issues to affect our rtionship. Once I’m married to Steven, we’ll be family. Family should avoid suspicion, right?”


    “Even if you marry Steven, we won’t have many chances to meet. Annie, I’ve mentioned before that my family matters most to me. If they’re hurt, I’ll do everything I can to retaliate against those who hurt them. Whether you truly love Steven, you know best,” Skr stated calmly.


    On the way to the restaurant, she had pondered deeply. Steven’s feelings for Annie were at their deepest in the current situation. If she said anything negative about Annie now, it would surely backfire.


    She couldn’t afford the risk.


    Annie’s face gradually tightened.


    “Of course, Steven is exceptional. I’ll bless you both if you truly love him and aren’t approaching him with ulterior motives. But that’s all. And you should know Joe better than I do.


    “He won’t allow anyone to deceive him or use him. Besides, I’m not as important to him as you might think. It’s up to you to decide how you measure yourself,” Skr said calmly and slowly.


    Annie’s expression turned several shades paler.


    Skr smiled faintly. “How’s your familytely, Ms. Silver?”


    With that question, Annie looked up abruptly. She stared at Skr with utter disbelief. In her mind, Skr was not like their circle. She was different from


    them.


    From a young age, they had to learn how to n to get everything they wanted. They employed various means to achieve their goals.


    But Skr, who grew up in the countryside, should have been the kind of ordinary–hearted girl who wasn’t good at scheming. Yet now…


    “My family is doing fine, Annie responded after a brief pause. She pursed her lips..


    Skr nodded with a smile. “That’s good to hear. Steven will be visiting your family soon. I hope they will approve of him.”


    Chapter $19


    Annie gazed steadily at Skr. She slowly uttered three words. “They sure will.”


    Half an hourter, Annie emerged from the upscale Wiscadian restaurant with a dazed expression. She nced at the bustling street not far away. She felt a slight chill down her spine. Skr had left before her.


    Then, she remained seated at the restaurant for another 20 minutes. Just then, she received a message from Sabrina.


    “Please do not bring that man home. Your father and I cannot afford to embarrass ourselves. While our family isn’t what it used to be and we’re facing difficulties, we cannot let you marry someone of such a lowly background.


    “If you’re married, rumors about our family in Jipsburg City will spread like wildfire. We’ve groomed you since childhood to be exceptionally capable. We hoped you would marry into a family of equal or higher status than ours, if not someone like Joe or Rowan.


    “You’ve been talking about finding a solutiontely. Is this what you’ve been thinking about? Can he save our family? We really cannot afford this disgrace.”