Chapter 109

Anna Ross stared at the well-manicured hand.

Though she couldn't hear the conversation inside the office.

Chloe Valentine's oppressive aura was unmistakable.

Anna maintained a polite smile.

She returned the handshake lightly.

"I'll focus on my responsibilities."

Adrian Sinclair leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window.

His brow twitched almost imperceptibly.

His gaze drifted over her.

Chloe caught his glance.

Her perfectly made-up face tightened briefly.

She quickly resumed her gracious smile.

"Grandpa insisted on arranging my position personally."

"We'll be colleagues now."

She emphasized "Grandpa" pointedly.

Each syllable dripped with territorial claim.

Anna lowered her eyes.

These implications meant nothing to her.

Adrian abruptly interrupted.

"Time to get to work."

Chloe immediately latched onto his arm.

"Adrian."

"I don't know where the Creative Department is."

"Could you walk me there?"

She pressed herself against him.

Adrian frowned.

Out of respect for his grandfather, he didn't push her away.

He nodded agreement.

His eyes shifted past Chloe to Anna.

Anna quickly looked away.

Noah Watson entered at that moment.

Anna hurried over to discuss work details.

Noah glanced confusedly at the tense trio.

Adrian led Chloe away.

As they passed, Chloe shot Anna a triumphant look.

Noah handed over a stack of files.

"These are the prep materials for your tasks."

"Please review them first."

Anna was surprised.

"Thank you."

Noah gave brief instructions before leaving hastily.

Anna returned to her workstation.

It faced Adrian's office directly.

She could see people moving in the hallway.

But it didn't distract from reading documents.

She didn't even notice when Adrian returned.

He paused briefly at his door.

Then entered his office.

......

Quitting time arrived.

Colleagues left chatting and laughing.

Anna sighed at her computer screen.

She mentally chastised Adrian.

Her phone rang suddenly.

"Mia?"

"Anna, are you off work yet?"

Anna couldn't help complaining.

"I should be."

"But that taskmaster Adrian—"

The office door swung open.

Adrian stood there with a dark expression.

Anna's breath caught.

When had he returned?

Had he heard everything?

She wished she could vanish instantly.