Chapter 117

"I don't believe that." Marcus Hill raised an eyebrow with a light laugh, his tone full of playful mockery. "Last time we met, you slapped me twice without any hesitation—such a feisty temper. Who else would dare to provoke you besides him?" He tilted his head, wearing an expression of someone enjoying the drama, a provoking smirk curling his lips.

Anna Ross couldn't be bothered to engage with him.

She had already apologized, yet he insisted on bringing it up repeatedly.

It wasn't intentional.

She didn't feel like explaining.

She just couldn't help wondering—where exactly had Adrian Sinclair gone? Even Marcus didn't know?

But it was better that he wasn't around.

She could clock out on time, without being ordered around by him.

Why bother thinking about him during such free days.

Anna shook her head, pushing all thoughts of him away.

It was then that Mia Lawrence finally processed the situation, pulling her aside and lowering her voice. "Is he the one from the airport... the one you slapped?"

Anna gave a slight nod.

Mia hesitated for a few seconds before whispering, "Then I take back what I said earlier... about that incident. We really were in the wrong."

Anna couldn't help but laugh.

She was the one who did the hitting, and she was the one who apologized, yet Mia was the one getting anxious first.

"Fine." She linked arms with her best friend. "Let's just let them join us."

Mia coughed lightly, turning to the two men. "Since you know Anna—you can join us for dinner, but keep the chatter to a minimum."

Marcus grinned brightly.

He had just arrived in New York, and dinner was already settled!

The four of them sat down to eat, the atmosphere relaxed.

After a simple celebration, Anna and Mia got up to leave.

But Marcus stopped them. "Leaving already?"

"Going home." Anna checked the time. "Work tomorrow."

Sophia Roscente's eyes suddenly lit up. She rushed over and clung to Anna's arm, her voice soft and pleading. "Sis... can I go home with you?"

Anna was taken aback, glancing at Marcus.

Didn't he bring her here?

Marcus shrugged with a smile. "It's not appropriate for a grown man like me to take her back, could lead to misunderstandings—just do a good deed and let her stay with you for one night?"

He didn't dare take this young lady home.

If his family saw, he'd never be able to clear his name.

Anna looked hesitantly at Sophia.

She didn't want to bring her back.

If Adrian found out, he might use it as an excuse to cause trouble.

She was about to refuse—

But Sophia seemed to see right through her. Her eyes reddened, her lips trembling, on the verge of tears.

"Sis... if you don't take me in, I'll have to sleep on the streets tonight."

Anna and Mia exchanged a look, both at a loss.

Seeing this, Sophia pressed her advantage.

She batted her big, round eyes, softening her voice into a coaxing whine. "I promise I'll be good! I'll do whatever you say!"

Anna looked at her pitiful, obedient expression and her heart softened.

It was so late; she couldn't really let a young girl end up homeless.