Chapter 12

Adrian Sinclair let out a cold laugh.

His gaze was full of mockery as he looked at her.

It was as if he was watching the biggest joke in the world.

Anna Ross felt her face burn.

His voice was just loud enough.

It carried throughout the entire store.

Every pair of eyes instantly focused on them.

Anna felt like she was being publicly executed.

Fortunately, Adrian had already released her hand.

As long as she left this place.

She would never have to endure these stares again.

Adrian saw her silence.

His brow lifted slightly.

His tone grew even more vicious.

"What?"

"Did I hit a nerve?"

"Is this your silent admission?"

The store clerks began to whisper among themselves.

Anna avoided their gazes, humiliated and angry.

"What you choose to believe is your freedom."

She didn't want to argue anymore.

She didn't have the energy for it.

Anna's indifference inexplicably annoyed Adrian.

It was like punching cotton.

The more she wanted to leave.

The less he wanted to let her have her way.

As Anna turned to go.

A clicking sound came from behind her.

Her steps froze.

It was the sound of a camera.

Anna's body trembled slightly.

Her small hands clenched tightly into fists.

Adrian saw her stop.

A satisfied smile curled his lips.

"What's wrong?"

"You don't look so well."

He was asking a question he already knew the answer to.

Adrian walked over to her.

He caught the fear on her face.

His mood instantly improved.

Anna looked up.

She met his playful gaze.

Her small face flushed red with anger.

"What will it take for you to just leave me alone!?"

It was him who told her to disappear.

She did it.

This time wasn't intentional.

Why wouldn't he let go?

Adrian showed her the photo.

He toyed with the phone in his hand.

He snorted coldly.

"What if I send these to Howard Lowell?"

"Let him see what his stepdaughter is up to behind his back."

"Do you think he'd thank me?"

Anna's face instantly turned pale.

All color drained from it.

Adrian continued his attack.

"If he knew you were obedient on the surface."

"But a gold digger behind his back."

"What do you think his reaction would be?"

He smirked devilishly.

He enjoyed seeing her defeated.

Anna cursed inwardly.

Howard must not find out about her escape plan.

"What right do you have to take my picture?"

"I have the right to demand you delete those photos."

Her tone was flat.

No emotion could be heard.

Adrian saw her defiance.

His eyes darkened.

He raised his hand and pinched her chin.

A sinister smile played on his lips.

"Delete them for you?"

"Fine."

"Get on your knees and beg me."

"Make me happy."

"Maybe I'll consider it."

A flicker of hope appeared in Anna's eyes.

It died out instantly.

She knew it.

Adrian would never kindly let her go.

Adrian saw through her reaction.

He increased the pressure of his grip.

"Hmm?"

Pain shot through her chin.

Anna's small face scrunched up.

She slapped his hand away.

She countered calmly.

"What does selling my father's gifts have to do with you?"

"Please stop bothering me!"

She tried her best to control her emotions.

She didn't want to attract attention.

Adrian was completely enraged.

His furious eyes bore into her.

He spoke icily.

"Oh?"

"So that's how it is."

"Are you involved with Howard Lowell too?"

Anna's expression turned ugly.

Rage burned in her heart.

How could he be so vile?

More and more onlookers gathered around.

They whispered to each other.

Smiles on their faces.

Watching her humiliation.

Adrian nodded to himself.

He put on a pitying expression.

"Right."

"It's not like it's your first time getting involved with a sugar daddy."

Slap!

A slap landed on his face.

Her strength wasn't great.

But it left his face stinging painfully.

He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Anna.

His face darkened like ink.

Anna gave him a disappointed look.

She tried to walk past him.

"Did I say you could leave?"

Adrian's icy voice sounded behind her.

He viciously pulled Anna back.

His face gloomy, he dragged her back inside.

Anna's heart jumped in fear.

That direction led to the fitting room!

What did he want to do!?

She struggled desperately.

"Let me go!"

"Let go!"

Adrian acted as if he didn't hear.

He kicked open the fitting room door.

It slammed open.

Then slammed shut.

The store clerks looked at each other.

They all shook their heads.

They could see Anna was being forced.

But none dared to intervene.

Adrian Sinclair's name could buy ten stores like this.

They couldn't afford to offend him.

Chloe Valentine was happily trying on clothes.

She planned to have Adrian buy them all.

To show off in front of her girlfriends.

Hearing his voice.

She hurriedly dressed and rushed out.

But she didn't see him.

She frowned.

"Where's Mr. Sinclair?"

No one answered.

Seeing she was being ignored.

Her voice grew more displeased.

"I asked where Mr. Sinclair is!?"

She definitely heard his voice earlier.

He couldn't have just vanished.

The clerks shook their heads.

They pretended not to have seen what happened.

Chloe wasn't someone easy to deal with either.

Best not to provoke her if possible.

Chloe stamped her foot in anger.

Her heart ached.

Did he abandon her and leave first?

She forgot about the new clothes.

Grabbing her purse, she ran out to look for him.

The sound of her footsteps faded away.

Anna used all her strength to break free.

But his strength was too great.

She could clearly see the bulging veins on his hand.

It was somewhat frightening.

Adrian pinned her against the wall.

His tall figure completely trapped her smaller one.

She couldn't escape even if she wanted to.

They were very close.

In the narrow space, they could hear each other's breathing.

The air was filled with his scent.

Anna didn't know if she was angry or embarrassed.

Her small face was unbearably red.

Adrian gripped her chin.

Forcing her to look up.

"You've really grown some nerve."

"Daring to hit me."

"Quite a surprise."

His tone rose at the end.

He tilted his head.

Touching the spot where she hit him.

The overhead light shone down.

Casting shadows under his eyes.

But it couldn't hide the malice in them.

Anna had calmed down.

She was a little scared.

She did hit him.

But he provoked her first.

Right.

The photos!

"What will it take for you to delete the photos?"

Anna didn't understand.

Why was Adrian so fixated on her?

Was tormenting her his idea of fun?