Chapter 121

The bar owner stood on the second floor, surveying the packed venue below.

A grin stretched across his face.

He squinted at Anna Ross performing center stage.

The more he watched, the more convinced he became—she was heaven-sent luck.

His assistant approached with a glass, clicking his tongue appreciatively.

"This new performer we hired this year is phenomenal. You’ve got a sharp eye for talent."

The owner swirled his drink, smug.

"Of course. I knew she was special when I hired her. Since she joined, our revenue doubled. She's practically a walking money magnet."

"Absolutely remarkable," the assistant agreed before attending to other matters.

Onstage, Anna closed her eyes softly, lost in her own melody.

Gentle, soothing tunes were her preference—they let her dissolve completely into the music.

At the entrance, Lucas Evans was being dragged inside by two friends.

"You'll regret it if you skip tonight!" one friend gushed, gesturing excitedly.

"The new singer? Unreal. Sweet voice, even sweeter looks. Most stunning girl I've ever seen."

Lucas raised a skeptical brow.

"Sounds divine. Why don’t you ask her out?"

"Come on, a goddess like that’s out of our league! But if you're interested, we could introduce you."

"Pass." Lucas’s expression hardened instantly.

No one could compare to Anna in his heart.

His friends exchanged resigned headshakes, muttering about his stubbornness.

Inside, booming music hit them.

The friends eagerly pushed toward the front while Lucas settled into a booth with lackluster interest.

He’d just lifted his glass when a voice from the stage froze him mid-motion.

That voice…

Lucas’s head snapped up.

The drink nearly slipped from his hand as he recognized the figure onstage.

"Anna?" Shock and delight flooded him.

He never expected to see her in New York.

He hurried toward the stage, waving at her.

Anna spotted him, surprise flickering in her eyes before refocusing on her performance.

Understanding, Lucas nodded and stood quietly below the stage, listening.

His earlier mood vanished, replaced by radiant joy.

As Anna sang the final note, she hopped down lightly and joined him.

"Lucas." She greeted him with a smile.

He scrambled to offer his seat, eyes shining.

"Anna, your voice is incredible."

She gave a modest smile.

"Oh, it’s nothing special."

Lucas handed her a juice, his tone tender.

"I mean it. You’ve always been too humble."

Their shared laughter eased them into comfortable conversation.

"Anna, why are you performing here? Did you quit your job?" Lucas asked hopefully.

She shook her head gently.

"Not at all. It’s just a hobby. Singing after work helps me unwind."

Lifting her juice, she clinked glasses with him and drank it like a toast.

Alcohol wasn’t her forte—this was the safer choice.