Chapter 157

Lucas Evans stared at her intently, his voice trembling.

"Anna, tell me the truth."

"Did he force you into this?"

"If you just say the word, I can help you!"

He refused to believe she would treat him this way.

It had to be Adrian Sinclair's doing, pulling strings from the shadows.

Lucas shot a furious glare at the man.

Anna Ross frowned.

She had made herself perfectly clear.

Why was he still refusing to leave?

This wasn't like the Lucas she knew.

What was he trying to prove?

She wasn't worth this kind of devotion.

Her life was already a complete mess.

She had no right to drag anyone else down with her.

Both men's eyes were fixed on her.

They were like two predators staring down their prey.

A single word from her would unleash a vicious fight.

"Lucas, no one is threatening me."

"No one is forcing me."

"I simply want you to leave."

"These are my honest feelings."

She couldn't bear to look at his expression.

But this situation needed to end.

Letting this conflict with Adrian continue would only hurt Lucas.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

She would truly do anything for that so-called stepfather.

Lucas was stunned for a moment, then his resolve hardened even further.

"I'm not leaving."

"I know you're saying these things to protect me."

"But this time, I want to be brave."

"Let me protect you."

"I can't stand to see him hurt you, not even a little bit."

He had seen the fear in her eyes, clear as day.

No matter how harsh her words were, he wouldn't abandon her.

He couldn't leave her here alone.

He had already missed too many chances in the past.

This time, he had to seize the opportunity.

He would protect the girl he loved with his own hands.

Adrian watched with his arms crossed, finding the drama increasingly entertaining.

"Lucas, how many times must I say it?"

"This has nothing to do with you."

"My problems are not your concern."

"Stop being so presumptuous, alright?"

Anna's face was pale.

Under the streetlights, her skin looked almost translucent.

Her cold, heartless expression pierced Lucas's heart.

His voice choked with emotion. "Anna..."

He just wanted to keep her safe.

Was she really going to deny him even that chance?

Anna gave him a cold glance. "You won't leave?"

"Then I will."

She grabbed Adrian's hand and turned to leave.

Her heart ached just as much.

She knew she was wronging Lucas.

But she had no other choice.

"Is he really that important to you?" Adrian's voice was low, laced with sarcasm.

"He's my stepfather."

"I have no choice."

"Hmph."

Adrian let out a cold laugh.

Stepfather?

Just a man with no blood relation.

Besides, that man had never treated her well.

Why go to such extremes for him?

They reached the car, and Anna released his hand.

Her voice was muffled. "Mr. Sinclair, let's discuss this somewhere else."

"You choose the place. Anywhere is fine."