Chapter 164

A cold threat came through the phone. "You dare to disobey me? You don't care about your mother's safety anymore?"

"You!" Anna Ross trembled with rage.

Howard Lowell chuckled triumphantly. "Don't think I haven't noticed. That young man is particularly taken with you. With a little effort on your part, he'll be completely wrapped around your finger!"

She knew exactly what he was after. He simply wanted to use her to control Adrian Sinclair.

"I can't do it," she said, her voice shaking. "What makes you so sure he feels differently about me? I suggest you abandon this idea now."

Howard exploded in fury. "Fine! Since you refuse to cooperate, don't blame me for what happens to your mother!"

"Don't touch my mom!" she cried out, her voice breaking. "I'll do it... I'll try my best."

"That's more like it. Remember your promise. Otherwise..." Howard ended the call with a cold laugh.

Anna leaned weakly against the wall. She would do anything to keep her mother safe.

She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and turned to leave the hallway.

She immediately collided with a solid chest.

Her head snapped up, meeting Adrian Sinclair's intense gaze.

"When did you get here?" Her voice was tight, afraid he might have overheard the call.

The air froze instantly. Even the sound of the wind seemed amplified.

Adrian studied her flustered expression. She looked so guilty. Had she been doing something behind his back?

Seeing his silence, Anna bit her lower lip gently. "Thank you for the branch company matter. Since you've kept your word, I will honor my promise as well."

Her cheeks flushed, though it was unclear if it was from embarrassment or fear.

"What promise?" He raised an eyebrow, leaning closer, taking in every subtle reaction.

She looked like a startled fawn, making him want to tease her.

He knew it might be a trap, yet he found himself willingly walking into it. He even felt the urge to touch her flushed cheek.

His eyes darkened. He hadn't originally planned to let the branch company off the hook. But seeing her helpless expression, he had softened.

Anna lifted her gaze and slowly moved closer. Her slender arms wrapped around his neck, her eyes shimmering with tenderness.

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed. He narrowed his eyes dangerously. "I didn't expect such initiative from my Executive Assistant, Anna." He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace.

Anna trembled slightly but maintained a charming smile. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Chloe Valentine approaching from a distance.