Chapter 165

Chloe Valentine scanned the area, searching for Adrian Sinclair.

She spotted the two of them standing together.

A throbbing pulse began at her temples.

Her teeth ground together audibly.

Her eyes locked onto Anna Ross with lethal intensity.

It felt as if she could tear her to pieces.

How dare she try to steal her man.

The audacity was unbelievable.

She nearly charged forward to rip that face apart.

But as she lifted her foot, her mother's warning echoed in her mind.

She couldn't act impulsively now.

It would only push Adrian further away.

A calculated glint flashed in her eyes.

She slowly halted her steps.

A new idea began to form.

There was no need to rush.

She had all the time in the world to play this game.

Chloe adjusted her expression.

A sweet smile returned to her face.

She approached with graceful steps.

Feigning surprise, she spoke.

"Adrian, what are you two doing here?"

Adrian's gaze flickered slightly.

He remained silent.

His grip on Anna's hand didn't loosen in the slightest.

Anna glared at him, furious.

She tried to pull away.

But it was useless.

He was absolutely doing this on purpose.

Chloe noticed their joined hands.

Disgust flashed in her eyes.

But she masked it quickly.

She skillfully maneuvered between them.

Her right hand subtly pushed Anna aside.

She positioned herself next to Adrian.

Deliberately creating a barrier between them.

Adrian casually slipped his hand back into his pocket.

His eyes still lingered on Anna.

His tone was calm.

"Executive Assistant Ross nearly fell just now. I steadied her."

Anna shot him an indignant look.

She was impressed by how effortlessly he lied.

Chloe caught that subtle expression.

She fought the urge to strangle the other woman.

She forced a dry laugh.

"Is that so? The company floors can be slippery. You should be more careful, Executive Assistant Ross."

Anna gave a slight nod.

"Thank you, Mr. Sinclair. I have work to attend to. I'll take my leave. Please continue your conversation."

She turned and walked away.

Internally relieved.

Her objective was achieved.

There was no need to stay any longer.

After she left, Chloe looked up to speak to Adrian.

But she found his gaze still following that retreating figure.

A sharp pain pierced her heart.

She forced a smile.

Maintaining her usual sweet demeanor.

She gently shook his arm, coquettishly.

"Adrian, I came here specifically to see you. Why won't you even look at me?"

Adrian finally looked down at her.

His tone was flat.

"There's a lot happening at the company. I don't have time."

Chloe gritted her teeth.

This was clearly an excuse.

She feigned hesitation, lowering her head.

"Adrian, there's something I'm not sure if I should mention. It's about Executive Assistant Ross."

"What is it?" he responded immediately.

Seeing his instant concern, her heart ached with bitterness.

But her voice was filled with feigned pity.

"It seems she's having a hard time financially. I heard she has to work at a bar every night. I'm not sure what exactly she does there, but it seems quite pitiful."

Noticing his darkening expression, she felt a secret thrill.

She sighed dramatically.

"But she is very pretty. She must be quite popular at the bar. Do you think... maybe she's already under some sort of sugar arrangement?"

She exaggeratedly covered her mouth.

Her eyes intently watched for any change in his expression.