Chapter 168

"I need to go to work at the bar now." Anna Ross looked up at him. "Why don't you come to the bar and wait for me to finish my shift? I'll go to dinner with you after."

Her gaze held a cautious hope.

If he insisted she go with him immediately, she truly wouldn't know how to respond.

Adrian Sinclair remained silent for a long time.

Her heart gradually sank. "Or you could head back first? I'll come find you right after my shift."

"No need." He finally spoke. "I'll go with you to the bar."

He turned to get the car.

Anna's eyes lit up. She quickly pulled open the passenger door and got in.

She hadn't expected him to agree so easily.

He seemed different from before.

The entrance to The Royal Lounge was brilliantly lit.

The owner recognized Adrian immediately. "Well, look who it is! Our honored guest! Anna is performing tonight. Let me show you in!"

She led the way with excessive eagerness.

Adrian followed with an expressionless face.

Anna was already on stage.

The crowd below cheered incessantly.

Someone excitedly commented, "She's finally here! I didn't see her yesterday. I was heartbroken!"

Another nodded vigorously. "I come every day just to see her! If only she could be my girlfriend!"

Adrian shot a cold glance at the two men.

The owner seated him at the best table before leaving.

He sat alone on the plush sofa.

Stage lights enveloped Anna, casting a hazy veil around her.

Watching that familiar face, the corner of his lips lifted slightly.

Everything seemed to have changed.

Yet everything felt exactly the same.

"Handsome, are you here alone?" A coquettish voice suddenly sounded.

A strong wave of perfume hit him.

Adrian frowned in disgust. "Get lost if you value your life."

The woman was frightened by his glare. She hurried away.

Anna happened to witness the entire exchange.

Her eyelashes fluttered. A secret flicker of joy stirred deep within her.

After her shift, she主动 took Adrian's arm. "Let's go. Dinner is on me."

Her smile made him falter for a second.

It felt like they were back in their university days.

Inside the restaurant, she ordered all his favorite dishes.

They waited in comfortable silence.

Adrian's eyes rested on her. "Does Howard Lowell have something on you?"

Anna looked up.

He continued. "I can't think of any other reason you'd sell yourself out like this."

"...No." She lowered her head, playing with her fork and knife. "It's just because we're family now."

He let out a light laugh. "I don't believe that."

Such a clumsy lie. Only she could say it with a straight face.