Chapter 198

Adrian Sinclair ignored her exaggerated display.

His steps were steady.

But his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of Anna Ross.

And the man sitting opposite her.

His knuckles tightened instantly.

A faint cracking sound was heard.

Chloe Valentine's face paled.

She hurriedly grabbed his arm, trying to pull him outside.

His gaze remained firmly locked in that direction.

His eyes were dark and terrifying.

Chloe's throat tightened.

Right now, she just wanted to leave quickly.

Her hatred for Anna Ross deepened another level.

She shot a fierce glare toward that table.

If Anna hadn't appeared.

She should have been enjoying a romantic dinner with Adrian.

Everything was ruined.

She was secretly gritting her teeth.

Adrian suddenly shook off her hand.

Chloe felt a pang of panic.

She quickly put on a gentle expression.

"Adrian, can you take me home?"

She shyly reached for his hand.

But he raised his hand to avoid her.

He hailed a taxi.

"You go back first."

His face was calm.

But his tone carried a suppressed anger.

Chloe bit her lip.

She understood he was staying for Anna.

But she couldn't run into Julian Garnache.

After weighing her options, she had to leave first.

"Then I'm going back. You rest early."

"Hmm."

His response was cold.

Chloe got into the car unwillingly.

Adrian turned around.

He narrowed his eyes, staring intently at the two people chatting happily inside the restaurant.

His thin lips pressed into a tight line.

Anna's mouth felt dry from eating.

She took a sip of red wine.

Immediately frowned.

She wasn't good with alcohol.

Julian chuckled.

"If you can't drink, why didn't you say so? I'll get you some water."

"Thank you."

She took the water glass.

"I've hardly ever drunk alcohol."

Julian looked surprised.

"Aren't you working now? You must drink a little during social events."

Anna shook her head.

"If I really drink, I'll probably pass out after one glass."

"It's good for girls to drink less."

Julian's tone turned low.

"Some things happened to me abroad, and I ended up drinking."

He threw his head back and finished his drink.

His words struck a chord with Anna.

If not forced, who would want to do things they dislike?

Growing up means learning things you originally couldn't.

Her voice was muffled.

As memories flooded her mind.

A waiter carrying soup passed by.

He was bumped by someone else.

The hot soup was about to spill.

Julian quickly pulled her into his arms.

The waiter barely managed to steady the bowl.

Anna hurriedly stood up.

She took a napkin and wiped him.

"Are you burned?"

The waiter apologized repeatedly.

Julian just said it was fine.

He took the napkin and wiped himself.

"I'm sorry."

She looked at the stain, feeling guilty.

If not for her, he wouldn't have gotten dirty.

Julian gave a helpless smile.

"Silly girl, I'm fine. Protecting my little sister is what I should do. Let's eat first."

Outside the window.

That gaze was piercingly cold.