Chapter 212

Howard Lowell observed everything with a hidden sense of satisfaction.

So there really was something going on between these two.

"Adrian, the branch office was suddenly investigated recently. Have you heard anything about it?" He feigned confusion, frowning slightly.

Adrian Sinclair paused briefly while picking up food with his fork and knife.

He didn't answer immediately.

They both knew the truth. There was no need to ask.

Since the other wanted to play dumb, he was happy to play along.

"I haven't heard anything either." He chewed his food slowly, his brow slightly furrowed. "I didn't expect something like this to happen. The branch office wasn't found to have any problems, was it?"

Howard's expression darkened instantly.

The instigator dared to ask such a question to his face. It was clearly meant to mock him.

"No, the investigation was halted midway." He downed a glass of wine, trying to suppress his anger.

Anna Ross kept her head down, eating quietly while inwardly marveling at their acting skills.

They were both pretending to be clueless.

But it seemed Adrian had made her stepfather eat humble pie again.

A strange sense of satisfaction rose in her heart, as if someone had avenged her.

Halfway through the meal, Adrian set down his utensils and elegantly pulled out a napkin.

"Aren't you going to see Grandpa while you're here? He often mentions you. He must miss you a lot."

His movements while wiping his mouth exuded an air of nobility. Anna couldn't help but admire it inwardly.

Howard forced a dry laugh. "I won't disturb his rest today. I'll visit him tomorrow."

The old man didn't miss him. He was clearly waiting to reprimand him.

He needed to speed up his plans. Otherwise, everything in the Lowell family would really fall into this guy's hands.

Seeing Adrian fall silent, he quickly changed the subject.

"Adrian, thank you for taking care of Anna here. Let me propose a toast to you."

Anna's heart tightened. She didn't understand why he had to drag her into this.

But now wasn't the time to say anything.

The man across from her, however, seemed intrigued.

He raised an eyebrow at her, a slight smile playing on his lips. "You're too kind, Uncle. Taking care of my cousin is only natural."

He deliberately drew out the last word. The ordinary term of address took on a different meaning coming from him.

Anna buried her head deeper, ignoring his deliberate provocation.

Vivian Lowell added more food to her plate.

She continued eating in silence.

Howard observed for a moment, feeling increasingly certain.

If this was really the case, things would be much easier going forward.

Adrian saw through his thoughts and smirked coldly.

He swirled his red wine glass leisurely. "Uncle, what brings you to New York so suddenly?"

Howard was momentarily speechless.

The air suddenly grew tense.

Vivian, afraid of giving anything away, smiled calmly. "It's nothing important. I just missed Anna and came to see her."

Anna stared at her mother, lost in thought.

She knew perfectly well their visit was far more complicated than that.