Chapter 224

"Sister, I think I'll wait a bit longer." Sophia Roscente clenched her fingers, her voice trembling. "I'm too scared to say it."

Anna Ross gently held her hand.

"Don't be afraid." Her voice was soft, yet carried strength. "Your mother disciplines you because she loves you. No one in this world cares more about you than she does."

She looked out the window.

Sunlight streamed through the car window, falling on Sophia's tense face.

"I'll be with you."

Sophia took a deep breath, as if making a firm decision.

She took out her phone and quickly dialed a number.

"Cousin." Her voice choked with tears. "I'm going to confess to my mom... Can you come?"

Anna's fingertips tightened slightly.

A low response came from the other end of the line.

She lowered her eyes, not catching the rest of the words.

Her heartbeat inexplicably quickened.

Sophia hung up the phone, her entire body relaxing.

"With Cousin here, my mom definitely won't dare to lay a hand on me." She smiled slyly, revealing two shallow dimples.

Anna hesitated to speak.

She remembered Adrian Sinclair's cold profile.

"Will he really help you?"

Sophia blinked.

"Probably?" She tilted her head uncertainly. "Anyway, having an extra person for courage is always good."

She leaned against Anna's shoulder like a spoiled child.

Outside the window, the scenery sped backward.

Anna recalled last night's brief encounter.

Her fingertips curled unconsciously.

"We're here." The driver reminded them.

The villa stood deep within the greenery.

Anna had heard of Sophia's mother.

A famous businesswoman in New York, decisive and efficient.

She was slightly lost in thought.

Such a life was once what she dreamed of.

"Let's go." Sophia took her hand.

A woman in a cheongsam sat in the living room.

Her back was straight, her demeanor graceful.

Sophia took a deep breath.

"Mom." Her voice sounded somewhat weak.

Cecilia Roscente turned at the sound.

Seeing her daughter, her brows suddenly furrowed.

"Sophia?" She stood up, her eyes full of astonishment. "Weren't you supposed to be abroad?"

Anna observed her quietly.

Elegant yet sharp.

Beautiful, but not easily approachable.

Footsteps sounded from behind.

All three turned their heads simultaneously.

Adrian Sinclair stood at the doorway.

His gaze swept past Anna, lingering briefly.

Anna looked away.

He also tacitly remained silent.

Cecilia's frown deepened.

"Adrian?" Her eyes moved between the two. "What on earth is going on?"