Chapter 23

Adrian Sinclair's gaze was icy cold.

He ignored the other man's words completely.

Anna Ross stood by the roadside.

The night wind tangled her hair.

She waited a long time.

Finally, she hailed a taxi.

She opened the door and slid inside.

Exhausted, she leaned back against the seat.

She needed to get home quickly.

The late-night streets were empty and silent.

She wondered if her mother was already asleep.

When she reached the manor, the living room lights were still on.

Her heart tightened.

She quickened her steps into the house.

Vivian Lowell sat alone on the sofa.

Her figure looked frail.

Anna's nose stung with emotion.

Her mother had waited up for her again.

She took a steadying breath.

"Mom, I'm home," she called out softly.

Vivian turned at the sound.

A relieved smile touched her lips.

She stood and approached her daughter.

She gently smoothed Anna's hair.

"Anna, why were you working so late tonight?"

Worry filled Vivian's eyes.

She suspected Howard Lowell had given Anna a hard time.

Anna guided her mother back to the sofa.

"It was a data issue," she explained quietly.

"It needed to be fixed tonight."

She hid the conflict with Adrian.

She didn't want her mother to worry.

"I'm just glad you're home."

Vivian took her bag.

"Go get cleaned up and rest."

Suddenly, a cold voice came from the stairs.

"Why are you back?"

Howard Lowell descended.

Vivian's face instantly paled.

Her body trembled slightly.

Anna gripped her mother's hand tightly.

She met Howard's gaze.

"Isn't it stranger to not come home this late?"

Her tone was calm, but her eyes held an edge.

Howard studied her.

He casually crossed his legs.

"Adrian Sinclair took you away."

"I thought you wouldn't be returning."

Anna's fingers trembled slightly.

A cold feeling spread through her heart.

In the eyes of her nominal father, they were just pawns.

Vivian looked at her daughter in surprise.

She realized Anna had lied.

Howard continued his interrogation.

"Who did Adrian Sinclair meet today?"

Anna lowered her eyes.

"We did nothing," she whispered.

She wanted no part in this power struggle.

She only craved a peaceful life.

But fate never gave her a choice.