Chapter 236

The alarm clock rang, and Anna Ross woke with a splitting headache.

She mechanically got out of bed and washed up.

She applied light makeup in the mirror.

The reflection showed a pale face with dark circles under her eyes.

She sighed, picked up her bag, and left.

In the company elevator, Noah Watson was startled by her appearance.

"Ms. Ross, are you alright?"

Anna forced a weak smile. "I'm fine. Just didn't sleep well last night."

She touched her face. The foundation couldn't hide her exhaustion.

Files were piled high on her desk.

She sorted through them absentmindedly.

Her gaze kept drifting toward the CEO's office.

The door remained tightly shut.

Was he not in today?

Her phone vibrated. A message from her mother.

"Anna, we'll be at the Lowell Manor in half an hour."

Anna gripped her phone tightly, her knuckles turning white.

It was too late to request time off now.

She quickly handled the urgent tasks.

She grabbed her bag and rushed out.

A taxi stopped at the hotel entrance.

Howard Lowell checked his watch impatiently.

"What took you so long?" He coldly pulled the car door open.

Anna silently helped her mother into the back seat.

The car's air was thick with strong perfume.

Vivian Lowell held her hand worriedly. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Anna shook her head. "Just didn't sleep well last night."

A cold snort came from the front seat.

The iron gates of the manor slowly opened.

Anna took a deep breath and followed them into the living room.

Footsteps echoed from the spiral staircase.

Adrian Sinclair stood on the steps, his gaze fixed on her.

Anna's heart skipped a beat.

He walked closer slowly, a slight smile on his lips.

"My little cousin is here too?"

Her nails dug into her palms.

She forced a smile.