Chapter 237

Howard Lowell put on a smile. "Adrian, Anna is my daughter. It's perfectly reasonable for me to bring her here."

A hypocritical curve hung on his lips, his eyes filled with disdain.

Adrian Sinclair nodded in understanding. His gaze swept over her face before settling on Howard. "Uncle, Grandpa is waiting in the living room. Please come in."

Howard straightened his suit. Vivian carefully smoothed his collar for him.

Only after ensuring everything was perfect did the three of them step inside.

Anna stayed close to her mother's side, deliberately ignoring the gaze burning into her back.

Adrian watched for a moment before slowly following.

The elder Lowell was taking his medication and paid no attention to the newcomers. Howard signaled for everyone to be quiet.

They all sat down silently to wait.

Adrian casually took a seat in a single armchair. His lips curved into a slight smile when his eyes met Anna's.

She immediately looked away.

With so many eyes present, how dare he be so blatant?

She glanced toward the elder. A servant was collecting the medicine bottle and water glass.

Howard immediately spoke up eagerly. "Dad, I came all the way from San Francisco to see you. How have you been feeling lately?"

The elder snorted coldly, keeping his eyes closed. "Can't you see for yourself?"

The atmosphere instantly froze. Howard forced an awkward laugh. "It's just some minor issues. Your constitution has always been very robust."

Anna lowered her eyes to hide her sarcasm.

Her usually arrogant stepfather was actually this obsequious in front of his own father.

It seemed the elder was truly deeply disappointed in this son, just as Adrian had said.

Howard took Vivian's hand to introduce them. "Dad, this is my wife, Vivian, and my daughter, Anna. We didn't have time to come back when we got married. We specifically came to see you today."

The elder glanced at them, his expression indifferent.

Vivian quickly greeted him with her daughter. "Dad." She gave her daughter a gentle push. "Anna, say hello to your grandfather."

Anna reluctantly spoke in a soft voice. "Grandfather."

The elder gave a slight nod and said nothing more.

She assumed he was just tired from his illness and didn't think much of it.

Howard made small talk with the elder. She couldn't contribute to the conversation.

Just as she was starting to feel bored, the light in front of her dimmed.

Adrian had somehow come to her side. He signaled for her to follow him.

Seeing her mother was engrossed in conversation, she quietly stood up.

They stopped at the staircase landing. He kept one hand in his pocket, his voice low. "What is his real purpose for coming this time?"

Her heart had been pounding over how to explain her absence from work. She looked up in surprise. He wasn't here to reprimand her for leaving without permission.