Chapter 248

"Yes, ma'am!" Mia Lawrence giggled and waved, watching her friend step onto the stage.

She lifted her glass and took a small sip, lost in her best friend's moving vocals.

Life was simply perfect.

Fine drinks, cherished friends, a soaring career—what more could she ask for?

。。。。。。。。

Anna Ross finished the last note.

Her phone began vibrating wildly the moment she stepped off the stage.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Fearing a message from Adrian Sinclair, she quickly pulled out her phone.

The screen lit up.

The sender was actually Julian Garnache.

She stared at the plea for help, her brow furrowing unconsciously.

Mia leaned over for a glance and immediately laughed. "Wow, our Anna is so popular! Who is this Julian? And what's this about saving the day?"

Anna clutched her phone, seeing his anxious tone.

She grabbed her friend's arm and headed for the exit. "He's an old neighbor from my childhood. He runs a bar in New York now."

Mia knew better than to pry and followed her out quickly.

They found the bar using the location pin and both gasped in unison.

Mia covered her mouth in shock. "Anna, this is nothing like the bars you usually perform at! This is like a palace!"

Though surprised, Anna found it made sense given Julian's family background. "Don't just stand there. Let's go in."

They had just stepped through the main entrance when Julian rushed to meet them.

His eyes lit up at the sight of Anna. "Little Anna, I knew you'd come to my rescue."

Anna was about to speak when she felt a sharp pain in her hand.

Mia was gripping it tightly, her eyes fixed on Julian, her face a picture of stunned admiration.

"Mia?" Anna whispered a reminder.

Mia snapped out of it. "I-I'm fine." But her gaze remained glued to Julian.

This look, this aura—he was exactly her type!

Mia's fingers trembled with excitement.

Julian checked his watch, urgency in his voice. "We're short on time. Come inside first."

Anna hurried on stage and began to sing.

The moment her voice filled the room, the entire bar's atmosphere ignited.

The audience erupted in wild cheers, whistles echoing throughout.

In a dimly lit booth, a pair of cold eyes locked fiercely onto the stage.

The gaze was so sharp it seemed ready to devour the performer alive.

"Mr. Sinclair, this drink was specially prepared for you." A man beside him urged him to drink, noticing his stare and offering a suggestive smile. "Interested in that girl? I can arrange an introduction."

Adrian Sinclair withdrew his gaze and lifted his glass casually. "Not necessary."

The man immediately fell silent.

Everyone knew this man's temper. He didn't dare provoke him.

The performance ended.

Anna spotted the two waiting below and walked over quickly.

Julian spread his arms wide to greet her. "Little Anna, you never fail to amaze."

Anna deftly avoided the hug.

He didn't seem bothered, just laughed and ruffled her hair. "As a thank you, let me treat you both to a late supper."

"No need..." Anna thought of Lucas Evans's warning, afraid of getting Julian involved.

Before she could finish her refusal, Mia eagerly accepted. "Sure!"