Chapter 249

Mia Lawrence tightened her grip on Anna Ross’s wrist, refusing to let her break free.

Julian Garnache chuckled softly, warmth shimmering in his eyes. “Anna, your friend is quite amusing.”

His laughter made Mia’s ears burn crimson. Her heart raced wildly, her breathing turning uneven.

“Don’t just stand there. I’ve already booked a private room. It’s the perfect time to head over.” Julian put away his phone and gestured for them to follow.

Mia shoved her bag back into Anna’s arms, but her gaze remained fixed on Julian. A smile tugged persistently at her lips.

Anna was about to speak when she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching rapidly from the corner of her eye—Adrian Sinclair. Her entire body stiffened. Instinctively, she tried to retreat.

“Julian, I just remembered something urgent. I’m afraid I can’t make it for dinner today…” Her words tumbled out quickly as she turned to leave.

Before Julian could process her words, Anna had already taken several steps.

A heavy feeling settled in her chest. Why did she run into him everywhere? It was as if he had planted a tracker on her. There was no escape.

After just two seconds, she realized she couldn’t move. She glanced back and saw Mia clutching the hem of her shirt tightly.

“Mia, let go!” Her voice trembled with urgency. Adrian was already right in front of them.

Mia also noticed Adrian and froze, releasing her grip.

But it was too late. Adrian stopped three steps away. His cold gaze swept over Julian before finally locking onto Anna’s face. “What a coincidence. I keep running into you everywhere.”

Anna pressed her lips together, scoffing inwardly. Coincidence? This was nothing but a toxic relationship.

“Adrian Sinclair?” Julian stepped forward, shielding Anna behind him. His tone was guarded. “I remember you.”

After their last encounter, he had looked into this man. His background was complex, his influence substantial. No wonder Anna always looked like she’d seen a ghost whenever he appeared.

Seeing Julian’s protective stance, Adrian’s eyes darkened. A faint, mocking smile touched his lips. “I have some private matters to discuss with her. I need to take her with me now.”

He reached out and pulled Anna from behind Julian. She stumbled forward, keeping her head down, not daring to look at anyone. But her other hand was still held by Julian.

“Julian…” She looked up, her voice weak.

Julian tightened his grip on her wrist, glaring coldly at Adrian. “She’s a person, not an object for you to toss around.”

Trapped between the two men, Anna felt suffocated. Adrian had completely lost his patience. He stared down at her. “Your choice. Come with me, or stay?”

Mia charged forward angrily. “Adrian, who do you think you are to pressure her like this? Does having money make you special?”

Anna quickly grasped her arm, interrupting softly. “Stop arguing… I really do have matters to settle with him.”

She gently freed her hand from Julian’s grasp and forced a smile. “It’s fine. You two go ahead to dinner.”

“Anna!” Mia called out, her voice filled with concern.

Anna didn’t look back. She spoke quietly to the person behind her. “Let’s go.”

Seeing her distant demeanor, an inexplicable anger flared within Adrian. His expression icy, he followed her.

Julian frowned deeply, about to pursue them, but Mia grabbed his arm.

“Julian, don’t go.” She shook her head, lowering her voice. “Let them resolve it themselves. Anna knows what she’s doing.”