Chapter 258

Anna Ross froze in place, her heart almost stopping.

He really did speak up for her.

Howard Lowell's low voice came through the receiver again. "You've been doing well lately, but don't slack off. Keep working to ruin his engagement with the Valentine family. It's best if he becomes completely yours."

Completely his...

Anna silently repeated the words, a bitter smile touching her lips. Other things might have a way out, but this one was absolutely impossible.

She rubbed her sore shoulders and replied softly, "I'll do my best. In fact... I'm already finding ways to drive a wedge between their feelings."

Howard burst into loud laughter, making her eardrums ache. "Good! You really are my good daughter!"

Anna stared blankly at the desk. When did she learn to say one thing and mean another?

The simple, straightforward self she used to be seemed increasingly distant. Was this the price she had to pay for growing up?

Hearing her silence, Howard thought she was resisting. He put out his cigarette and sneered coldly. "As long as you can accomplish this, your mother's debts will be wiped clean."

"Really?" Anna almost dropped her phone.

This was the promise she had dreamed of. If it really came true, she could take her mother far away and completely escape this life of constant fear.

But doubt quickly arose in her. "You promise you won't go back on your word? As long as I ruin the engagement, you'll let my mother go?"

Howard laughed with confidence. "Why would I lie to you? As long as you obey, you'll naturally get your rewards."

Something she had hoped for for so long suddenly becoming reality felt unreal instead.

She took a deep breath and looked toward the office at the end of the hallway. Gritting her teeth, she said, "Fine, I'll stop Adrian Sinclair's marriage alliance with the Valentine family. You must keep your promise too."

As long as her mother could be free.

Adrian stood at the corner, hearing every word she said. His heart felt like it was being squeezed tightly, numb with pain.

So everything she did had a purpose. So she was working for Howard.

So she didn't like him at all, and it wasn't jealousy. It was all planned...

From beginning to end, it was all his own wishful thinking.

He stared at her back, his eyes slightly red. Resentment and despair churned in his chest.

Anna's legs were numb from standing. As soon as she turned around, she crashed into a pair of bottomless eyes. Her breath caught.

How long had he been here? Had he been standing here since she said she would ruin the engagement?

Anna stood rigid, unable to move.

Howard was still chattering on the other end of the line, but she couldn't hear a word. She hung up in a panic.

Adrian's lips curled into a mocking smile. He stepped closer. Anna retreated in alarm, but her waist hit the desk. There was no escape.

"Anna Ross, I heard everything just now." He stared at her intently, his jaw clenched. "So this morning, when you targeted Chloe Valentine, it wasn't because you liked me."