Chapter 269

Lucas Evans paused, his gaze falling on the document she handed him.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "What's this?"

Anna Ross blurted out, "I'm here to deliver a file. Is this the right place?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized something was wrong.

Adrian Sinclair had explicitly rejected the collaboration today. What was the purpose of this document then?

"No, there's no collaboration between our companies." Lucas frowned slightly, his eyes still fixed on the file in her hand.

Right now, it wasn't the file that concerned him. It was something else entirely.

"It's not?" Anna was confused.

She was certain she had the right room number.

She checked the doorplate again and suddenly understood.

This was room 8088. Chloe Valentine had said 8808.

Lucas watched her frustrated expression and asked softly, "Anna, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I misread the room number. Sorry." Anna turned quickly, annoyed at her own carelessness.

Not only had she made a mistake, but she had also wasted time.

"Anna, wait!" Lucas hurried after her.

Anna looked back, her eyes questioning.

He maintained his gentle smile. "Would you like to come in for a moment?"

Realizing it might seem inappropriate, he added, "Don't misunderstand. I just thought we could talk."

She was single again, yet he rarely had the chance to spend time with her.

A bitter feeling rose in Lucas's heart.

He wouldn't easily let go of the girl he had loved for years.

Anna remembered he had lost the collaboration because of her today. Guilt washed over her.

"Lucas, I..." Her fingers tapped lightly on the hard cover of the file. She finally shook her head. "I won't come in. I have things to do after delivering this. Thank you for the offer."

She understood his feelings. That was exactly why she needed to keep her distance.

Besides, her shift at the bar was about to start. Any more delay and she would be late.

Lucas was silent for a moment, then smiled. "Then I'll walk with you to deliver the file."

He turned to close his door, ready to accompany her.

Anna quickly stopped him. "There's no need. The room is just ahead. I can go by myself."

Lucas was quiet for a beat. He didn't insist, speaking gently instead. "Can you come find me after you deliver it? There's something I want to say to you."

Anna looked down, considering. Her voice was soft. "Lucas, you know... I still have to go to work at the bar. I'm afraid..."