Chapter 280

Howard Lowell cleared his throat softly.

His gaze locked onto her.

"Don't be nervous. Just tell me the truth."

If this succeeded, his career would skyrocket.

The plan was flawless.

Anna Ross turned her face away.

She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Two quiet words escaped her lips. "No."

Disappointment flickered in Howard's eyes.

He quickly suppressed his suspicion.

Perhaps the girl was lying.

Otherwise, why would Adrian Sinclair speak up for him?

He lifted his teacup and took a slow sip.

Leaning back against the sofa, he relaxed. "It's fine."

"Just stay by his side."

Anna's fingers clenched abruptly. "But you promised—"

He cut her off mid-sentence.

Howard crossed his legs.

A deep, calculating look settled in his eyes. "Anna."

"It's time you grew up."

He watched her sideways. "Getting into the company is just the beginning."

"What comes next still depends on you."

Anna bit her lower lip hard.

She should have seen his true nature long ago.

Only profit mattered to him.

"I'm just an executive assistant."

She turned toward the window.

Her chest felt tight and aching. "I can't help with work matters."

Howard suddenly laughed. "Precisely because you're his assistant."

He leaned forward, closing the distance. "That's what makes you crucial."

Anna whipped her head around.

She met his dark, intense stare. "What exactly are you trying to achieve at headquarters?"

Howard stood and walked to the window.

He pressed his palm against the glass.

His eyes fixed fiercely on the scene below.

"Taking back what's rightfully mine."

His voice turned icy. "Seizing control of the company."

"Making Adrian Sinclair disappear."

His shoulders shook with silent laughter.

He seemed utterly confident of victory.

Anna's nails dug into the sofa cushions.

A cold dread spread through her body.

She had unknowingly become an accomplice.

She was pushing Adrian straight into a trap.

She covered her mouth.

Swallowing back the sob in her throat.

Howard paced back to stand before her.

A faint smile played on his lips. "I understand your difficulties."

He glanced around the room.

Lowering his voice, he whispered. "After everything is done."

"Those account books are yours to handle."

The offer was tempting enough.

He was certain she would agree.