Chapter 283

Adrian Sinclair had witnessed that scene years ago.

Her mother's ex-husband had threatened Vivian to force her into leaving.

They had already broken up by then.

Yet Adrian stubbornly refused to let go.

But she had no choice.

To protect her mother, she had to sever their connection ruthlessly.

"Anna, are you crying?"

At the hotel entrance, Vivian Lowell searched through her bag for tissues.

Anna Ross reached up and touched her cheek.

Her fingertips came away wet.

A self-mocking smile tugged at her lips.

Anna Ross, you weren't the one who got hurt.

What right do you have to cry?

She wiped her tears hastily.

"Mom, I'm fine," she reassured softly. "You should head upstairs. I need to get going."

Vivian studied her daughter with concern, guilt clouding her eyes.

"Anna, I'm sorry. I've become a burden to you."

Seeing her mother on the verge of tears again, Anna quickly explained, "Mom, I've never once thought of you as a burden. Please don't say that."

Vivian gently cupped her daughter's face, tears glistening in her eyes.

Having such a daughter was a blessing she felt she didn't deserve.

"Mom, please go up. I really have to leave now." Anna checked the time, her voice anxious yet reluctant to leave her mother alone outside.

Knowing her daughter had commitments, Vivian offered a few more words of care before entering the hotel.

Anna watched until her mother disappeared inside before turning away.

She walked slowly along the sidewalk.

The street was congested with traffic, horns blaring intermittently.

But she heard none of it.

Her mind was in turmoil.

Adrian appeared cold and distant on the surface.

Yet he had been helping her secretly all along.

If Howard Lowell hadn't told her, she would never have known about his assistance.

Buzz...

Her phone vibrated abruptly.

Seeing Adrian's name on the caller ID, her heart fluttered nervously.

After a moment's hesitation, she answered.

"Thank you for helping me. I'll remember this kindness."

She spoke before he could utter a word.

Silence lingered on the other end.

Adrian held the steering wheel with one hand.

It took him a second to comprehend her meaning.

He raised an eyebrow, responding coolly, "It was just a casual mention. No need for thanks."

Anna stopped walking, unsure how to reply.

"Where are you right now?" Adrian asked suddenly.

She glanced around blankly.

Spotting a landmark, she answered softly, "I'm at New World Town Square."

"Stay there. I'll come get you."

He hung up before she could respond.

Anna put her phone back in her bag and found a shaded spot under a tree to wait.

Soon, Adrian's car pulled up in front of her.

"Get in." He rolled down the window, frowning slightly at her under the tree.

Anna opened the car door.

The back seat was piled high with items.

She hesitated, unsure what to do.

Adrian's voice came from the driver's seat. "Sit up front. The back isn't available."

Resigned, she closed the door and took the passenger seat.

As she settled in, Adrian suddenly leaned toward her.

Anna, who was fastening her seatbelt, flinched backward.

"What are you doing?" she asked warily, her eyes fixed on him.