Chapter 29

Lucas Evans met his challenging gaze.

He couldn't shake the feeling Adrian Sinclair was performing.

Putting on a show just for him.

"I need to take this call."

Lucas excused himself from the group.

He rose from his seat and left.

Adrian leaned back into his chair.

A shadow fell over his eyes.

Anna Ross rushed into the restroom.

She splashed cold water on her face.

Trying to wash away the humiliation Adrian had inflicted.

She looked up at the mirror.

The reflection showed disheveled hair.

A pale complexion.

Not even a trace of lipstick.

She had been in too much of a hurry this morning.

There was no time to prepare.

This disheveled appearance.

Was utterly embarrassing.

"Whatever."

She whispered to comfort herself.

"None of this matters anyway."

She finished washing her hands.

And prepared to leave.

Lucas stepped out of the private room.

He searched for Anna.

He had so many questions for her.

How had she been these past two years.

What exactly was going on with Adrian.

If Adrian was treating her poorly.

Then he...

"Lucas?"

Anna emerged from the restroom.

Surprised to see him.

She instinctively smoothed her hair.

Trying to hide her disarray.

Lucas watched her silently.

His heart ached.

His nose tingled with emotion.

He wanted to hold her.

To tell her she could lean on him.

But in the end, he only smiled.

"Don't bother."

His voice was gentle.

"You look beautiful just like this."

Anna paused.

Her hands dropped to her sides.

"Sorry."

She forced a smile.

"I didn't have time to get ready today."

"You're overthinking it."

Lucas maintained his smile.

"You're the most beautiful even without any preparation."

"Thanks for the consolation."

Anna lifted the corners of her mouth.

But the smile didn't reach her eyes.

Lucas's fingers trembled slightly.

He curled them into a fist.

"These past two years..."

He hesitated.

"How have you been?"

He still didn't dare ask about Adrian.

Anna laughed softly.

"Pretty good."

She said.

"After graduation, I stayed with my mom."

"Found a job."

"Everything's been fine."

Lucas watched her smile.

It felt like a mask.

He wanted to tear it away to see the truth.

"Enough about me."

Anna started walking forward.

"What about you?"

She remembered their earlier unfinished conversation.

Lucas kept pace with her.

He sighed quietly.

"My last two years have been rather legendary."

He tried to lighten the mood.

"Want to hear about it?"

Anna's interest was piqued.

"How legendary?"

"Well, that's a long story..."