Chapter 340
Howard Lowell clicked his tongue in disapproval.
He quickly dismissed that thought.
Anna Ross must have done something wrong.
That was why Adrian Sinclair had thrown her out.
Anger flared in his eyes.
He strode over to Anna.
"Did he kick you out?"
Anna's voice was soft.
Softer than a passing breeze.
"Perhaps."
Howard slapped his thigh in frustration.
He glared at her with exasperation.
"You're still useful by his side!"
"How could you just let him throw you out?"
He had to find a way to fix this.
Anna didn't want to explain.
She gathered her things and went to find her workstation.
The moment the end-of-day bell chimed.
Her best friend's call came through.
Anna answered the phone.
Lively noise poured from the other end.
It sounded like a group gathering.
Mia Lawrence's voice chirped through.
"Anna, come join us!"
"It's so much fun over here."
Anna shook her head helplessly.
"I still have work."
"And my shift at the bar later."
"No time for outings."
Mia brushed it off.
"We're still setting up."
"Just come after your performance."
"I have good news for you."
Someone called for Mia in the background.
Before Anna could refuse.
Mia rushed her words.
"Anna, it's settled then!"
"Gotta go now."
"Come straight over."
The call ended.
Anna sighed.
She glanced at the documents on her desk.
She had seen the mysterious man at the bar again today.
He left early after her performance again.
It felt intentional, like he was avoiding her.
Anna checked the time.
Her friend's location pin arrived.
After a moment's hesitation, she hailed a cab.
A cold wind whipped through the air.
She tightened her coat.
The temperature difference between day and night was stark.
As unpredictable as human hearts.
Anna arrived at the destination.
A large crowd had already gathered.
Clearly a company event.
She turned to leave.
A voice called out to her.
"Anna, you made it?"
Anna looked back.
Lucas Evans stood among the crowd.
Smiling at her.
Mia rushed over and grabbed her arm.
"Don't be shy."
"I said I'd bring a friend."
"Everyone's really friendly."
Others chimed in enthusiastically.
"Mia's friend is our friend."
"Make yourself at home."
"Mia, since when do you have such a beautiful friend?"
"You never introduced us."
"Come sit over here."
"We saved you a spot."
Anna was surrounded by their warmth.
She suppressed her urge to leave.
Letting Mia pull her along.
She felt confused.
Why was Lucas here?
Wasn't this a company gathering?
Mia guided her.
"Anna, sit right here."
Her seat was right next to Lucas's.
Anna wanted to move.
But Mia already pressed her down into the chair.