Chapter 36

Anna Ross gently touched her cheek.

She didn't mention fainting.

She didn't want her mother to worry more.

"It's just work exhaustion," she said, forcing a smile as she guided Vivian Lowell to the sofa.

Her body felt weak, and standing too long made her dizzy.

Vivian immediately frowned.

"I told you not to overwork yourself," she scolded gently. "Your health comes first."

Anna leaned into her mother's embrace.

"I know," she murmured softly. "I'll be more careful."

Only with her mother could she truly relax.

Vivian patted her back.

Her movements were as gentle as soothing a baby.

"How could I ever be angry with you," she sighed.

Anna's nose tingled with emotion.

Her desire to escape grew stronger.

"Has Adrian Sinclair been giving you trouble?" Vivian suddenly asked.

She held her daughter at arm's length, studying her face.

Anna squeezed her mother's hand.

"No," she said firmly. "It really is just work fatigue."

Vivian finally relaxed.

Anna smiled quietly to herself.

She could never reveal the truth.

Otherwise, her mother would blame herself even more.

"Where is he?" Anna glanced around.

Howard Lowell was nowhere to be seen.

Vivian's expression darkened.

Pain stabbed through her heart.

Tears welled in her eyes.

Guilt threatened to overwhelm her.

She had failed her daughter in so many ways.

"Mom?" Anna noticed her distress.

She quickly reached for tissues.

Vivian turned away.

"He went out," she said quietly. "Don't worry."

Anna breathed a sigh of relief.

At least she wouldn't have to face her stepfather's interrogation.

Vivian suddenly embraced her daughter.

"Anna," her voice choked with emotion. "You've suffered so much."

Anna gently patted her mother's back.

"It's alright," she comforted softly. "We'll leave this place soon."

She could endure any hardship for their freedom.

A phone suddenly rang.