Chapter 362

Lucas Evans set down his teacup.

He had just learned about Adrian Sinclair's upcoming engagement.

If the news was true, Anna Ross should be able to completely escape the shadows.

He looked at her, his gaze gentle.

Anna's fingertips trembled slightly.

She pushed the velvet box back toward him.

"This necklace is too valuable. It's not practical for me to wear during work."

Her voice was soft, yet left no room for argument.

Lucas's fingers tightened.

The edge of the box dug painfully into his palm.

He forced a smile. "It's alright. We can discuss it when you need it."

The air grew still.

Outside the window, night deepened. Neon lights swept across the curtains.

Anna stared down at the tablecloth's pattern.

Lucas absently traced the rim of his teacup.

A phone vibration shattered the silence.

Anna immediately grabbed her phone.

She didn't even check the caller ID. "Hello?"

Loud music blasted from the other end.

Sophia Roscente's tearful voice came through. "Anna, I'm at Glamour Bar... Can you come get me?"

The background noise was chaotic.

Anna shot to her feet.

She snatched her coat in a hurry.

"Stay right where you are. I'm on my way."

She shoved her feet into her shoes and rushed out.

Lucas quickly followed.

"Let me drive you. It's not safe to get a cab at night."

He held the door open and signaled the driver to start the engine.

Anna hesitated for a second.

The bar district was notorious. Having a car would be safer.

She murmured her thanks and slid into the back seat.

The driver glanced at them through the rearview mirror.

He silently adjusted the GPS. "To Glamour Bar?"

Anna nodded. "Please hurry."

The tires rolled over the damp streets.

Neon signs flowed like a river across the car windows.

Lucas secretly watched her profile.

She clutched her phone tightly, her knuckles turning white.

Outside Glamour Bar.

Sophia hung up the phone and sighed.

She turned and pushed open the private room door.

Adrian Sinclair was slumped on the sofa.

An empty whiskey bottle lay overturned beside his hand.

Marcus Hill tried to grab the bottle. "Stop drinking!"

Adrian brushed his hand away.

Sophia knelt down to look at him.

"If you don't want to marry Chloe Valentine, why not talk to Grandpa and make it clear?"

Her voice choked with tears.

Adrian tilted his head back and took another swig.

Amber liquid trailed down his jawline.

He laughed hoarsely. "Make it clear?"

His eyes were bloodshot.