Chapter 369

Anna Ross did not look back.

She walked quickly away from the corridor.

She would pretend she never saw them.

She never heard those words.

Overthinking would only hurt her more.

Adrian Sinclair stood where he was.

His gaze was cold and heavy.

Chloe Valentine reached out to link her arm through his.

"Adrian, where were you last night?"

"I waited for you all night."

She blinked her eyes.

Feigning innocence and hurt.

Adrian pulled his arm back.

"I had business last night."

"I need to handle some work now."

He turned and walked away.

Chloe did not follow.

Her nails dug into her palms.

The engagement was approaching.

She had to endure this.

The position of Mrs. Sinclair would be hers alone.

Anna worked late.

The work in the Executive Assistant department was more exhausting than she imagined.

She checked the time.

She hurried to the bar.

The bar was unusually quiet.

The lights were off.

It was completely dark.

"Closed today?"

She fumbled for the light switch.

Her finger just touched it.

The lights suddenly blazed on.

"Happy Birthday!"

Mia Lawrence and Julian Garnache rushed out.

One held a cake.

The other carried a bouquet of flowers.

Many people surged out behind them.

The boss.

Colleagues.

Friends.

All smiling as they handed her gifts.

The gifts piled up like a small mountain.

Anna's eyes grew warm.

She had forgotten her own birthday.

"Don't cry, Anna!"

Mia pulled her to sit down.

"Today is for happiness!"

Everyone gathered around.

Offering their congratulations all at once.

Anna wiped her tears away.

She hugged her best friend tightly.

"Thank you all..."

Julian handed her a tissue.

"It was Mia's idea."

"She said you've been feeling down lately."

Anna held her even tighter.

Her best friend understood her best.

Lucas Evans walked from behind the crowd.

Holding an exquisite gift box.

"Anna, happy birthday."

He smiled as he offered the gift.

Anna looked at the box.

Remembering the last time she had refused him.