Chapter 385

Anna Ross breathed a sigh of relief, a faint smile touching her lips.

"That's good. I thought—"

"Don't overthink it," Lucas Evans cut her off quickly, his tone deliberately soft.

"Are you hungry? I can get you something to eat."

He was afraid she would ask him to leave the next second.

He couldn't control his own feelings.

The affection he felt years ago had never faded.

Since their reunion, it had only grown more intense, overwhelming him like a tidal wave.

Anna was indeed hungry.

But—

"No, thank you," she said, turning her face away, her voice dropping slightly.

"Adrian Sinclair... he already went to get some."

He had let her go earlier and went straight downstairs to buy breakfast.

If he returned and found Lucas here, she couldn't imagine the scene that would follow.

Lucas's eyes dimmed, his fingers tightening slightly.

"You two... made up?"

Even after all these years apart, that man's gaze still held possessiveness when he looked at her.

If there were no lingering feelings, why would he be so wary of anyone getting close to her?

Anna shook her head quickly, though a faint shadow of sadness flickered in her eyes.

"No. Doesn't he already have a fiancée?"

As the words left her mouth, she froze.

The bitterness hidden in that statement startled even herself.

She clenched the sheets and fell silent.

Lucas felt a sharp pang in his heart.

He suddenly realized Anna's attitude toward Adrian had already subtly changed.

The fear from before had dissipated, replaced by something far more complex.

He clenched his fist, feeling as if something was slipping through his fingers.

Outside the window, the sky was gray and overcast, thick clouds swallowing the sunlight completely.

Anna disliked this oppressive atmosphere and was about to get up to close the curtains when the hospital room door opened.

Vivian Lowell and Howard Lowell walked in one after the other.

"Anna! How did you get hurt like this?" Vivian tossed her bag aside and rushed to the bedside, her hands trembling as she checked her daughter's injuries.

Howard had claimed she was faking illness just to keep Adrian tied down.

But her pale complexion and the bandaged wounds showed no sign of pretense.

Vivian's eyes reddened, her voice choked with emotion.

"You said it wasn't serious? You're in the hospital!"

Anna forced a weak smile, trying to reassure her softly.

"Really, it's nothing, Mom. Don't worry."

But Vivian pressed further.

"What exactly happened? Was someone trying to—"

Anna's fingers twitched.

The terror from last night rushed back.

If Adrian hadn't arrived in time...

She didn't dare think about it, only gripping her mother's hand tightly.

"It's over now."

Vivian finally noticed Lucas standing nearby and asked hesitantly, "And this is...?"

Howard shot a cold glance his way.

He had noticed this unfamiliar man the moment they entered.

Whoever he was, if he dared to interfere with the plan, Howard wouldn't hesitate to remove him.

Lucas took a step forward, nodding politely.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm Lucas Evans, Anna's university classmate and friend."