Chapter 39

Howard Lowell violently shoved Vivian Lowell onto the couch.

A savage glint flashed in his eyes.

His hand rose to strike her.

The thought of being deceived by a mere pillow for so long made his rage boil over.

How dare this useless woman who couldn't even bear a son defy him?

Anna Ross threw herself over her mother, shielding Vivian with her own body.

Her eyes were red-rimmed. Her entire frame trembled.

Howard's movement halted abruptly. He forced his hand down.

This girl was still useful. He couldn't touch her.

Anna helped her mother up, her voice shaking. "You promised you wouldn't hit her again!"

She was like a small animal baring its spikes, staring fixedly at Howard.

Howard's face was dark. He glared at Vivian. "I didn't hit her, did I?"

He brushed everything off lightly.

Tears welled in Anna's eyes. "And what about the humiliation Mom suffered?"

"Enough!" Howard snapped coldly. "Keep causing trouble and you'll regret it!"

He sat back down on the sofa and lit a cigarette.

Smoke curled through the air. Anna's stomach churned.

"I'm moving out," she said, clenching her fingers. "Whether you agree or not."

Howard stood up and crushed his cigarette underfoot.

He stepped closer, like a demon crawling out from hell.

"Getting bold?" His voice was icy.

Vivian hurriedly knelt and wrapped her arms around his leg. "Please, don't hurt Anna!"

She begged him pitifully.

Howard lifted his foot to kick her away.

Anna's throat felt blocked. It was hard to breathe.

"Mom, don't beg him!" She reached out to pull her mother up. "Let him kill me if he dares!"

Vivian pushed her hand away. "Anna, apologize now!"

Anna's hand froze mid-air.

Howard looked at her smugly, flaunting his authority.

"What does she need to apologize for?"

A detached voice came from the doorway.

Howard immediately helped Vivian up and straightened his clothes.

A smile plastered his face. "Adrian! What brings you here? Please, have a seat!"

Anna sneered inwardly. Such a bully, only tough on the weak.

Adrian Sinclair glanced at the downcast Anna. "Little cousin, you don't look well."

He stopped beside her. "I heard arguing just now?"

He lounged casually on the sofa, but his gaze remained locked on Anna.

Adrian always called her 'little cousin.' It made Anna uncomfortable.

Howard stared nervously at Anna, terrified she would tell on him.