Chapter 40

Anna Ross lowered her head to adjust her mother's collar.

Her fingertips smoothed out the wrinkles.

She deliberately avoided that scorching gaze.

She didn't want to answer.

It was useless anyway.

He would only mock her.

He would use her embarrassment as a joke.

Adrian Sinclair leaned back on the sofa.

His long legs were crossed.

He spun a ring on his finger.

His dark eyes were unfathomable.

She remained silent.

So he waited.

Howard Lowell's eyes darted between the two.

Adrian clearly cared about Anna.

He couldn't let her leave.

His plan couldn't fail.

He forced a smile to ease the tension.

"Adrian, it's all a misunderstanding."

"We were discussing family matters. Our voices got a little loud."

"Sorry you had to see that."

He gestured for Vivian and Anna to sit down.

But his eyes held a warning.

"Is that so?"

Adrian's tone was casual.

His gaze remained fixed on Anna.

She just wanted to retreat into her shell.

To escape his scrutiny.

Howard's eyes shifted.

His earlier decision was indeed correct.

But...

"Adrian, what brings you here so late?"

Anna also looked up.

She wondered why he was visiting so late at night.

"I came to see my little cousin."

"Working with me is too exhausting."

"I came specifically to check on her."

Both Howard and Vivian were stunned.

Anna's lips twitched.

Check on her?

No one would believe that.

Adrian stared directly at her.

Seeing her color had returned.

The tightness in his chest eased slightly.

Howard put on a smiling face.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Adrian."

"Anna, aren't you going to thank him?"

He glared at Anna.

His eyes urged her on.

Anna steeled herself.

"My cousin is very concerned about me."

"Moving out was his idea too."

"It's for better work efficiency."

Adrian set down his teacup.

When had he said that?

And she called him cousin?

Howard's face turned pale.

If it was Adrian's idea...

He didn't dare oppose it.

"Adrian, is that true?"

Anna held her breath.

Praying he wouldn't expose her.

"It was my idea."

Adrian's voice was flat.

His gaze swept dangerously over her fingertips.

This woman actually dared to use him.