Chapter 41

Howard Lowell’s eyes flickered with surprise.

It really was Adrian Sinclair who had asked her to move out.

Since it was his decision, Howard had to tread carefully.

"So it was Adrian's idea. Work must come first, of course. I wouldn't dare interfere."

He forced a smile.

"But Anna is just a young girl. I'd be terribly worried about her living alone."

He poured more tea for Adrian, playing the concerned stepfather.

Anna Ross saw right through his act.

He was pretending to respect Adrian's authority while subtly opposing her move.

What a sly fox.

Her long lashes fluttered as she looked at Adrian.

Her eyes held a silent plea.

He was her only hope now.

If he refused to help, her plan would fail.

Adrian glanced up and met her gaze.

Anna's heart clenched.

She feared he might choose this moment for revenge.

"Hmm..." He raised a brow lazily.

His slender fingers tapped the table as he feigned deep thought.

Anna bit her lower lip.

Her dark eyes filled with anxiety.

She unconsciously tightened her grip on her mother's hand.

He was doing this on purpose.

Howard frowned, growing impatient with the mind games.

He silently cursed Adrian's manipulative tactics.

"What do you think, Adrian?"

But Adrian wasn't trying to pressure Howard.

He just wanted to tease a certain someone.

Anna was trembling with nerves.

Just as she was about to break, he finally spoke.

He gave her a brief glance.

His tone was casual.

"But I asked her to move for work reasons. Work matters can't be neglected, Uncle."

Anna's tense nerves finally relaxed.

Thank goodness he didn't expose her.

She didn't know what she would have done otherwise.

Adrian shot her a meaningful look.

Howard nearly choked on his anger at Adrian's calm demeanor.

"Adrian, I understand that. But I still can't rest easy letting her live alone."

He continued, "Besides, Anna and her mother have always been inseparable."

"Wouldn't it be cruel to separate them now?"

He shot a threatening look toward Vivian Lowell on the sofa.

Anna marveled at Howard's acting skills.

He was even using the mother-daughter bond against her.

But she was determined to leave.

She wouldn't stay.

Her mother supported her move and wouldn't stop her.

Vivian timidly averted her gaze.

She looked at her daughter.

Howard's words made her doubt her decision.

After a moment of hesitation, she spoke softly.

"Anna, your father is right. We're all worried about you living alone."

"Maybe... you should just stay home?"