Chapter 426

Adrian Sinclair tilted his head slightly.

His gaze settled on Anna Ross.

He found her utterly perplexing in this moment.

Her sudden action earlier.

What did it mean?

His hand still hung in the air.

Frozen in the position where she had held it.

His fingers twitched slightly.

Slowly curling into a fist.

The warmth of her touch still lingered in his palm.

Fleeting yet palpable.

On the plane.

Anna sat by the window.

Her thoughts were a tangled mess.

Memories long buried.

Resurfaced violently because of the man she encountered today.

But they were not pleasant memories.

She wished to forget them forever.

Never to recall them again.

"What's really going on with you today?"

Adrian sat down beside her.

Unable to hold back his questions any longer.

She was acting far too strange today.

The way she had been earlier.

It was clear she was avoiding someone.

Who could it be?

Another one of her admirers, perhaps?

The thought made his chest feel tight.

As if blocked by a heavy stone.

Irritation simmered within him.

Craving an outlet.

Anna shook her head gently.

She remained silent.

And did not look at him.

That man had vanished years ago.

He had vowed never to disturb her or her mother again.

Now, suddenly, they had crossed paths.

Would he seek out her mother?

Anna's worry grew heavier.

She wanted to contact her mother immediately.

But remembered she had turned off her phone before boarding.

She would have to wait until they landed.

Adrian watched her intently.

She was clearly unsettled.

As if something terrifying was closing in.

He cleared his throat softly.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked in a low voice.

Anna finally turned to look at him.

In that moment.

She felt the world was far too small.

Why did fate keep bringing old faces back into her life?

That man today.

And him.

A self-mocking smile touched her lips.

"Nothing."

Perhaps.

A peaceful life was never meant for her.

Adrian wanted to press further.

But she had already closed her eyes.

He fell silent.

His emotions churning because of her distant attitude.

His instincts told him.

Something had happened today.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be acting so unusual.

How many secrets are you keeping from me?

How did you spend all those years without me?

Adrian leaned back in his seat.

His eyes remained fixed on the woman beside him.

His mind raced with countless thoughts.

The flight was smooth.

Lulling everyone into drowsiness.

As the sun began to set.

The plane descended gradually.

Anna gathered her luggage.

Following behind Adrian as usual.

They had just reached the exit.

When a bright, cheerful figure dashed into view.

Chloe Valentine ran over joyfully.

She immediately linked arms with Adrian.

Effortlessly inserting herself between them.

"Adrian.

You must be tired from your business trip.

I've made reservations at a restaurant.

Let's go welcome you back properly."

She beamed, natural and radiant.

Like a girlfriend greeting her returning boyfriend.

Anna walked slightly apart.

Feeling like an unnecessary third wheel.

She stayed near the edge.

Trying her best not to intrude on their space.

Adrian glanced at her discreetly.

The worry etched between her brows.

It refused to leave his mind.

She always did this.

Unknowingly tugging at his heart.