Chapter 437

Adrian Sinclair's gaze lingered on her briefly before shifting away.

Chloe Valentine glanced into the distance. Lucas Evans had already approached Anna Ross. They were speaking in low tones.

Her eyes darted subtly. She feigned surprise. "Adrian, look over there. Executive Assistant Ross and Lucas are here too. Did they come together?"

Adrian followed her line of sight. Chloe was pleased to see the subtle shift in his expression.

She felt a secret thrill. Now he would finally see their unusual connection.

"What does it have to do with me?" Adrian's voice was cold. He turned his attention back to the bustling dance floor.

Chloe was stunned. Shouldn't he be angry? His reaction was completely unexpected.

Anna finished gathering her things. Lucas remained close behind her.

"Lucas, you really don't need to see me home. I can manage," she said with resignation.

Lucas offered a gentle smile. "Anna, I came to find you for an important reason. Please don't refuse me."

Anna paused. She ultimately did not protest again.

After retrieving their items, Lucas followed her out. Adrian was already waiting by the entrance. Seeing them approach, he immediately turned away.

He didn't know why he did it. Yet he couldn't stop himself from watching her interaction with Lucas.

Once they exited, he quietly followed.

Lucas walked beside Anna. His gaze never left her. He thought time would fade his feelings. Instead, his affection had only grown deeper.

"Anna, if I could take you away from here, would you come with me?" The words escaped him before he could stop them.

Anna stopped walking. She looked at him, puzzled.

Lucas pressed his lips together. "You're staying here because of your mother, aren't you?"

Anna's heart jolted. "What do you mean?"

Had he been investigating her? How else would he know?

Not far away, an intense gaze was fixed on the pair.

Lucas's expression shifted slightly. He quickly regained his composure. He took her hand. "Anna, I just care about you too much. I tried to stop liking you. I can't."

His voice cracked with emotion. Anna pulled her hand back. She created distance. "Lucas, I've told you I don't feel that way. Please stop investing your emotions in me. It's not worth it."

"This is my private matter. Please don't inquire further. And don't say things like this again. Or we can't even be friends."

She was unusually calm. From the start, she had been clear she wouldn't return his feelings. She knew she didn't deserve it.

Besides, affection could never be forced.