Chapter 444

Marcus Hill held numerous shopping bags, wanting to scratch his head in frustration.

"Seriously, I'm carrying everything, and you're the one complaining?"

Since when was that fair?

Sophia Roscente stuck her tongue out at him, then turned her attention to the unfamiliar man nearby.

"Sis, who's this?"

Anna Ross quickly introduced him. "This is my friend."

Julian Garnache smiled warmly. "Hello, I'm Julian, Anna's brother."

Sophia's eyes lit up instantly. "If you're her brother, then you're my brother too! Hi, brother!"

Julian was pleasantly surprised. Her lively, sweet demeanor reminded him of his own sister.

Marcus immediately protested. "You never call me brother no matter how much I ask! But you call him that so easily?"

Why didn't he get that treatment?

Sophia ignored him, linking arms with Anna. "Sis, you guys keep shopping. I need to use the restroom."

"Okay." Anna watched her skip away, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

The girl was like a little sparrow, chattering happily wherever she went—a veritable ray of sunshine.

Mia Lawrence moved closer. "Anna, your cousin is adorable. I envy her carefree spirit."

Anna noticed Marcus looking smug nearby, as if saying, See how charming my girlfriend is?

The two men found a place to sit and rest while the women continued browsing.

Mia tried on several outfits, all of which Anna thought looked great on her.

Overwhelmed by choices, Anna decided to take a short break.

As she turned, she collided with a solid chest.

Her forehead throbbed with pain. She covered it, quickly apologizing. "I'm so sorry."

The person remained silent.

When she looked up and saw who it was, she froze instantly.

Pointing at the man towering over her, she stammered, "Y-you... what are you doing here?"

Adrian Sinclair raised an eyebrow, his gaze settling on her reddened forehead. "Why can't I be here?"

He leaned in closer. Anna hastily stepped back. "This is a public mall! Don't do anything reckless!"

A playful smile touched Adrian's lips. "What's going through your mind? Did you think I was going to do something to you?"

He reached out and plucked a tiny piece of lint from her hair.

"......"

Anna swallowed hard, straightening her posture. "You could have just told me. I could have done it myself."

Did he have to stand so close?

Adrian straightened up, studying her with amusement.

The mall's warm lighting cast a soft glow, making her flushed cheeks look especially captivating.

Anna lowered her head, her fingers twisting together unconsciously.

"Cousin, what are you doing here?" Sophia's clear voice suddenly cut through the tension, shattering the quiet moment.