Chapter 451

The line was silent for a moment.

Lucas Evans's voice finally returned.

"Miss Valentine, if you have something to say, say it over the phone."

"There's no need to meet."

Chloe Valentine chuckled softly.

Her fingertips tapped lightly on the desk.

"Don't be so quick to refuse, Mr. Evans."

"What I have to say concerns Anna Ross."

"Are you sure you don't want to hear it?"

Lucas's breath hitched slightly.

A faint static noise came through the receiver.

He tightened his grip on the phone.

"When shall we meet?"

A smile curled at the corner of Chloe's lips.

"Tomorrow."

"I'll text you the location."

The call ended.

Lucas stood before the bathroom mirror.

Water droplets fell from his hair.

The man in the mirror had a dark, unreadable gaze.

Hearing that name still made him lose control.

In the darkness,

he recalled a scene from their university days.

Under the cherry blossom tree,

a young woman walked past, holding a book.

He clutched a love letter in his hand,

only to watch her walk toward someone else.

All these years,

he had always been one step too late.

The next afternoon,

Lucas pushed open the door to the coffee shop.

A wind chime tinkled softly.

Chloe sat by the window,

waving with a smile.

"You're very punctual, Mr. Evans."

She slid a cup of coffee toward him.

"Try it."

Lucas didn't touch it.

"Get straight to the point."

Chloe raised an eyebrow.

"In such a hurry?"

"It seems only Anna Ross can capture your attention."

Seeing him about to leave,

she finally spoke.

"I can help you."

"I can help you get Anna Ross."

Lucas's steps halted.

He sat back down opposite her.

His gaze was sharp.

"What do you mean?"