Chapter 452

Lucas Evans's heart gave a violent jolt.

He stared at the person before him, the corner of his eye twitching slightly. "Miss Valentine, what do you mean by all this?"

Being with Anna Ross—he had never dared to entertain such a fantasy. At least for now, he couldn't bear to see her upset.

Chloe Valentine had seen right through him.

His tightly clenched hand around the coffee cup betrayed every emotion.

She took a delicate sip of her coffee, a light laugh escaping her. "Mr. Evans, this is no way to pursue a woman. Who would want someone so hesitant and slow?"

"You like Anna Ross, don't you? But you can't just wait for feelings to appear. If your heart is already moved, what's wrong with using some means to make her yours?"

Each word hit Lucas like a stone.

They hammered against his nerves, making them tremble.

"Did you say all this just to give me advice?" He forced composure, looking into the distance, but his Adam's apple bobbed silently.

Chloe's lips curved into a smile. "I simply can't stand watching. You've liked her for so long. Shouldn't there be some resolution?"

She leaned in, her voice dropping. "After all this time, even a stone would have warmed. But her? Completely unmoved. Don't you want to... do something about it?"

"What are you implying!" Lucas shot to his feet, his gaze sharp. "I'm warning you, don't target her. Otherwise, I won't be polite."

He turned to leave.

Chloe stood up as well, calling out to his retreating back. "I'm just like you. I want the person I love. Let's cooperate. I can make your wish come true."

Such a tempting offer. She didn't believe he would remain unmoved.

Lucas's steps only paused for a moment.

He didn't look back. He left directly.

Chloe sat back down, leisurely finishing the rest of her coffee.

Couldn't he understand even this little flexibility?

The process doesn't matter. Only the result counts.

So stubborn.

。。。。。。

Anna Ross had just stepped out of the company when she ran into Sophia Roscente waiting outside the main entrance.

"Sis!" Sophia beamed, linking arms with her. "Mom wants you to come home for dinner tonight!"

Anna checked the time.

She had worked late today. Going for dinner now would make her late for her shift at the bar.

"Sophia, please thank your mom for me, but I still have to get to work," she said apologetically.

Sophia pouted, her eyes darting playfully. "How about this... you come back with me for dinner first. After we eat, we'll drive you over. I promise you won't be late!"

Seeing Anna's hesitation, she shook her arm, pleading. "Sis~ Mom talks about you every day. She said if I don't bring you back today, I'm not allowed home. You wouldn't want me to get scolded, would you?"

"I..." Anna was momentarily speechless.

Just then, a black Maybach pulled up silently by the curb.

The window rolled down, revealing Adrian Sinclair's cold profile. His gaze swept over them.

Anna immediately looked at Sophia.

Sure enough, this girl was behind it again.

Sophia stuck out her tongue playfully.

Mom had given a strict order: both of them had to be brought back.

She didn't dare disobey.

"Sis, get in the car," she said, opening the rear door and blinking. "Let's not keep Mom waiting!"