Chapter 460
Anna Ross watched her phone screen go dark.
Her fingers lingered on the cool metal casing for a moment.
She placed the phone in her bag and took a deep breath.
Noah Watson was doing well now.
She should be happy for him.
Those baseless worries and wild thoughts were better left behind.
She picked up her pen again, focusing on the files covering her desk.
Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting scattered spots of light across the paper.
Just then, a shadow fell over her desk.
Anna looked up, her eyes widening in surprise.
It was Lucas Evans standing before her.
"Lucas?" She was caught off guard. "What are you doing here?"
A gentle smile touched Lucas's lips as his gaze swept over her cluttered desk.
"I'm here for a meeting. Thought I'd stop by and see you." His voice was soft. "You seem busy?"
Anna instinctively touched her earlobe.
Curious glances from colleagues surrounded them, accompanied by faint whispers.
She offered an uncomfortable smile. "It's alright. Not too busy. Are you here about a project?"
She guessed it might be related to their previous collaboration.
Lucas's eyes lit up with hopeful anticipation.
"If you're not too busy, would you like to grab a coffee?"
Anna intended to refuse, but seeing the plea in his eyes, her resolve softened.
She checked the time. Only a few minutes remained until the end of her shift.
"Alright." She nodded. "Let me just pack up."
Lucas's expression immediately relaxed into a delighted smile.
"Great. I'll get the car and wait for you at the entrance."
He turned and left, his steps light and quick.
Anna watched him go and sighed softly.
If only they could just be simple friends.
She shook her head, dismissing the thought, and began gathering her things.
The end-of-day chime sounded just as she finished.
She had only taken a few steps when she nearly collided with Adrian Sinclair.
"In such a hurry to leave?" He raised an eyebrow, noting her rushed pace.
Anna was momentarily speechless.
It had been much easier since she was no longer directly under his supervision.
The feeling of leaving on time was truly liberating.
She glanced at him, her tone flat. "Of course I'm eager to leave. It's my time now. You can't stop me, can you?"
This workaholic had exploited her enough in the past.
Now that she reported primarily to HR, he had no authority over her.
Adrian took a step forward, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips.
"Guess again." He said slowly. "You're coming with me somewhere right now."
Anna was too angry to speak.
The departing crowd cast curious glances their way, but no one dared linger under Adrian's usual imposing presence.
She was about to argue when Adrian turned and started walking away.
He glanced back at her, his expression brooking no argument.
"What are you waiting for?"