Chapter 461

Anna Ross pressed her lips together and quickened her pace to follow.

The car door closed.

Adrian Sinclair started the engine, merging into traffic.

She sat in the passenger seat, looking down to fasten her seatbelt when she suddenly remembered Lucas was still waiting.

The car happened to pass right in front of Lucas.

Their eyes met briefly.

Anna's heart tightened, and she quickly spoke up, "Stop the car!"

She had actually forgotten Lucas was still waiting for her there.

Adrian ignored her, his fingers resting on the steering wheel as he lightly pressed the accelerator instead.

He had also caught a glimpse of that figure.

Anna turned to look back.

Lucas's figure grew increasingly distant, gradually shrinking into a tiny dot.

She took out her phone and typed an apology.

The message sent successfully, but her guilt did not lessen.

"Were you that eager to see him?" The man beside her kept his eyes on the road, his tone unreadable.

Anna remained silent.

Outside the window, the neon lights of the commercial street flashed, and traffic flowed endlessly.

She just hadn't wanted to waste his time.

The car finally stopped in front of a restaurant.

Anna frowned. "You specifically brought me here to eat? There must be plenty of people who'd want to have dinner with you. Why exactly—"

"I'm hungry." He cut her off, closing his car door. "Don't forget, your working hours are determined by me."

Anna swallowed the rest of her words and pushed the door open to get out.

The restaurant was mostly filled with intimate couples.

She followed behind him, taking a deep breath.

This person clearly hated her, yet he insisted on keeping her by his side. It was truly baffling.

After they were seated, he finished ordering and handed the menu to her.

Anna shook her head to decline.

Adrian took the menu back, his gaze steady. "I didn't ask you here today just for a meal. Have you really given no more thought to my last proposal?"

Anna lowered her eyes, staring at the wood grain on the table without responding.

Of course, she could have other choices. But who could guarantee that wouldn't just be another trap?

"No, thank you. Things are fine as they are now." She refused softly.

Adrian tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "Why? I know you're being coerced. If you need—"

"If I what? What exactly do you know?" Anna's emotions suddenly flared, her voice trembling.

She didn't want this kind of life either. She didn't want to live every day under the threat against her mother.

But she had no other choice.

Some things were easy to say, but no one could truly understand her torment.

Adrian's expression faltered slightly, and his gaze toward her became more complex.

Anna came back to her senses, realizing they were still in the restaurant.

"I'm not eating anymore. Enjoy your meal." She stood up and quickly walked away.

The cold wind hit her face, making her shiver all over.

This city was bustling and noisy, yet she only felt an icy chill right through to her bones.