Chapter 489

"My affairs are none of your concern." Anna Ross shot him a cold glance.

She pulled a bank card from her bag and handed it to him. "This is all my savings. I'll pay you back the rest as soon as I can."

A sudden storm erupted outside. Raindrops hammered against the windowpane. She looked out at the gloomy sky, feeling suffocated by its oppressive weight.

Howard Lowell stared at the card for a long moment. A cold laugh escaped him. "Anna, are you mistaken? Do you really think you get to decide whether you stay or go?"

Her heart clenched. He showed her his phone, displaying the chat history with her mother. Those piercing words stabbed into her heart like knives.

How desperate and terrified must her mother have been to beg like that?

Howard put his phone away, watching her with an amused smirk. "Anna, we had an agreement. You need to help me through this difficult time."

Anna frowned tightly. In the end, she said nothing more.

"Let's end this discussion here. Don't let me see such pointless antics again." Howard tore the bank card in half and tossed it into the trash. "Have dinner at your mother's tonight. She says she misses you."

He gave her a dismissive glance, whistling as he strode away.

The world seemed to spin. Anna grabbed the sofa to steady herself.

Since she couldn't escape, how could she possibly face all this?

She didn't know how she made it back to her desk. She sat in a daze for a long time, unable to focus on work. Finally, she went to ask Howard for time off.

He clearly didn't want to approve it. But he feared she might actually quit. He eventually agreed.

Anna packed a few books she often read and took a taxi home.

The house was a bit messy. She couldn't help but start tidying up. Since she had these two days off, she could clean and then stay with her mother for a few days.

She could bring the clothes she bought last time too.

She slept fitfully all afternoon. When she woke up, it was already dark. The room was unlit. A wave of loneliness washed over her, making it hard to breathe.

Anna got up and washed her face. She realized her phone had died. She must have forgotten to charge it.

As soon as she plugged in the charger, notifications chimed repeatedly. Her mother had called several times. There was also a call from Noah Watson.

She hesitated for a moment, then called her mother back first.

"Mom, my phone died." Anna bit into a piece of bread while putting on her jacket to go out.

Vivian Lowell sounded relieved. Her voice was warm and loving. "I'm just glad you're okay. I called yesterday too, but you didn't answer. I was so worried."

Her mother was always like this, always putting her child first.

Anna opened the wardrobe and took out the new clothes she bought last time. The thick fabric felt warm to the touch. Mom definitely wouldn't feel cold in these. A slight smile touched her lips. "Mom, I'm coming over now. You have to make me something delicious."

"Of course, of course. Please be careful on your way." Vivian's voice was full of joy.