Chapter 496

Her phone vibrated.

Mia Lawrence’s name flashed on the caller ID.

Anna Ross answered the call.

"Anna!" Mia’s voice trembled. "Julian got into a fight at the bar! I can’t hold him back!"

The background was chaotic.

The sound of shattering glass.

Men shouting angrily.

It all blended into a noisy mess.

Anna gripped her phone tightly.

She glanced back over her shoulder.

Vivian Lowell was cooking in the kitchen.

The range hood hummed loudly.

Howard Lowell was sunk into the sofa.

The screen’s glow lit up half of his face.

She turned away, avoiding his line of sight.

She lowered her voice. "Send me the exact location. Keep him calm. Don’t call the police."

Mia sniffled. "Hurry… they’re grabbing weapons!"

The call ended abruptly.

Anna’s fingertips felt cold.

She turned and walked into the kitchen.

Vivian was just dishing out braised pork ribs.

Seeing her enter, she quickly waved her hand. "Get out. The smoke is heavy."

"Mom," Anna interrupted her. "My friend has an emergency. I have to go."

The spatula clattered against the pan.

Vivian froze. "But dinner is almost ready…"

"I’ll eat next time." Anna hugged her.

She caught the scent of cooking oil on her collar. "Just save some for me."

Vivian’s eyes dimmed slightly.

She stole a glance toward the living room.

Howard was still staring at his phone.

A faint, almost mocking smile played on his lips.

She quickly shoved a warm steamed bun into her daughter’s hand. "Eat this on the way. Be careful."

Anna nodded.

She changed her shoes and left.

The motion-activated light in the hallway flickered on and off.

The rain was falling harder.

A taxi splashed through a puddle and stopped in front of her.

Anna pulled the door open and gave the bar’s address.

The driver grumbled. "That place is pretty rough."

Her phone vibrated again.

Noah Watson was calling.

"Did you find him?" Anna stared at the raindrops tracing paths down the window.

Noah was silent for two seconds. "I’ve checked all his usual spots. His phone is still off."

The windshield wipers swept back and forth.

The street blurred into a smear of neon lights.

Anna clenched the steamed bun.

The steam dampened her palm.