Chapter 52

If he insisted on misunderstanding, then she would let him misunderstand completely.

As long as she could escape his control, what did these misunderstandings matter?

"Say that again?"

Adrian Sinclair looked up sharply, his brows furrowed. His deep eyes fixed on her, seemingly incredulous. Though he remained silent, Anna Ross could clearly sense the turbulence beneath his calm surface.

Seizing the moment he was distracted, Anna pushed him away forcefully and rushed out. Only after hiding in the women's restroom did her racing heart begin to settle slightly.

Her pulse still thundered.

After calming her breathing, Anna looked into the mirror to fix her appearance. Her reflection was a mess—her carefully styled updo was disheveled, her dress wrinkled and clinging, her lipstick smeared. She looked as if she had just survived a disaster.

Perhaps this was the retribution she had to endure. There was no escape.

Remembering Lucas was still waiting outside, she didn't dare delay. She quickly let down her hair, combing it with her fingers to make it look natural. After reapplying her lipstick and confirming nothing looked obviously wrong, she returned to the restaurant.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Anna said with an apologetic smile as she sat down.

Lucas responded gently, as always. "It's fine. No need to be so polite. It's just..."

Despite Anna's efforts to act natural, he noticed subtle changes—her flushed cheeks and ears, her slightly trembling fingers.

"Anna, are you feeling unwell? Your face is so red."

Anna instinctively covered her cheeks, her heart lurching. She hadn't noticed that detail. She quickly explained, "I'm fine. It's probably just hot in here. I flush easily. Even a slight rise in temperature does this."

Hearing this, Lucas relaxed and smiled. "That's good."

Just as Anna began to relax, she caught sight of a familiar figure from the corner of her eye. She looked up. It was Adrian! Why was he here?

Lucas frowned slightly, his gaze turning wary as he looked at Adrian.

Adrian simply chuckled. "Why so tense? I just happened to see you and came over to say hello." His words were casual, but his eyes shifted to Anna, feigning surprise. "Executive Assistant Ross is here too?"

Anna gritted her teeth inwardly. This man was such an actor. After what had just happened...

But with Lucas present, she could only force a smile and nod.

The corner of Adrian's lips lifted. His gaze fell on her flushed cheek. He asked slowly, "Is the restaurant too warm? Executive Assistant Ross seems quite uncomfortable. Her face is completely red."

Lucas followed his gaze and remained silent. Adrian continued to stare at her face, watching with keen interest.

Anna's heart leaped into her throat. Under the table, her hands clenched into tight fists. If Adrian mentioned what happened now...