Chapter 65

Anna Ross stepped into the hotel lobby.

A figure in pale yellow bounded toward her.

She recognized the girl from this morning.

The girl affectionately looped her arm through Adrian Sinclair's.

Her smile was as bright as the morning sun.

Anna's fingers tightened slightly.

She felt like an awkward outsider.

Adrian noticed her distraction instantly.

He withdrew his arm, his expression cool.

"Mind your surroundings."

His voice gave nothing away.

The girl finally looked at Anna.

A flicker of admiration passed through her eyes.

She studied Anna with curiosity.

"What's your relationship?"

Adrian's gaze swept over them.

"Executive Assistant."

He answered with detached ease.

The girl raised a brow, clearly skeptical.

She had seen him stealing glances at Anna.

She stepped forward and extended her hand.

"I'm Sophia Roscente."

Anna was slightly surprised.

She shook hands politely.

"Anna Ross."

A faint curve touched her lips.

Sophia nodded, satisfied.

She returned to Adrian's side and took his arm.

Rising on her toes, she whispered near his ear.

"Cousin, do you like this pretty lady?"

Adrian's brow twitched almost imperceptibly.

His peripheral glance brushed Anna's profile.

"Don't cause trouble."

His voice dropped low.

"Or I'll send you home."

Sophia pouted in displeasure.

But her eyes soon sparkled as she tugged his sleeve.

"I'm hungry."

"Take me to eat, please?"

Adrian gave a faint hum of agreement.

Sophia immediately beamed with joy.

Anna watched their intimate posture.

A subtle ache bloomed in her chest.

She quickly suppressed the emotion.

At least she could leave work early.

She thought of Chloe Valentine.

The official fiancée was probably still kept in the dark.

She shook her head lightly, dismissing the thought.

"May I clock out now?"

Sophia observed their interaction.

A knowing smile played on her lips.

She was certain her cousin treated his assistant specially.

Adrian's cold gaze shifted to Anna.

"Join us for dinner."

His tone brooked no argument.

Anna instinctively stepped back.

"I don't want to be a third wheel."

She refused directly.

Adrian's expression darkened instantly.

He closed the distance between them.

"It's still work hours."

"Are you attempting to leave your post, Miss Ross?"

Anna's heart fluttered nervously.

He clearly had a companion already.

Why was he singling her out?

She lowered her eyes without responding.

Adrian's voice grew deeper.

"Did you not hear me?"

Every word carried undeniable pressure.

Sophia watched with keen interest.

Her cousin was clearly being contradictory.

His insistence on keeping Anna there was downright domineering.