Chapter 70

Adrian Sinclair glanced at her briefly without a word.

His gaze swept over the spot where Anna Ross had been sitting moments before, pensive.

Sophia Roscente took a few bites before another thought struck her.

She leaned in with a gossipy grin, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Cousin, I remember you were a complete wreck after that breakup. Moping around, drowning yourself in alcohol for ages."

She recalled clearly how he'd lock himself away, refusing to see anyone, or stumble home drunk late at night, muttering 'why' over and over. The whole family was worried sick, but nothing they did helped.

Adrian's expression darkened instantly.

Sophia felt the air around them freeze, a chill running down her spine.

"Stay out of it if you want to stay here," he warned coldly. "Or I'll call your mother right now and have a nice long chat about you."

Sophia panicked immediately.

She whined about him always resorting to threats while begging, "I'm sorry, cousin! I promise I'll keep my mouth shut! Please don't tell Mom! I snuck out—if she finds out, I'm dead! You wouldn't let your adorable cousin suffer, would you?"

"You think I didn't know you sneaked back?"

Adrian shot her a look, taking a slow sip of water.

The noise was giving him a headache. He just wanted to send her away as soon as possible.

Sophia pouted, feeling wronged.

She glared at her aloof cousin and muttered under her breath, "Life abroad is so boring. It's much better here. Everything's more fun." She quickly added some flattery, "And most importantly, I get to see my handsome cousin!"

Adrian looked disgusted and told her to shut up.

"So what's your plan now? You know what will happen if your mother finds out you sneaked back, right?"

Sophia deflated instantly.

She sighed deeply. With her mother's fiery temper, she'd probably break her legs just for this!

The thought made even the delicious food in front of her lose its appeal.

She shook her head. "I'll just take it one step at a time. Keep it hidden for now!"

Adrian glanced at her but didn't comment.

Sophia, however, saw an opportunity.

She immediately put on a pitiful face and pleaded, "Cousin, please take your poor little cousin in! Otherwise, I won't even have a place to stay in San Francisco!"

Seeing her act cute gave Adrian goosebumps.

He held up a hand to keep her at a distance. "Stop. I don't need extra baggage."

With that, he stood up and headed toward the hotel.

Sophia stomped her foot in frustration.

Afraid he would really abandon her, she hurried after him, shouting, "Cousin! Wait for me!"