Chapter 78

Marcus Hill's gaze shifted, landing on Anna Ross.

A flicker of curiosity passed through his eyes.

What kind of Executive Assistant gets brought along for meals?

"Stop daydreaming."

Adrian Sinclair's voice was cold as he glanced at her.

Anna pressed her lips together and quietly followed.

She kept her eyes down, mentally cursing Adrian a thousand times over.

Humiliating her in front of another woman was bad enough.

Now he wouldn't even spare her in front of his friend.

The restaurant's lighting was soft.

A server guided them to a VIP private room.

Adrian and Marcus took their seats naturally.

Anna habitually stood to the side, a trace of self-mockery on her lips.

Marcus raised an eyebrow at her.

"Aren't you going to sit?"

Anna shook her head gently, not moving.

Marcus found this even more puzzling.

"Come here."

Adrian's voice held no warmth.

"Sit down and eat."

Anna was startled, hesitating before walking over.

She deliberately chose a seat further away from him.

Dishes arrived at the table one after another.

Marcus, already starving, began eating quickly.

Adrian picked up his utensils and glanced at Anna.

"Not eating?"

Anna looked up, meeting his gaze.

She hurriedly picked up her fork and knife, serving herself some food.

But her confusion only grew.

He wasn't giving her a hard time today.

The table fell into a temporary silence.

Adrian's phone suddenly rang.

He frowned and answered it.

"Grandpa."

Mr. Lowell's voice came through.

"Adrian, how are things with Chloe?"

"She called the other day saying she really likes you."

"It's fine." Adrian's tone was flat.

"Chloe is a good girl." The old man's voice sounded pleased.

Adrian didn't respond.

After a moment of silence, Mr. Lowell spoke again.

"Adrian, prepare to return to New York in the next couple of days."

Anna faintly heard the words "return to New York."

Her eyes lit up slightly.

"Understood, Grandpa." Adrian ended the call.

Marcus looked at him curiously.

"What's up?"

Adrian rubbed his thumb ring, his gaze sweeping over Anna.

"Grandpa wants me to go back to New York."

"Good idea." Marcus said between bites.

"You don't have any friends here anyway."

Anna remembered Howard Lowell's instructions and softly agreed.

"New York is definitely better than here."

Adrian turned his head to look at her.

"If I go back, will you come with me?"

As he asked, his fingers tightened slightly.

Anna's heart leapt with joy, but she kept her expression neutral.

"I'm your Executive Assistant. Of course I'll go with you."

This way she could complete Howard Lowell's task.

And she could see her best friend.