Chapter 8

The noise of the dance floor faded behind them.

Adrian Sinclair's grip was unyielding.

He dragged Anna Ross down the long hallway.

Cold wind bit through her thin clothes.

She shivered uncontrollably.

They walked in complete silence.

Anna stole glances at his tense profile.

Her right hand clenched secretly.

There was no escaping this time.

She had brought this upon herself.

Why did she have to dress like this to provoke him?

How pathetic.

She reached up and tore off the bunny ear headband.

She wiped the bright lipstick from her mouth.

Her hair was a mess from being grabbed.

She hugged her chest tightly.

Trying to hide the provocative outfit.

Adrian noticed her movements.

He only let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Servants bowed and greeted them along the way.

Anna tried to shrink behind him.

Wishing she could disappear.

She expected to be dragged into a room.

Instead, he suddenly shoved her toward the main entrance.

Anna fell hard onto the cold tiles.

The pain jolted her awake.

Adrian adjusted his cuffs as he looked down at her.

His eyes held pure contempt.

"Get out of here."

"Stop being a nuisance."

He turned to leave.

Anna tried to stand.

A sharp pain shot through her ankle.

She looked down.

Her fair skin was already swollen and red.

A passing server rushed over.

"Miss, do you need help?"

His Adam's apple bobbed as he glanced at her curves.

He quickly looked away.

The commotion made Adrian turn back.

He narrowed his eyes at the scene.

His expression was unreadable.

The server tried to help her up.

Anna cried out in pain.

"Sprained ankle?"

"Let me call a cab to the hospital."

Adrian suddenly strode back.

"What an act."

"Is this your way of seducing men?"

A taxi arrived quickly.

The server moved to assist her.

But Adrian pushed him aside.

He yanked Anna up roughly.

Dragging her toward his own car.

Anna stumbled after him.

Her vision filled with his cold, hard profile.

His lips were pressed into a tight line.

He was clearly furious.

He shoved her into the passenger seat.

She breathed a silent sigh of relief.

It was humiliating.

But at least she had ruined his date.

Her mother should be safe now.

Yet overwhelming self-disgust followed.

She refused his demands.

Yet dressed like this to cause trouble.

He must think her utterly ridiculous.

Adrian suddenly leaned in close.

"Anna Ross."

"Is this all you've got?"

His eyes looked at her like she was a virus.

Full of disgust.

Anna's throat tightened.

She couldn't speak.

He sneered and released her.

"Stop pretending to be pitiful."

"It makes me sick."

Anna whispered her reply.

"Okay."

She didn't care what he thought anymore.

She painfully moved toward the car door.

The agony in her ankle nearly made her fall.

Adrian watched coldly.

Not offering any help.

She finally got into the car.

The door slammed shut behind her.

Adrian started the engine.

His gaze was icy and detached.

Anna clenched her fingers.

Summoning her courage to speak.

"Can you take me back to the Lowell family?"

He glanced at her.

His eyes still indifferent.

Anna expected sarcasm.

She bowed her head silently.

But he drove out of the parking lot without a word.

Dead silence filled the car.

Anna held her phone tightly.

Only worried about her mother's safety.

Her phone suddenly vibrated.

Chloe Valentine's name lit up the screen.

Anna's heart ached.

If she hadn't interrupted.

They would be on a sweet date right now.

Adrian glanced at the caller.

He ignored it completely.

Anna was surprised.

But she didn't dare ask.

The phone rang insistently throughout the drive.

The car moved fast.

Soon stopping outside the Lowell mansion.

Adrian's voice was cold.

"Get out."

Anna looked at the brightly lit house.

Wondering if her mother was safe.

She eagerly pushed the door open.

Forgetting her injured foot.

She fell to the ground again.

Adrian frowned deeply.

He got out and hauled her up.

Dragging her roughly toward the entrance.

Not caring if he hurt her.

Anna tried to break free.

But she was no match for his strength.

She thought he would drag her into the living room.

But he suddenly stopped at the steps.

Adrian stared at her intently.

His voice dripping with coldness.

"Anna Ross."

"Pull another stunt like this."

"And next time, I won't go easy on you."