Chapter 83

He stated it so bluntly.

Anna Ross was stunned.

She asked herself.

Could she really just leave like this?

The answer was no.

She shook her head gently.

Anna offered a faint smile. "No, Lucas."

"I'm doing fine as I am."

"You don't need to do these things for me."

"It's not worth it."

She wasn't oblivious.

She had sensed Lucas's feelings since their university days.

How could she not notice?

But her current situation was too messy.

How could she dare drag someone else into her troubles?

Lucas was rejected.

His expression faltered.

His voice turned hoarse. "But I can feel you're unhappy."

"Why force yourself to endure all this?"

He said those words.

But inwardly, he cursed himself.

His affection for Anna was no less than Adrian Sinclair's.

They had just met too late.

By then, Adrian was already by her side.

All his deeper feelings had to remain buried.

Now they had reunited.

He learned she was single.

He was overjoyed, thinking his chance had finally come.

Yet, she still turned him down.

......

Anna listened.

A wave of powerlessness washed over her.

If she didn't force herself to endure this,

her mother would suffer even greater harm.

She couldn't bear that.

She wouldn't allow it.

She composed herself.

She forced a light tone. "I'm doing quite well."

"That's just how being an Executive Assistant is. Not much freedom."

"But the pay is excellent."

"I'm not unwilling."

Lucas gave a self-mocking laugh.

Endless sorrow filled his eyes.

She had said that.

What more could he say?

Pushing further would be crossing a line.

He suppressed his emotions.

He slowly released her hand.

"You should head back now."

Anna felt his disappointment.

But what could she do?

They were just friends.

Besides gratitude,

she had nothing to give him.

She thanked him softly.

She turned and walked toward the private room.

Lucas stood rooted in place.

He watched her retreating figure wistfully.

He didn't move until she disappeared around the corner.

Then he lowered his head and left.

The warmth of her hand still lingered in his palm.

He smiled bitterly.

He stopped thinking about it.

Anna reached the private room door.

She steadied her emotions and pushed the door open.

Two pairs of eyes immediately turned toward her.

"Miss Ross, come eat quickly."

"The food has been served for a while."

"We've been waiting for you."

Marcus Hill broke the silence.

He rotated several good dishes to place them in front of her.

Anna quickly explained. "My apologies."

"I was held up by something outside."

Marcus didn't press further.

He wasn't anxious himself.

But he knew Adrian was.

That man had glanced at the door more than once.

His entire face was etched with worry.