Chapter 477
Anna Ross responded softly.
She turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.
Howard Lowell studied her suspiciously for a moment.
He rubbed his hands together and left.
She stood there for a while longer.
Then she decided to return to her office.
As she walked, she calculated her savings.
Was it enough to pay off the debt?
Could it support her after she left?
It was still far from enough.
She would have to work desperately hard.
If she could get more night shifts at the bar, her income would increase.
She would talk to the bar owner about overtime later.
Lost in thought, she kept her eyes down.
She didn't notice the figure leaning against the elevator, clearly waiting for her.
She looked up and met Adrian Sinclair's intense gaze.
Her breath caught.
She instinctively tried to go around him.
He spoke first. "Did he threaten you again?"
Her heart skipped a beat.
Her fingernails dug into her palms.
She kept her back to him, spine rigid.
Her voice was very quiet. "No. You're overthinking it."
"Really?" Adrian stepped closer.
He studied her lowered profile, his voice deepening. "Are you willing to be controlled by him for life?"
Anna was silent for a moment.
Her tone grew even flatter. "It's nothing like that. Please stay out of it."
Her distance was like that toward a stranger.
Adrian felt a sting in his chest.
He turned and blocked her path. "I can help you break free from him completely."
"You never have to suffer like this again."
He had said this much. Surely she would relent now.
Anna looked up and met his eyes directly. "There is no control or suffering."
"I can handle my own affairs. You don't need to trouble yourself."
The person targeting her was really after him.
He should worry about his own safety.
She wasn't worth his effort.
She didn't want to become his burden.
"You are..." Adrian suppressed his frustration, his voice cold. "Ridiculously stubborn."
If she just nodded, everything could be resolved.
But she refused.
Anna pressed her lips together. "Yes. I am that stubborn."
"Please stop interfering in my matters. I won't cooperate with you."
She was about to turn away.
Suddenly, noise erupted from downstairs.
A crowd was clamoring to see Adrian Sinclair, demanding answers.
Anna glanced back at him.
His expression had darkened.
His eyes swept over her face before he strode into the elevator.
She hesitated for a second.
Then she quickly followed him into the elevator.
The downstairs was chaotic and crowded.
The moment Adrian appeared, the crowd surged forward.
A reporter shoved a microphone almost into his face. "Mr. Sinclair, were these layoffs compliant?"
"Is Lowell Group under suspicion of terminating employees' contracts without good reason? Please respond directly!"