Chapter 55
Night deepened.
The streetlights cast a dim, yellow glow.
Lucas Evans quickly caught up to Anna Ross.
His voice was laced with concern. "I really don't feel comfortable letting you go back alone this late."
He reached out to take her arm.
She gently avoided his touch.
Anna tightened her grip on her backpack strap.
She took a step back. "Really, it's no trouble. I'm fine."
Her eyes darted toward the restaurant.
Her heartbeat quickened slightly.
Lucas's expression dimmed.
"Why are we being so formal with each other?"
He stepped forward again, attempting to take her bag.
Anna turned away quickly.
"I should go. You should head back early too."
She walked briskly toward the roadside.
The night wind lifted her long hair.
Lucas stared blankly at her retreating figure.
Suddenly, he chased after her.
Inside the restaurant's glass window, Adrian Sinclair set down his napkin.
He spoke calmly to Chloe Valentine. "I need to step out to take a call."
Chloe bit her lip hard.
Her nails dug deeply into her palms.
The temperature outside was noticeably colder.
Anna couldn't help but shiver.
She was about to open her ride-hailing app.
A hand suddenly grasped her wrist.
Lucas stood before her, slightly out of breath.
"Let me drive you."
His suit jacket was damp with night dew.
His eyes, however, were unusually bright.
Anna pulled her hand free, maintaining distance.
"Really, it's not necessary."
She kept glancing toward the restaurant entrance, her expression tense.
Lucas noticed her gaze.
His tone darkened. "Are you waiting for him?"
He grabbed her wrist again, his grip tighter.
Anna tried to break free. "Lucas, don't do this."
Her voice held a plea, her eyes slightly reddening.
"Executive Assistant Ross."
A cold voice came from behind her. Anna turned sharply.
Adrian Sinclair stood under the streetlight.
His figure was tall and slender.
She慌乱ly shook off Lucas's hand.
She looked like a startled rabbit.
Lucas wanted to say more.
Anna had already quickly stepped back. "Thank you for your kindness. I can manage on my own."
She walked toward the street corner without looking back.
Her steps were hurried and unsteady.
Lucas watched her fading figure.
A dull ache spread through his chest.
Chloe Valentine stood at the restaurant entrance.
She stared fixedly at the scene.
Her newly done manicure dug deep into her flesh.
She felt no pain.
Adrian's gaze never left the figure fleeing in panic.
His eyes were deep and unreadable.