Chapter 64
Adrian Sinclair gave a slight nod.
He took his seat with effortless composure.
Anna Ross immediately moved to stand at his side.
William Klein finally noticed the stunning beauty accompanying Adrian.
His gaze swept over Anna with greedy appraisal.
She felt a wave of discomfort.
She subtly shifted half a step behind Adrian.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries.
Adrian cut straight to the point.
"Mr. Klein, we've already discussed the project details over the phone."
"You insisted on a face-to-face meeting."
"Is there something about the proposal you're unsatisfied with?"
William paused while pouring wine.
He laughed evasively.
"Don't be so impatient, Mr. Sinclair."
"Let's discuss this over our meal."
He pushed a glass of wine toward Adrian.
Then downed his own drink first.
Adrian watched the glass with cold indifference.
He showed no intention of touching it.
"I simply want to know."
"What is your actual stance on this collaboration?"
William's attention drifted back to Anna.
He stroked his chin.
His smile was oily.
"Mr. Sinclair, I said we should take this slow."
"You've only recently taken over the company."
"There's still much for you to learn."
Anna recognized the deliberate condescension.
This man was clearly trying to undermine Adrian.
Adrian let out a cold laugh.
His eyes turned icy.
He toyed idly with his platinum signet ring.
After a long moment, he finally spoke.
"Mr. Klein, you should think before you speak."
Faced with this direct threat, William snorted dismissively at his assistant.
His expression was full of contempt.
As if mocking Adrian for overestimating himself.
He downed another glass of wine.
Then leered openly at Anna.
"If you're willing to let me have this beauty, Mr. Sinclair."
"We can sign the contract right now."
Anna's heart clenched.
Her knuckles turned white where she gripped the files.
She looked at Adrian.
Terrified he might actually offer her up.
She would rather die than go with this disgusting old man.
Seeing no reaction from Adrian, William stood and moved toward Anna.
He wore a nauseating smile.
"Even more beautiful up close."
"What's your name, sweetheart?"
He reached out to touch Anna's face.
She recoiled in disgust.
But backed into a wall with nowhere to retreat.
Just as William was about to lunge forward.
A powerful hand clamped around his wrist.
Looking up, Anna saw Adrian glaring darkly at William.
Before William could react.
A heavy fist connected with his face.
Several more blows followed in quick succession.
William cried out and collapsed to the floor.
The others gasped and crowded around.
Anna stood frozen in shock.
She never expected Adrian to intervene for her.
William tried to speak.
But Adrian kicked him hard in the chest.
Adrian's voice was frigid.
"Who do you think you are?"
"Overestimating your own importance?"
The others exchanged uneasy glances.
No one dared to make a sound.
Adrian straightened his collar.
Then took Anna's hand and walked out without looking back.
The deal had fallen through.
Anna felt a pang of guilt.
She apologized softly.
"I'm sorry. This is all because of me..."
Adrian suddenly stopped walking.
His cold eyes swept over her.
"Don't flatter yourself."
"If you weren't my Executive Assistant right now."
"I wouldn't have bothered."
Anna's face paled.
She bit her lip hard.
She shouldn't have expected anything from him.
Adrian's anger still radiated from him.
She didn't dare speak again.
She followed him silently back to the hotel.