Chapter 88
A flicker of disappointment passed through Adrian Sinclair's eyes.
It was quickly concealed.
His sharp gaze locked onto her face.
His long fingers slowly unfolded.
His voice was low and clear.
"My words stand forever."
"You can come to me anytime you need."
.........
"You'll never see that day."
"Even if you offer me all the money in the world."
"I won't be with you."
Anna Ross composed herself.
She looked at him with calm detachment.
Cool and collected like a bystander.
Adrian's jaw tightened.
He watched her in silence.
He didn't understand.
If she was unwilling,
why had she agreed to return to New York with him?
Anna averted her gaze.
Her voice was icy.
"Since we're going to New York,"
"I should go pack now."
"I wouldn't want to waste your time."
With that, she pulled the door open.
She left without looking back.
The moment the door closed,
Adrian's tense expression finally relaxed.
He stared at the door.
A low laugh escaped him.
The sound echoed through the empty room.
He leaned back on the sofa.
Gazing at the ceiling.
He felt nothing but irony.
Even with all his wealth now,
she still refused to return to him.
Anna hurried out of the hotel.
Tears she had been holding back finally fell.
She leaned against a stone pillar.
Letting herself cry openly.
She didn't understand the point of this entanglement.
It was just mutual hurt.
She glanced back at the hotel.
She would leave him eventually.
It was better for both of them.
She returned home to pack.
She looked around her small apartment with reluctance.
Though she hadn't lived here long,
she cherished the freedom it represented.
Cramped as it was,
no one here could threaten her.
Reluctant or not, she had to go.
She had more important matters.
Finally, she closed the door softly.
Now she had to visit her mother.
She didn't know when she'd be back.
She took a taxi to Howard Lowell's residence.
Anna looked up.
She hoped she wouldn't run into Howard.
She really didn't want to see him.
The lobby was empty.
She set her luggage down and went upstairs.
Pushing open her mother's door,
she saw the familiar figure on the bed.
Anna called softly,
"Mom."
Vivian Lowell smiled at the sight of her daughter.
She sat up quickly.
"Anna, what brings you back?"
Anna lowered her head.
Her voice choked slightly.
"Mom, I'm leaving San Francisco."
"When did this happen?"
Vivian asked in surprise.
"It was just decided."
"I'm going with Adrian Sinclair."
Vivian immediately understood her daughter's situation.
She stroked Anna's hair lovingly.
"Take care of yourself over there."
Anna hugged her mother.
Fighting back tears, she urged,
"While I'm gone,"
"you must take good care of yourself."
Vivian closed her eyes.
Burying her reluctance deep inside.
But she couldn't ask her daughter to stay.