Chapter 98
Anna Ross froze for a moment.
She thought she had said something wrong.
She replayed Adrian Sinclair's words in her mind.
There was no mistake.
"Bay Area, San Francisco."
"Perfect!" Mia Lawrence's voice was muffled by the food in her mouth. "That's so close to where I live! Really close! I can take you home later!"
Anna felt a little dazed.
What a coincidence.
The apartment he arranged happened to be so near Mia's place?
After dinner.
The two walked side by side on their way home.
They chatted and laughed.
Anna glanced down at the house number on the key.
She inserted it into the lock.
Turned it.
The moment the door opened.
She stood completely stunned.
The room was exquisitely and elegantly decorated.
Every piece of furniture was provided.
She set down her suitcase.
Slowly stepped inside.
The kitchen.
The living room.
The bathroom.
The bedroom.
Every corner was decorated in her favorite style.
He had even prepared a study for her.
Anna walked in.
Her fingertips brushed over the bookshelf.
She pulled out a book.
It was one she had loved reading in the past.
Holding the book.
She seemed to see the Adrian Sinclair from before, who had cared for her so meticulously.
Back then, neither of them had much money.
But they still rented a small place off campus.
They decorated it together with care.
The space was small.
But it was full of warmth.
To pay the rent.
Adrian worked multiple part-time jobs outside of class.
The money he earned always went to little gifts for her.
Every time she came home after class.
The small surprises he prepared would move her to tears.
Then he would gently hold her in his arms.
And softly wipe away her tears.
The scene before her eyes gradually blurred.
Those memories felt so distant, like they happened in a past life.
In this life.
She no longer deserved such pure love and happiness.
Mia excitedly explored every room.
She bounced over to Anna.
"Rich people are something else. This is totally my dream home!"
She flopped heavily onto the bed.
"Anna, I'm sleeping over with you tonight!"
Anna shook off her tangled thoughts.
She smiled slightly.
"Okay. I'll definitely feel uneasy being new here. Having you with me will be much more comforting."
They settled in comfortably.
But Anna tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
The astronomical bill Howard Lowell had shown her.
Lingered in her mind.
A constant unease hung over her heart.
Mia noticed her restlessness.
She asked softly.
"What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"
The city remained bustling as ever.
Late at night, the sound of traffic and lively voices still came from outside the window.
But this room was exceptionally quiet.
Every sound was crystal clear.
Anna turned to face her.
After a moment's hesitation, she spoke.
"Mia, do you know of any jobs that pay well quickly and offer flexible hours?"
Mia was very surprised.
"What happened? Why are you suddenly asking about this?"
Anna had never been so urgent about making money before.
Mia couldn't help but worry.
Anna quickly explained.
"It's nothing. I just want to earn more money. To bring my mom to live with me sooner."