Chapter 11: Chapter 11
767 words<html><head></head><body><p>Anna Ross turned her phone screen toward Howard Lowell.</p> <p>The photo clearly showed Adrian Sinclair's license plate.</p> <p>Her voice was cold.</p> <p>"I've done what you asked."</p> <p>"He left Chloe Valentine to personally drive me home."</p> <p>Howard repeatedly checked the license plate.</p> <p>Wild joy flashed in his eyes.</p> <p>"Well done."</p> <p>He couldn't help but laugh.</p> <p>Anna retrieved her phone.</p> <p>Her gaze sharp as a blade.</p> <p>"If you want me to keep getting close to Adrian Sinclair, don't touch my mother."</p> <p>"If you harm her again, I will never see him."</p> <p>Howard narrowed his eyes.</p> <p>"Threatening me?"</p> <p>His voice turned grim.</p> <p>Anna didn't back down.</p> <p>"Your choice."</p> <p>Her fingertips trembled slightly.</p> <p>Howard fell silent for a moment.</p> <p>Finally, he nodded darkly.</p> <p>"Fine."</p> <p>"But if you play games, I'll handle it myself."</p> <p>Anna turned and went back to her room.</p> <p>The door slammed shut.</p> <p>She curled up under the covers.</p> <p>Burying herself completely in the dark.</p> <p>She woke up at nine in the morning.</p> <p>Sunlight stung her eyes.</p> <p>She walked into the walk-in closet.</p> <p>Her eyes fell on a brand new bag.</p> <p>It was a gift her mother had scrimped and saved to buy.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_in_article_3 --> <p>She had been overjoyed.</p> <p>But now...</p> <p>Anna gently took the bag down.</p> <p>Her fingers traced the fine leather.</p> <p>Her eyes filled with reluctance.</p> <p>"Return it."</p> <p>"At least it'll get some money back."</p> <p>She washed up and changed.</p> <p>Carrying the bag, she went out.</p> <p>The luxury store was brilliantly lit.</p> <p>A sales associate greeted her warmly.</p> <p>"What can I help you find today?"</p> <p>Her eyes scanned the bag in Anna's hand.</p> <p>Anna smiled and handed it over.</p> <p>"I'd like to return this bag."</p> <p>The sales associate's smile stiffened.</p> <p>She quickly regained her professionalism.</p> <p>"Was there something unsatisfactory?"</p> <p>Anna shook her head.</p> <p>"Nothing was wrong."</p> <p>"I just don't want it anymore."</p> <p>Her tone was calm.</p> <p>The sales associate checked the bag.</p> <p>She turned to process the return.</p> <p>Anna waited quietly.</p> <p>Just then.</p> <p>A coquettish female voice rang out.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_3 --> <p>"Adrian, help me pick out new clothes."</p> <p>Anna turned her head sharply.</p> <p>Chloe Valentine walked into the store arm in arm with Adrian Sinclair.</p> <p>They looked intimate.</p> <p>Adrian seemed relaxed.</p> <p>Anna's face instantly paled.</p> <p>She hurriedly looked down.</p> <p>Afraid of being recognized.</p> <p>Fortunately, they didn't notice.</p> <p>They walked right past her.</p> <p>Anna secretly sighed in relief.</p> <p>Chloe happily picked out dresses.</p> <p>"Does this look good?"</p> <p>She held it up against herself for Adrian.</p> <p>Adrian glanced over casually.</p> <p>"Not bad."</p> <p>He seemed distracted.</p> <p>Chloe pouted.</p> <p>"You didn't even look properly!"</p> <p>She coquetted.</p> <p>Adrian curved his lips.</p> <p>"It really suits you."</p> <p>"Get whatever you like."</p> <p>His tone was indulgent.</p> <p>Chloe immediately beamed.</p> <p>She swayed her hips and continued shopping.</p> <p>Anna's legs grew tired from standing.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_4 --> <p>But she didn't dare move.</p> <p>Every second felt agonizingly long.</p> <p>Chloe picked out another pile of clothes.</p> <p>She sweetly called the sales associate.</p> <p>"Find my size in this."</p> <p>She was a regular. The staff knew her measurements.</p> <p>Anna bent down to rub her legs.</p> <p>Compared to Adrian's composure.</p> <p>She seemed particularly pathetic.</p> <p>The sales associate returned.</p> <p>"Miss, this is the last limited edition piece. Are you sure you want to return it?"</p> <p>She sounded regretful.</p> <p>Anna gritted her teeth and nodded.</p> <p>"Sure."</p> <p>Fine sweat coated her palms.</p> <p>Chloe suddenly rushed over.</p> <p>She snatched the bag.</p> <p>"I've been waiting for this bag for a week!"</p> <p>"Refund her quickly. I'll take it!"</p> <p>She was ecstatic.</p> <p>The sales associate immediately became delighted.</p> <p>She hurriedly agreed.</p> <p>Chloe looked Anna over arrogantly.</p> <p>Her eyes were disdainful.</p> <p>"Know your place."</p> <p>"How dare you compete with me?"</p> <p>She suddenly paused.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_1 --> <p>Studying Anna closely.</p> <p>"Hey, have we met before?"</p> <p>The more she looked, the more familiar Anna seemed.</p> <p>Anna's heart stopped.</p> <p>She desperately lowered her head to avoid recognition.</p> <p>Chloe was about to press further.</p> <p>The sales associate恰好 brought the clothes.</p> <p>"Here's your size."</p> <p>Chloe took the clothes.</p> <p>She turned and entered the fitting room.</p> <p>Anna clutched her chest, breathing heavily.</p> <p>Thankfully, she wasn't recognized.</p> <p>The sales associate handed over the refund.</p> <p>"Please keep this safe."</p> <p>Anna quickly took it and stuffed it into her bag.</p> <p>She was eager to leave.</p> <p>She glanced at Adrian.</p> <p>He didn't seem to have noticed.</p> <p>She would be safe once she left the store.</p> <p>She quickened her pace.</p> <p>She deliberately turned her head away as she passed Adrian.</p> <p>She was almost at the door.</p> <p>A large hand suddenly grabbed her.</p> <p>Anna froze completely.</p> <p>She didn't dare look back.</p> <p>Adrian's sarcastic voice coldly rang out.</p> <p>"Is this how you and your mother drain men dry?"</p> <p>"Howard just bought it, and you're already selling it."</p> <p>Her worst fear had come true.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_5 --> </body></html>