Chapter 23: Chapter 23
367 words<html><head></head><body><p>Adrian Sinclair's gaze was icy cold.</p> <p>He ignored the other man's words completely.</p> <p>Anna Ross stood by the roadside.</p> <p>The night wind tangled her hair.</p> <p>She waited a long time.</p> <p>Finally, she hailed a taxi.</p> <p>She opened the door and slid inside.</p> <p>Exhausted, she leaned back against the seat.</p> <p>She needed to get home quickly.</p> <p>The late-night streets were empty and silent.</p> <p>She wondered if her mother was already asleep.</p> <p>When she reached the manor, the living room lights were still on.</p> <p>Her heart tightened.</p> <p>She quickened her steps into the house.</p> <p>Vivian Lowell sat alone on the sofa.</p> <p>Her figure looked frail.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_1 --> <p>Anna's nose stung with emotion.</p> <p>Her mother had waited up for her again.</p> <p>She took a steadying breath.</p> <p>"Mom, I'm home," she called out softly.</p> <p>Vivian turned at the sound.</p> <p>A relieved smile touched her lips.</p> <p>She stood and approached her daughter.</p> <p>She gently smoothed Anna's hair.</p> <p>"Anna, why were you working so late tonight?"</p> <p>Worry filled Vivian's eyes.</p> <p>She suspected Howard Lowell had given Anna a hard time.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_in_article_1 --> <p>Anna guided her mother back to the sofa.</p> <p>"It was a data issue," she explained quietly.</p> <p>"It needed to be fixed tonight."</p> <p>She hid the conflict with Adrian.</p> <p>She didn't want her mother to worry.</p> <p>"I'm just glad you're home."</p> <p>Vivian took her bag.</p> <p>"Go get cleaned up and rest."</p> <p>Suddenly, a cold voice came from the stairs.</p> <p>"Why are you back?"</p> <p>Howard Lowell descended.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_5 --> <p>Vivian's face instantly paled.</p> <p>Her body trembled slightly.</p> <p>Anna gripped her mother's hand tightly.</p> <p>She met Howard's gaze.</p> <p>"Isn't it stranger to not come home this late?"</p> <p>Her tone was calm, but her eyes held an edge.</p> <p>Howard studied her.</p> <p>He casually crossed his legs.</p> <p>"Adrian Sinclair took you away."</p> <p>"I thought you wouldn't be returning."</p> <p>Anna's fingers trembled slightly.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_2 --> <p>A cold feeling spread through her heart.</p> <p>In the eyes of her nominal father, they were just pawns.</p> <p>Vivian looked at her daughter in surprise.</p> <p>She realized Anna had lied.</p> <p>Howard continued his interrogation.</p> <p>"Who did Adrian Sinclair meet today?"</p> <p>Anna lowered her eyes.</p> <p>"We did nothing," she whispered.</p> <p>She wanted no part in this power struggle.</p> <p>She only craved a peaceful life.</p> <p>But fate never gave her a choice.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_3 --> </body></html>