Chapter 138
Anna Ross put down her bag.
Sophia Roscente held her phone closer.
The screen showed a trending post in the bar scene.
The title was eye-catching: "New Resident Singing Goddess Stuns the Entire Crowd."
"Anna, you're famous!" Sophia waved her phone excitedly.
"Several bars want to poach you. Their offers keep getting higher."
Anna was stunned.
She never imagined her singing would attract attention.
If she had pursued music back then, would she be a professional singer now?
She shook her head with a light laugh.
"It was just filling in. They'll forget in a few days."
Sophia jumped onto the bed, sitting cross-legged.
"Don't underestimate yourself! When you're famous, your value doubles."
"Making money will be as easy as breathing."
Anna's eyes flickered.
If she could really earn enough, she could take her mother away from here.
They could escape all restraints.
She lay down, responding softly.
"I'll take your good words."
Sophia poked her shoulder teasingly.
"Didn't expect my sister to be a hidden money-minded girl~"
Anna didn't reply.
If not forced by life, who would want to run after money all day?
She closed her eyes, a trace of bitterness hidden at the corner of her mouth.
That night, she dreamed of standing center stage under brilliant lights.
The audience's applause roared like tidal waves.
Her mother sat in the front row, smiling and waving at her.
They moved into a new home filled with sunlight.
No tall buildings blocked the view outside the window.
Only a vast blue sky.
The alarm clock rang abruptly.
Anna sat up suddenly, the dream's warmth still lingering.
She hurriedly washed up and changed clothes.
Grabbing her bag, she rushed downstairs.
At the apartment entrance, Lucas Evans leaned against his car.
Morning light fell on his shoulders, making his smile especially gentle.
"Anna, let me drive you to work." He opened the passenger door naturally.
Anna instinctively glanced around.
The morning street was empty, only a few sparrows hopping onto branches.
She still felt uneasy, lowering her voice.
"Lucas, really, you don't have to do this..."
Lucas chuckled lightly.
"Don't worry. This is New York."
His gaze was firm.
"Adrian Sinclair can't touch me."
Anna gripped her bag strap tightly.
She wasn't afraid of Adrian targeting Lucas.
She only feared deeper entanglement.
Lucas had already leaned over to fasten her seatbelt.
The engine started.
He reminded her gently.
"If we don't leave now, the time clock won't wait for anyone."