Chapter 214
Anna was about to speak.
Adrian stepped forward, shielding her completely.
His tall frame stood protectively between them.
His gaze turned icy as he looked at Chloe.
"Say what you need to say, Ms. Valentine."
Chloe immediately swallowed her words.
She could never act arrogantly in Adrian's presence.
Pursing her lips, her eyes flickered over Anna behind him.
"Remember your promise to the Chairman."
With those words, she turned and walked away.
The click of her high heels faded into the distance.
Anna kept her eyes downcast.
She didn't ask about the meaning behind those words.
"Finished for the day? Let's go home."
Adrian's voice softened considerably.
Anna gave a slight nod.
Adrian drove himself today without calling his driver.
They stopped by the supermarket on their way home.
Picking up fresh vegetables and fruits.
Back at the Bay Area residence.
They prepared dinner together in the kitchen.
A simple meal of three dishes and soup.
During dinner, Anna hesitated for a long time.
Finally, she set down her fork and knife.
"Please take back my system access."
Adrian looked up at her.
"Why?"
"The partners won't trust me."
Her voice was quiet, filled with self-doubt.
After the recent data breach, anyone would be wary.
Adrian's expression turned serious.
"If I say you're capable, then you are."
Anna tried to say more.
But he cut her off.
"I'm the decision-maker here."
"I believe in your abilities."
"The company's interests come first."
"I would never jeopardize the business."
His tone was firm and left no room for argument.
Anna remained silent for a moment.
"But protecting me like this..."
"It puts too much pressure on me."
Adrian placed a piece of ribs in her bowl.
"Eat more."
"You'll need energy for the heavy workload ahead."
Anna stared at the food in her bowl.
Suddenly, she spoke softly.
"Please don't be so kind to me."
Her grip tightened on her utensils, knuckles turning white.
"I don't deserve it."
Adrian studied her for a long moment.
His voice deepened with tenderness.
"You have no idea."
"How much joy it brings me."
"To do these things for you."
Anna froze, a bittersweet ache spreading through her chest.
Adrian shook his head gently.
"There's no rush."
"We can take things slowly."
After dinner, Adrian received an urgent call.
An emergency situation required an immediate online meeting.
Anna returned to the study.
She opened her laptop to organize documents.
Her eyes accidentally caught the date in the screen's corner.
The 23rd.
She suddenly froze.
Her period was nearly a week late.
It was always regular before.
Frowning, she thought for a moment.
Finally, she sighed in resignation.
The recent stress had been overwhelming.
Even her body was sending warnings.
This couldn't continue.