Chapter 27
Lucas Evans's appearance shocked everyone present.
No one expected him to come.
He never attended class reunions before.
But today, he showed up unexpectedly.
People whispered and murmured among themselves.
Lucas seemed not to hear any of it.
He walked directly toward Anna Ross.
His gaze fell gently upon her.
"Anna, long time no see."
His voice was as gentle as ever.
Anna looked up.
Lucas was smiling at her.
Sunlight fell on his slightly curly hair.
Those captivating eyes curved into a pleasant arc.
His expression radiated warmth.
He was still the same as he was in college.
Completely unchanged.
Anna returned his smile.
"Long time no see."
Adrian Sinclair shot Lucas a cold glance.
His eyes held a scrutinizing edge.
Lucas gave Adrian a slight nod.
Then he turned his attention back to Anna.
"Anna, there's been no news from you these past few years."
"I thought you had gone abroad."
"It's really good to see you again."
"How have you been these past two years?"
Anna paused for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"Thank you for your concern. I've been doing quite well."
"And you? I heard after graduation, you've been..."
Adrian suddenly cleared his throat lightly.
The air around them instantly turned cold.
Anna's smile faded.
She quietly closed her mouth.
Lucas seemed unaware of the tension.
He spoke gently.
"Just getting by. As long as I can manage, it's fine."
Anna smiled slightly.
She didn't continue the conversation.
The class monitor saw that almost everyone had arrived.
He urged everyone to take their seats.
"We're all classmates here. Don't stand on ceremony. Sit wherever you like!"
Lucas reached out to pull out a chair for Anna.
But his movement halted mid-air.
He pulled out a chair.
Speaking softly to Anna.
"Let's sit down first."
Anna instinctively glanced at Adrian.
She quickly waved her hand.
"You go ahead and sit. I'm fine."
According to Adrian's requirements.
She was here to serve.
She wasn't qualified to sit.
Lucas looked at her, puzzled.
Everyone else had taken their seats.
Only three empty chairs remained.
Adrian leisurely sat down next to Anna.
Lucas sat on her other side.
A seat was left empty between them.
Anna remained standing.
Lucas asked with concern.
"Are you feeling unwell?"
Adrian played with his wine glass.
He wore an expression of amusement.
The others also stared curiously at Anna.
From the moment she entered.
They had sensed something was off about her today.
The atmosphere became awkward all at once.
The class monitor couldn't help but speak up.
"Is something bothering you?"
Other classmates joined in.
"You rarely come to these gatherings."
"We're all really happy to see you."
"Please, sit down!"
Anna clenched the hem of her clothes tightly.
Her lips were bitten until they turned pale.
But she couldn't find the words to speak.
She couldn't very well say that Adrian forbade her from sitting.
Everyone seemed determined not to let it go until she sat.
Anna was caught in a difficult position.
Adrian rubbed his ring.
He spoke with calm composure.
"There's no need to ask."
"She is currently my Executive Assistant."
"She is here to serve me."
"Therefore, she must remain standing."
The room instantly fell into complete silence.