Chapter 356
Vivian immediately understood.
She gently patted her daughter's hand.
She spoke softly. "Anna, your father says he has something important to discuss with you."
"Please go out and hear what he has to say."
Anna's expression shifted slightly.
Her mother seemed unusually compliant with Howard lately.
Was it because of that vague promise of "warmth"?
She could ignore anyone else's demands.
But she could never go against her mother's wishes.
To avoid worrying her mother, she nodded in agreement.
"Alright. I'll be back soon."
Under her mother's concerned gaze, she stood and walked toward Howard.
She followed him out of the hospital room.
The hallway was busy with people.
She didn't stop until they reached a quiet corner.
"Get straight to the point."
"If it's the same old talk, don't bother."
"I can't do anything right now."
Anna's tone was sharp and defensive.
Howard was taken aback at first.
Then a sinister smile spread across his face.
"Don't be so quick to refuse."
"Take a look at this first."
He handed her a stack of documents.
Anna recognized them with just a glance.
They were the damning account books.
"What does this mean?" She took them and flipped through quickly.
She realized this was only half of them.
The rest were clearly still in his possession.
Howard shoved his hands into his pockets.
He whistled casually while looking out the window.
"Anna, I genuinely want to cooperate."
"Just keep helping me."
"All these account books will be yours to handle."
The offer was too tempting to resist.
Her fingers tightened around the edges of the books.
If she could get all of them, she could take her mother away soon.
Seeing her hesitation, Howard pressed his advantage.
"I promise I'll keep my word."
"You already have part of it in your hands."
"Anna, you must help me stop Adrian and Chloe's engagement!"
His expression grew visibly panicked at the end.
Anna was confused.
This marriage alliance shouldn't affect his interests.
"But he doesn't want anything to do with me now."
She shoved the account books back into his hands.
Since he wanted to get engaged, why should she bother?
She turned to leave.
Howard's face darkened instantly.
His expression turned terrifyingly grim.
"Stop right there!"
His shout echoed through the hallway.
Anna had no choice but to halt.
Howard slowly tapped the account books.
His voice was icy cold.
"I tried asking nicely."
"Do you really think I won't touch your mother?"
A chill ran down Anna's spine.
She thought she was breaking free from his control.
Now she realized it was all an illusion.
Howard let out a cold, mocking laugh.
"Cooperating is better for everyone."
"Otherwise…"
He made a threatening gesture.
"Who knows what might happen to your mother."
"I can't make any guarantees.