Chapter 37
Vivian Lowell released her embrace.
Anna Ross looked down at her phone.
The screen showed an incoming call from Mia Lawrence.
She wiped away her tears.
She steadied her breathing and answered.
"Mia?"
Mia's voice was cheerful. "Anna! That apartment you mentioned last time is available!"
Anna's eyes lit up.
She had almost forgotten about her search for a new place.
"Really?"
Mia laughed. "It's in high demand. Do you want to see it now?"
Anna's heart raced.
She could finally take her mother away from here.
"I'll be right..."
She didn't finish her sentence.
Her phone was snatched away by Vivian.
The call ended abruptly.
Anna stared in shock.
"Mom, that was Mia."
Vivian shoved the phone back into her hand.
Her expression was grave.
"Don't waste your effort."
Anna gripped her phone tightly.
"We can move out together."
Vivian shook her head.
"I'm not leaving."
Anna grabbed her mother's hand.
"This place isn't worth staying for."
Vivian pulled her hand back.
"I said I'm not leaving."
Anna bit her lip.
Why was her mother being so stubborn?
They stared at each other in silence.
Vivian sighed softly.
"You move out."
Anna shook her head.
"I can't leave you behind."
Vivian straightened her daughter's collar.
Her fingertips brushed against Anna's cheek.
"Be good."
Anna's eyes reddened.
"He will hurt you."
Vivian's gaze was firm.
"I'll come find you after I handle things here."
Anna's heart ached.
She remembered Howard Lowell's fists.
She remembered her mother's bruises.
She could never let her mother face this alone.
She held her mother's hand tightly.