Anna noticed the man staring at her son and instantly grew cautious. She pulled her two children closer, hiding them behind her.
"It's nothing," Harry said, his voice deep and smooth, like aged wine, low, resonant, and hard to ignore.
He withdrew his gaze, his curiosity fading as quickly as it came. After all, thinking back ten years, the only woman he had crossed paths with was Tina, six years ago.
Even though he didn't care for Tina's greedy, social-climbing ways, she had saved him back then and even given birth to his son. Out of gratitude, he felt he owed her the position of Mrs. Luke.
Anna frowned slightly. There was something about his voice that struck her as oddly familiar.
That strange familiarity tugged at her heart, and before she could stop herself, she asked softly, "Have we met before?"
Harry, who had been about to leave, suddenly stopped in his tracks. His gaze lowered, locking onto Anna's face.
His eyes were dark and unreadable, like a deep swamp, and carried a trace of coldness.
"That kind of pick-up line is outdated. And honestly, you're not my type," Harry said icily, his tone filled with disdain.
He had no interest in women like her. With that, he turned and walked away.
Once Harry was gone, Anna snapped out of her lapse in composure.
Regret pricked at her. What had come over her to ask such a stupid question to a stranger?
As she stood there, lost in thought, her daughter suddenly piped up.
"Mommy, did you notice that uncle looked a lot like brother?" Natalie asked curiously, tilting her little head.
Anna froze for a moment, about to respond, when Kyle quickly cut in, "No, Sophie, don't say things like that."
"Okay…" Natalie mumbled, lowering her head in disappointment. But to her, the handsome man really did look a lot like her brother!
Anna forced herself to push aside the thought. She couldn't afford to dwell on it now.
Her grandmother was still being threatened by George, and she had no choice but to visit the Lin family tonight.
"Alright, let's hurry back," Anna urged, gathering her kids.
She had bought an apartment in Ocean City, a simple three-bedroom, one-living room home.
It was enough for the three of them. After settling the kids in, she immediately headed straight to the Ives family home.
---
When Anna arrived at the Ives residence, she was greeted by the sound of laughter drifting from inside.
At the dining table sat four people: George, Grace, Tina, and an unfamiliar man.
"Anna, you're here! Come sit down, we were just waiting for you," Grace said with a fake, sugary smile as soon as she saw her.
Anna's expression stayed cold.
She walked forward slowly, her eyes locked on George, and asked directly, "Where's my grandmother?"
"Sit down and eat first," George replied with a frown, clearly displeased as he pointed to an empty seat.
Anna didn't move, her gaze unwavering. She repeated firmly, "Where's my grandmother?"
George straightened, a smug look crossing his face as he slapped his hand on the table and narrowed his eyes. "Your grandmother was a bit tired, so I asked her to rest. Sit down and have some dinner."
Anna frowned, not wanting to waste time with his games.
Just as she was about to argue, George continued, "After dinner, I'll have someone wake your grandmother so she can leave with you."
She noticed the warning in his eyes and swallowed her words.
Her grandmother's health was too fragile to withstand any stress, so Anna had no choice but to compromise.
Expressionless, she pulled out a chair and sat down.
Seeing her relent, George's face lit up with satisfaction.
He turned toward the unfamiliar man at the table and said, "Mr. White, this is my eldest daughter, Anna. She just returned from abroad today."
Zach narrowed his eyes, sizing her up. She wasn't bad-looking.
When she walked in, he had already noticed her graceful figure and delicate features. Her calm yet stubborn demeanor gave her an air of charm.
In a good mood, Zach curved his lips into a smile, his brows lifting with arrogance. "I'm Zach White, the current CEO of the White family's business. Ms. Ives, it's a pleasure to meet you."
The White family? Anna instantly remembered. They were one of the leading names in the country's fashion industry.
As an international fashion chief designer, she had come back to collaborate with local companies.
The White family had already reached out to her before, but she brushed them off with an indifferent, I'll think about it.
"Yeah," Anna answered casually, her tone dismissive, leaving the conversation hanging in the air.
Zach's smile froze, his expression sinking slightly at her indifference.
Sensing his displeasure, Tina smirked and mocked, "Sister, the White family is one of the top companies in the country. Do you really think you're above everyone just because you've been abroad for a few years?"
Anna remained calm, unshaken by her words. "I came here to see Grandma. Since you said I have to wait until after dinner, then let's just eat."
George's face darkened at her attitude. He pressed his palm against the table, his voice low and stern. "We called you back today to talk about your marriage with Zach."
Marriage?
Anna let out a soft laugh, her tone laced with mockery as she looked at George. "Marriage? Since the day my mom divorced you, when have you ever cared about anything in my life? And now, suddenly you do? How much are they paying you this time?"
George's face turned red with fury at her blunt words. He lowered his voice and snapped, "I'm your father, and I'll decide your marriage!"
Anna's lips curled in disdain. Even now, he still wanted to act like a father? She almost burst out laughing at the irony.
But before she could speak, Tina cut in.
"Oh, by the way, sister, I ran into Daniel the other day. He told me something really interesting. Want to hear it?" Tina's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned forward.
Anna froze on the spot. Daniel! Her ex-boyfriend.
The same man who, six years ago, had set her up and handed her over to a stranger's bed!