Chapter 244 The Conflicted Anna
Caleb's expression shifted slightly before returning to its usual cold demeanor. "You're only being patient because of your feelings for Bella. I don't have the energy to keep arguing with you. Just seeing you makes me sick."
Sterling didn't respond. He stood up and walked heavily towards Colin's office.
Colin was engrossed in a computer game, a carefree smile on his face as if nothing in the world could bother him. "Finished eating? What, here to complain?"
Ignoring Colin's teasing, Sterling leaned against the desk, his voice tinged with frustration. "I'll make sure he pays for today's dinner."
Colin chuckled softly, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. "Don't rush. There's plenty of time. But be careful of his moves. If he really gets together with Anna, you'll have a tough enemy. Remember, Anna is Bella's good friend. Think about the connections."
Sterling was silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.
Suddenly, he shifted the conversation, his gaze fixed on Colin. "What's going on between you and Anna?"
Colin's smile became a bit stiff. He avoided Sterling's eyes, his tone slightly unnatural. "What are you talking about? There's nothing between us."
Sterling gave him a long, searching look, trying to read his expression. "I hope there really is something between you two."
He wanted to see Caleb lose everything, including the woman he loved most.
No one knew how Colin had managed to swallow his anger and disgust while drinking that glass of wine in the hall earlier.
If Caleb dared to touch Anna, Colin would make him understand what true suffering was.
But these thoughts were kept to himself. He had no right to tell Anna, but he would protect her from the shadows.
"By the way, when are we heading to Oakridge?" Colin asked.
Sterling thought for a moment. "We'll leave next week."
After a tense dinner, Sterling and Bella drove back to The Windsor Villa.
Meanwhile, Caleb was driving Anna home. The night was gentle, but the atmosphere in the car was awkward and tense.
Caleb suddenly took out a ring that glinted coldly, looking at Anna with sincere eyes. "Anna, can you give me an answer now?"
Anna's heart tightened, feeling suffocated by Caleb's intensity.
She struggled to speak, her voice trembling. "Caleb, I'm sorry. I haven't made up my mind yet."
Caleb's face darkened instantly. He tossed the ring aside, his tone displeased. "Didn't we agree you'd give me an answer after I got out of the hospital? Love is love, and if you don't love me, just say so. Why is it so hard for you to decide? Or have you fallen for someone else while we were apart?"
Anna felt the doubt and dissatisfaction in Caleb's voice. She quickly rolled down the window, letting the night breeze cool her face.
She took a few deep breaths to calm herself before speaking slowly. "No, it's not that. I'm just worried my mom won't be happy. You know how she can be. If she causes a scene, I won't be able to handle it."
She sighed, feeling helpless. She couldn't resist Caleb's affection and persistence, but agreeing so easily didn't feel right either.
Using her mom as an excuse was the only way to ease the pressure for now.
Caleb's doubts eased a bit at her response. He gritted his teeth, taking a deep breath to steady his voice.
"If it's just about your mom, let me handle it. I won't force you to decide now. I'm just worried you've fallen for someone else. That would hurt me deeply."
Though Caleb seemed to understand, Anna knew the issue wasn't truly resolved. She was torn, unsure how to handle Caleb's feelings and her future choices.
Fallen for someone else? The thought brought Colin's face to her mind, making her heart race and her cheeks flush.
She felt panicked, quickly lowering her head to avoid Caleb's gaze, unable to voice her true thoughts.
A brief silence filled the car. Caleb seemed to sense Anna's unease but didn't press further.
Instead, he changed the subject. "Quit your job and come work for me. I can give you a high-paying, easy position. Once you marry me, you won't need to work. I can take care of you. You know I've always dreamed of being with you."
"Quit my job? I hadn't thought about that." Anna shook her head slightly, hesitating. "I only know design. There's no suitable position at your company. Taking a salary without working would make me uncomfortable. Besides, I like my current job. My colleagues are very supportive."
But Caleb wasn't ready to give up. He suddenly pulled the car over, the tires screeching against the pavement.
His expression turned cold, his eyes fixed on Anna. "Is it the job you can't leave or someone there? I can give you a better salary and easier work. You have no reason to refuse. From what I know, you're not doing that well at Colin's company. You were always unfocused in college, with no real foundation."
Caleb's words stung Anna, filling her with shame and anger. She knew she hadn't been the best student, but that didn't mean she hadn't worked hard.
She also didn't appreciate Caleb belittling her relationship with Colin. Taking a deep breath, she tried to stay calm.
"Caleb, that's too much. I'm happy at my job, and my colleagues respect me. Colin and I are just coworkers, nothing more."
Caleb didn't seem convinced but chose not to argue further.
"Fine, I won't interfere with your job. But Anna, when will you give me an answer about us?" Caleb looked hurt, as if he'd tried everything and was just waiting for her to agree.
Anna looked equally pained and conflicted.
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