Chapter 605 Don't Hurt Her
After everything was arranged, it was already past midnight.
For Anna's safety, Evelyn had wanted her to stay at the villa from today until Randy's matter was settled. First, to properly protect this witness, and second, because she genuinely liked this girl who, despite her pitiful background, was so resilient and self-reliant.
But Anna insisted on going home, because her mother had a very weak heart. Forget about what would happen if her coming to see them was discovered—if her mother woke up at night and found her gone, she'd probably have a heart attack from the shock.
Fortunately, her mother hadn't contacted her all night until now, so she must still be asleep.
It seemed even God was supporting this brave girl's decision.
Bart helped Anna into the car, taking care of her attentively the whole time.
Edward walked out with his arm around Evelyn's shoulders. His rough, warm fingertips gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes, then his large hand cupped the back of her neck as he kissed her forehead.
"Evelyn, it's late, and I can see you're exhausted. Bart and I will take Anna home. You just wait for me here."
"And whose fault is it that I'm so tired?"
Evelyn pouted and mumbled, "You're all charged up now, but you drained my battery completely. Even if I were a human power bank, I need to rest."
A great sense of satisfaction filled Edward's chest—her exhaustion was her body's way of telling him how satisfied she was.
Edward couldn't help but suddenly capture her tempting lips, their lips pressing and rubbing together as his tongue boldly pried open her teeth for another passionate kiss.
He kissed Evelyn until her mind was in chaos, as if he'd stolen all her breath away.
Anna looked through the car window and saw her favorite celebrity couple kissing. She got so excited, she let out an "Ah!" which startled Bart in the passenger seat!
"Can I take a picture as a keepsake? I really love them together!"
"What?"
Bart turned to stare at her, mouth half-open, his mind already coming up with many reasons to reject her request.
But in the end, he softened, sighing, "Just don't post it on social media, and preferably don't show it to anyone else."
"I won't! I'll just keep it for myself!"
Anna looked at Bart gratefully, her clear eyes touching, "You're so nice! Thank you!"
In the end, they decided Edward would go with Bart to take Anna home. Evelyn wouldn't come along.
On the way, although Edward and Anna sat in the back seat, there was enough space between them for half a person to lie down.
He noticed Anna seemed in much better spirits, staring at her phone screen and inexplicably smiling to herself, her mouth never closing.
He also noticed that Bart kept glancing at the rearview mirror, his eyes drifting to Anna's face.
A subtle feeling suddenly came over him.
Was his presence here a bit unnecessary?
The black sedan stopped downstairs at the old apartment complex.
Before getting out, Edward spoke coolly, offering a kind reminder: "Anna, I think you should find an opportunity soon to have an honest talk with your mother about this."
"In the future, you'll need to testify in court as an important witness. I'm afraid it will be even harder for your mother to accept then."
"Mr. Wellington, thank you for the reminder."
Anna's eyes dimmed, forcing a smile, "Although convincing my mother will be difficult, and I know she's trying to protect me, the fact that I came to you and Ms. Taylor shows I've made up my mind. No matter what, I won't back down."
Edward looked at her with admiration, his lips curving slightly, "Thank you."
The two escorted Anna to her door.
Just as Anna was about to enter, Bart impulsively stepped forward, "Um... Anna."
Anna turned around, blinking her big eyes, "What is it?"
"Ahem... where did you buy that bear-rabbit bag? Can you tell me? I want to buy one for my sister."
"Bear-rabbit?!"
Anna smiled brightly, "I made this myself. I designed and drew the pattern myself. There's only this one."
Bart's eyes widened, "That's amazing..."
"If you like it, I can make one for you, but it'll take some time."
Anna asked tentatively, softly, "Can you wait?"
"Yes, I'm willing to wait however long it takes," Bart responded eagerly.
Somehow, his sense of anticipation suddenly soared.
Then they exchanged WhatsApp contacts. She waved goodbye politely and gently closed the door.
Edward glanced sideways at Bart with a meaningful look, "You, someone who only buys luxury brands, would be interested in something handmade?"
"Isn't it... cute?"
Bart's eyes flickered as he raised his fist to his lips, clearing his throat awkwardly twice, "Isn't this kind of cute handmade item better than any luxury brand? It's basically a custom exclusive piece."
"Bart, your intentions don't seem entirely pure." Edward's deep eyes narrowed slightly.
Bart had worked for him for too many years. They spent so much time together that they understood each other very well.
Bart's cheeks flushed as he scratched his head nervously, "What?"
"Don't say I didn't warn you—that girl is only seventeen, right at a critical time when she should focus on her studies."
Edward's expression suddenly turned serious, "Don't influence her or harm her. She's already been through enough."
"Didn't you hear? She keeps such a distance from me—how could I have any ideas!" Bart shook his head frantically, flustered.