The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1155

Anna suddenly raised her voice, startling the two men in the room.

Seeing Anna's strong reaction, Arnold instantly understood the unspoken tension between her and Soren.

Soren, on the other hand, felt a sinking feeling in his heart the moment he saw Anna's eagerness to clarify the misunderstanding. Was she that worried Arnold might misinterpret their relationship?

The title "Captain" suddenly irked Soren, even though it was what Anna should call him. He found himself increasingly agitated by it.

"Captain, huh?" Arnold sensed the tension and positioned himself between them. "If that's the case, maybe it's better to keep a distance. What if people get the wrong idea?"

Soren glanced at Arnold, his hostility evident, unaware that this only fueled Arnold's excitement.

Anna was terrified of a confrontation between Soren and Arnold. Despite Arnold's stature, he wasn't exactly known for his physical strength. A fight would undoubtedly end in Soren's favor, and how could she explain that to Arnold's parents? Interrupting their standoff, Anna asked, "Arnold, what did you need to see me about? Why did you even come up?"

"You didn't see my message about my mom inviting us over for dinner? I came to pick you up," Arnold replied.

Anna had missed the message, having fallen asleep lost in thoughts of Soren's enticing 'goodnight.'

Blushing at the memory, she found herself at a loss for words.

Soren, unaware of her turmoil, assumed her blush was from excitement about visiting Arnold's house. Deciding to leave, he said, "Well, I won't keep you. Thanks for last night; I'll handle the lab work." He left before Anna could respond, leaving her frozen in place.

came back from abroad just for this. You want to keep them waiting?"

interaction, felt his last hopes

and hurt in Soren's eyes, prompting her urge to explain, which Arnold quickly

buy groceries," Arnold

that at least Anna wouldn't have to endure a

Anna warmly. "It's been so long,

than ever. Look at you, all grown up into

in. We

quiet house buzzed with excitement at Anna's

discuss with Anna, leaving Arnold

college, Anna? Have you been dating anyone?" Brooke offered Anna

decided against lying to Brooke. "No,

for young women to prioritize their

agreed, smiling at

to sigh, a signal Arnold recognized

were half as straightforward, I'd be grateful." Arnold, facing his mother's stern look, calmly responded, "I have my plans for my personal life. Please

can I not

you're not into girls, fine, but you won't even bring a boyfriend home. Are we not open-minded enough? You've kept us in the dark about your love

tension rise, having not anticipated

a knowing look, "It's always the girls who understand. What to do with

you still haven't brought her over?" Anna was genuinely