The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1156

Graham and Brooke, acting like a comedy duo straight out of a sitcom, were on the verge of tearing into a man they barely knew.

Anna quickly waved her hands, "No, no, you guys got it all wrong. I'm not seeing anyone at the moment, and if I were, you'd be the first to know," she said, desperately signaling to Arnold to jump in with some support.

Just as Brooke was about to unleash her secret weapon of interrogation, Arnold smoothly cut in, "Mom, why keep grilling her? Can't you see she's about to faint from hunger? Look at her, clear as day, she's single. Next time she's here, you can check in again. Progress update, right? Gives us something to look forward to, doesn't it?"

Arnold had a knack for diverting attention, and soon enough, the couple started to fuss over Anna with food, dropping the interrogation like a hot potato.

Anna breathed a sigh of relief.

On their way back, Anna was quiet, lost in thought, which didn't go unnoticed by Arnold.

Trying to lighten the mood, Arnold joked, "What's with the silence? Didn't like the third degree from Mom and Dad?"

"It's my fault," Anna finally said. "I should have considered how you felt before blurting it out. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable."

Arnold's words brought Anna back to the moment. She looked ahead and shook her head, "I just don't get it."

"Get what?" Arnold was puzzled.

"How did you know about it?" Anna's voice was barely a whisper. Was it really that obvious?

Arnold chuckled lightly. "You seem to miss most of the messages I send you, don't you?"

messages from the day he arrived

had already run

Anna couldn't believe Soren would

night, it was only by my sheer virtue that I

smile, sensing

he doesn't like me, so why the hostility? Maybe he sees you as a threat? After all, to my friends,

but think how naïve Anna

yesterday and then quickly get drunk? It all lines up," Arnold said, a smirk spreading across his face as if to say, 'Told

He wanted

me tell

over there confessing your feelings. If he's willing to butt heads with me rather than clear things up with you, his feelings aren't deep enough. A man truly in love

lifted, were doused by Arnold's reality

wilted flower, Anna

thought of a plan. "Hey, don't worry.

though skeptical, felt a glimmer of hope

"Alright!"

and issuing a string of reminders like a worried parent, Arnold left, giving Anna some peace. Alone, she remembered Soren's clothes still hanging on the balcony. "He left these?" she muttered, collecting the clothes.

shake off her

bed,

eluded her, all because of one person. Arnold, unaware of Anna'sturmoil, was already planning a

Together they entered the restaurant, a stark contrast to