Chapter 13: Where Is Annabel?

"It's already eleven, but Annabel hasn't come back yet. Where the hell is she? Hanging around with men?"

Rupert had just gone downstairs for a glass of water when he heard Cathy's irritable words.

Erica huffed. "She must have lived a dissolute life in the countryside. Who knows if she's having fun at some bar? What an annoying girl!"

A strange feeling filled Rupert's heart. But when he recalled Annabel's behavior the previous night, the feeling dissipated. Her whereabouts were none of their business.

As soon as Erica saw Rupert, she said, "I know you don't care about Annabel. But you can't just allow her to do whatever she likes while she's under our roof. Any bad action from her will damage your image. After all, many people know she's your fiancée. I advise you to call off the engagement and throw her out of this house. Who knows what trouble she'll cause if she stays here? We can't clean up after her or face the consequences of her actions. You should do the needful."

Rupert shrugged nonchalantly. "Grandpa said the engagement will be called off in three months."

"She'll stay here for three whole months?" Erica screamed. "Gosh! She's only been here a few days, and I can't stand her anymore. You'd better discuss this with your grandpa and get rid of her as soon as possible!"

"Why don't you tell him yourself?" Rupert glanced at his mother, raising an eyebrow. This suggestion silenced Erica. She knew Bruce would scold her harshly if she raised the issue. Rupert returned upstairs, unwilling to continue the conversation.

As soon as he entered his study, he saw his phone lit up on the desk. A new message had arrived.

He clicked it and saw one word: Help.

The message was from an unknown number, so he assumed it was a prank. He set the phone aside and resumed working. But, for some reason, he couldn't concentrate and felt restless.

The clock chimed twelve. After showering, Rupert lay down but couldn't sleep. He tossed and turned, wondering where Annabel was.

"That's none of your business, Rupert," he muttered, closing his eyes and trying to dismiss his concerns. It didn't work. He turned over, remembering Annabel was new to Douburgh and knew no one. He suddenly recalled the strange message. The number seemed familiar. He checked his grandfather's messages. Bruce had sent him Annabel's number, but Rupert hadn't saved it. It was the same number that sent the message.

Why had she asked for help? Was she in danger?

Rupert sat up and dialed the number, but it was switched off. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He feared something bad had happened. Without hesitation, he got dressed and went to the company. He planned to question the security guards and check the CCTV footage for clues. He found the company in complete darkness. The security guard explained, "There's a problem with the power circuit. I've arranged for repairs before the employees arrive."

When Rupert asked about Annabel, the guard scratched his head. "I haven't seen her."

"What do you mean? Didn't she come to work?" Rupert frowned.

"I saw her arrive, but I didn't see her leave. I'm sure of it." Annabel was quite famous at Benton Group. Almost everyone knew her, so the guard always noticed her.

Did this mean she was still in the building? And why the message?

The security guard suddenly added, "That reminds me, I heard some employees saying Nina gave Annabel a difficult task, causing her to stay late. I think she might still be in there. Perhaps she fell asleep from exhaustion."

Rupert immediately barged into the company and went upstairs. The security guard followed with a flashlight. "Annabel? Annabel!" Rupert called repeatedly, only hearing his own voice echo. In the secretarial department, he saw Annabel's bag on a desk. He looked down and saw her feet.

Rupert quickly crouched down, and the security guard shone the flashlight underneath. Annabel was curled up like a fetus. Her face was deathly pale, and her sweaty body trembled.