Chapter 17: Being Fair

"Bernice, excuse me. I need to speak with Mr. Benton."

Nina glanced at the woman in red before turning to Rupert. The name Bernice sounded familiar to Annabel, who then realized Bernice was the design department director of a jewelry company owned by Benton Group. Her family's connection with the Bentons had enabled her to secure the position at such a young age.

"I'm also speaking with Mr. Benton. Nina, it's first come, first served," Bernice said, expressing her dissatisfaction.

Rupert leaned back, casting a chilly look at Annabel. He remembered her contacting him that morning, saying she would be late. He wondered why she was in trouble, and why Nina had reprimanded her so harshly.

Rupert handed Bernice the design, saying, "Modify it."

"All right, Mr. Benton," Bernice replied, taking the draft and stepping back. Rupert's expression hardened as he looked at Nina and Annabel. "What's up?"

"Mr. Benton, Annabel arrived late today without explanation. I can't keep such a careless employee in our department," Nina complained. Rumor had it that Bruce forced Rupert to accept Annabel as his fiancée. Rupert not only lacked feelings for Annabel but also disliked her. Nina hoped to use this opportunity to get rid of Annabel.

"She informed me she would be late," Rupert stated indifferently, fiddling with his pen.

Nina was taken aback. She opened her mouth, but found no words. It was common knowledge that Rupert disliked Annabel, a country girl. Nina couldn't understand why he was defending her.

"All right, you may leave," Rupert said, loosening his tie impatiently.

Nina and Bernice turned to leave.

"Wait, Nina," Annabel said, clearing her throat.

Nina stopped. "What?"

Annabel's eyes darkened. "Aren't you going to explain what happened last night?"

"What happened last night?" Nina asked, looking away guiltily.

"You said you'd bring me a document and asked me to work overtime. But there was no document." Annabel squinted. "You planned to keep me at the office all night. Don't you owe me an explanation?"

Nina hadn't expected Annabel to bring this up in front of Rupert. Her face changed, but she remained outwardly calm. "What are you talking about, Annabel? I only asked you to finish your work. When did I say I'd bring a document? Did you misunderstand me?"

Annabel knew Nina would deny it. She took out her phone and played a recording of Nina saying, "Well, I just received a call. There's another document that must be inputted. I'm on my way with it. Just wait."

Nina's face paled. She'd had no idea Annabel had recorded the call. She bit her lip and said, "It wasn't like that, Mr. Benton. Don't trust Annabel. She—"

Annabel interrupted with a mocking smile. "Are you going to claim the recording is fake? That I had it synthesized? We can easily prove it with an expert analysis."

Nina was speechless. The thought of Rupert getting an expert to examine the recording terrified her.

"I—" Nina stammered.

"Apologize to Annabel," Rupert interrupted.

Annabel was shocked. She hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. Nina was a senior employee, and she and Rupert disliked each other. It seemed Rupert was a man who valued fairness.