Chapter 21: One-Man Support

"This is my ring!" Heather cried, looking at Annabel contemptuously. "You stole my ring! Now that it's been found in your purse, it's safe to say you're a shameless thief. Are you still going to deny it?"

The diamond ring's appearance in her purse didn't faze Annabel; she'd anticipated this. She'd been certain the ring was in her purse the moment the waiter testified against her. Someone had planted it while she wasn't looking—Heather.

"Annabel, if you'd returned the ring and apologized, I could have let it go," Heather said, her tone shifting from arrogant to overly soft as she caught sight of her beloved. "You're far too kind, Heather," Bella interjected. "A shameless thief like Annabel doesn't deserve to be let off so easily. We should call the police; otherwise, she'll keep stealing!"

"Well, you have a point," Heather agreed, nodding. "You deserve it, Annabel! Theft is unacceptable. You should go to jail!"

Cathy chimed in, her eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction. She clearly enjoyed the spectacle.

Annabel remained calm, unperturbed by the accusations. She welcomed the police; it would be an opportunity to expose Heather's scheme.

A familiar male voice interrupted. "What's the matter?"

Annabel turned to see Rupert. His tall, straight figure, impeccably dressed, commanded attention. His handsome face, sharp eyes, and the golden light illuminating him created an almost intimidating aura.

The crowd parted as Rupert approached Annabel. "Mr. Benton!" Heather exclaimed, adopting a pitiful expression. "Thank God you're here, Rupert. Annabel stole my diamond ring! It was a birthday gift from my grandpa."

"You must be mistaken," Rupert said, frowning deeply.

Annabel was surprised. Was Rupert defending her?

Cathy interrupted before Heather could speak. "Rupert, don't be deceived! Annabel stole the ring. Someone saw her, and it was found in her purse. It's undeniable!"

Heather added, "I didn't want to believe it, after all, she's your fiancée. But we all saw the ring in her purse. The evidence is clear. Rupert, you won't defend her, will you?"

Annabel remained unfazed, thinking Heather would make a fortune as an actress.

Rupert, still uncertain, turned to Annabel. "Did you steal the ring?"

"If I say no, will you trust me?" Annabel asked, looking into his eyes.

"Yes, I trust you," Rupert replied instantly, convinced by her calm demeanor and sincerity.

Annabel smiled, surprised by his trust.

Cathy stamped her foot in anger. "Rupert!" she exclaimed, baffled by his support for Annabel. "Did she give you a love potion?"

Bella, after a wink from Heather, pressed, "Make it clear, Annabel! How did the ring get in your purse?"

Annabel, looking directly at Heather, smiled. "Someone planted the ring to frame me."

Heather's unease was palpable; she looked away, her palms sweating. Did Annabel know? Her plan was supposed to be flawless.

"Go check the surveillance footage," Rupert ordered his assistant, Finley Wagner.

Finley left, and Annabel waited, knowing the footage would reveal the truth—if it existed. Heather's meticulous planning might have accounted for that. Finley returned with bad news.

"Mr. Benton, the surveillance cameras are all broken."

"All of them? How is that possible?" Rupert's eyes narrowed. It was a five-star hotel; the security should have been impeccable.

Annabel had an idea. "Since there's no CCTV footage, a forensic test will reveal if my fingerprints are on the ring."

"What's the point, Annabel?" Heather asked. "I'll let this go for Rupert's sake if you apologize."

An apology would confirm her guilt, disappoint Rupert, and jeopardize her position. Conversely, it would paint Heather as forgiving.

"Are you saying you don't want to find the truth?" Annabel asked, her gaze piercing.

Heather's discomfort was evident. "No, I want to know the truth!"

"Then call the police," Annabel stated calmly. She was confident the forensic test would clear her.

Brock sought Rupert's opinion. Rupert called the police chief, who arrived swiftly with forensic experts.

"Good evening, Mr. Benton. This is our best expert," the chief said respectfully.