Chapter 26: A Lovable Act

Annabel shoved Rupert out and slammed the door. Rupert was furious but helpless; it was the first time anyone, and a woman at that, had dismissed him so completely. He'd intended to help her, suggesting to Nina that she transfer the Lady Fashion collaboration project to Annabel for learning opportunities. He anticipated she'd struggle with such a large project and wanted to assist her. Instead, she'd treated him like a pest. What an ungrateful woman!

Annabel, oblivious to his intentions, disregarded her earlier plan to sleep. Instead, she retrieved a laptop from her suitcase and opened an encrypted file containing a new dress design. Annabel was secretly Leo, the world-renowned fashion designer who’d emerged two years prior, catapulting to fame after designing a princess's wedding dress. Leo remained anonymous, shunning the spotlight and avoiding all media except through Anika Mendoza, the head of Leo Studio. Leo's gender was even a mystery. The revelation that the celebrated designer was a woman in her early twenties would be a significant surprise.

Annabel meticulously refined her design, then sent the drawings to Anika with a text: "Launch the Elsa series immediately." "Got it!" Anika replied promptly.

Sunday arrived quickly. Early that morning, Rupert took Annabel to his grandfather's three-story villa nestled amidst a mountainous landscape, beside a tranquil river. Jaxen Dawson, the butler, warmly greeted them.

"Where's Grandpa?" Rupert asked.

"He's waiting inside. You must be Annabel," Jaxen replied.

Annabel smiled and nodded. Rupert hooked his arm through hers.

"What are you doing?" Annabel asked, wary.

"What does it look like?" Rupert frowned. "You need to behave properly in front of my grandfather. He's old and unwell."

Annabel, understanding, reluctantly linked arms with him, silently wishing Bruce well. They entered the living room, appearing as a loving couple.

A gray-haired man in gold-rimmed glasses sat on the sofa: Bruce Benton, Rupert's grandfather.

"Good morning, Grandpa!" Rupert greeted him.

Annabel smiled sweetly. "Hello, Bruce."

Bruce stood, his eyes affectionate. "It's so good to see you, Anna. You've grown up." He last saw her five years ago, an immature teenager. Now, she was a tall, slender woman with bright eyes and a pretty face—a perfect match for Rupert, in his opinion.

"How are you doing, Bruce? My grandpa's been worried," Annabel said, helping him sit. She examined him closely. Having been cared for by medics as a sickly child, she’d developed medical skills. She noticed his ruddy complexion didn't suggest illness; he wasn't weak or frail. Bruce was faking it.

Rupert, a devoted grandson eager to please, had been manipulated. Bruce's charade was intended to force Rupert's agreement to marry Annabel. Annabel, relieved to know the truth, felt pity for his impending disappointment.

As she pondered this, Rupert offered a doting smile and took her hand. Annabel's initial instinct was to withdraw, but remembering their earlier conversation, she stiffened and smiled back. Bruce, oblivious to the artifice, beamed, convinced they had feelings for each other.

Just then, Jaxen announced, "Erica and Heather Norman are here."

Annabel frowned. Erica and Heather?

"Dad, how are you? Feeling better? Heather's been worried sick, so I brought her," Erica said.

Heather smiled sweetly. "I wanted to visit but didn't want to intrude. It's good to see you recovering."

Bruce's smile faltered; he knew of Heather's feelings for Rupert, and Erica's preference for Heather over Annabel, whom she considered beneath Rupert due to her rural background. In Bruce's eyes, Annabel was far superior. They merely underestimated her.

"Mom, why are you here?" Rupert's irritation was palpable. He'd brought Annabel for a visit, not this.

"Why can't I be here? Heather's a sweet, well-behaved girl who wanted to visit," Erica said, nudging Heather toward Rupert, who shamelessly insinuated herself between Rupert and Annabel.

Annabel understood; Erica was openly challenging her. Heather, with an obsessed look, held Rupert's arm. "Rupert, my brother's back from abroad soon. Let's have a get-together."

"I don't have time," Rupert flatly refused.

"Why not? Work?" Heather pressed.

Rupert disengaged Heather's grip, embraced Annabel, and pulled her close. "Annabel just arrived in Douburgh. I need to show her around."

Annabel, after a brief pause, snuggled into him. "Oh, baby, I want to shop and try the best restaurants!"

"Anything for you, darling," Rupert said adoringly.

Heather's jaw dropped, her face green with envy. Concealing her jealousy, she presented Bruce with a gift.

"Bruce, I brought you tonics from my grandfather." She then turned to Annabel. "Annabel, this is probably your first time seeing these. I'll bring some for you next time."

"Thanks, but no thanks," Annabel replied coolly, ignoring the sarcasm.

Heather folded her arms. "Annabel, what did you bring for Bruce?"