Chapter 28: Annabel, Thank You

Annabel bowed politely. "I'm sorry, I have to leave for a while."

Rupert frowned slightly. "Where are you going?"

"Lunch will be served soon," she replied.

What was so important that Annabel needed to leave at this moment? "Something just came up," she said vaguely.

Annabel stood and left. She called the veterinary hospital.

"Hello, this is Annabel Hewitt. I dropped off a dog a few days ago. How is it doing?"

The veterinarian replied, "I was just about to call you. The dog has fully recovered."

"Oh, that's wonderful! I'll pick it up now," Annabel said, relieved.

The dog in the picture Bruce had shown bore a striking resemblance to the stray Annabel had rescued days earlier. The collar was identical. She was certain the stray was Dolly, Bruce's long-lost dog.

Rupert's sadness when speaking of the dog indicated its importance to Bruce. Annabel wanted to return the dog to the old man immediately.

Erica fumed. "What's wrong with Annabel? She just walked out on us!"

Heather echoed her sentiment. "I can't believe she left us waiting for lunch! Who does she think she is?"

To cover for Annabel, Rupert glanced at Bruce and said, "I imagine there's a work emergency."

He excused her, despite not knowing the reason for her hasty departure. He wouldn't allow the women to criticize her.

Erica scoffed. "Oh, stop making excuses. What's more important than spending time with your grandfather?"

"She's so rude!" Erica continued, raising her voice. "Heather is far more respectful."

A smug smile touched Heather's lips. "I'm flattered, Erica," she said demurely.

Bruce's expression darkened. "I'm not offended. Annabel's quick response to the problem shows she's hardworking. That's commendable."

Erica was speechless. Heather, consumed by jealousy, silently cursed Annabel. She hated that bumpkin! she thought. Why did Bruce value her so much? She's no match for me in background or looks.

Why didn't Bruce choose her? Despite her burning questions, Heather feigned concern. "Annabel should have told us when she'd be back. It's lunchtime, Bruce. You need to eat to recover."

Rupert frowned. "Let's just eat." He knew Erica and Heather's true intentions. Although his engagement to Annabel was a convenience, he wouldn't tolerate their attacks.

"Jaxen, serve the dishes," Bruce instructed.

"Yes, sir," Jaxen replied, directing the servants.

Heather offered Bruce a drumstick. He moved it aside, continuing to eat.

Embarrassed, Heather turned to Rupert. He looked relaxed in his loosened tie and rolled-up sleeves, yet his handsome face remained impassive. He was elegantly peeling a prawn. Heather wished she were the prawn. She had subtly pursued Rupert for years, to no avail.

She peeled a prawn for him. "Here, try this."

Rupert moved his plate away. "No, thank you. I don't eat things others have touched."

The prawn fell to the floor. Heather was stunned. Her heart ached.

"Rupert, I'm not just anyone," she said.

Erica interjected, "Don't be mean to her, Rupert. She peeled that prawn out of kindness."

Rupert was about to respond when he saw a familiar figure. A soft smile touched his lips. "Annabel!" he called.

Heather saw Annabel approaching, carrying a white dog. She shrieked, "Annabel, why did you bring a dog? We're having lunch! Get that thing away!"

The dog barked and struggled.

Annabel smiled, bent down, and released the dog. It raced to Bruce, jumping on his legs and nuzzling him.

"Dolly!" Bruce exclaimed, his hands trembling with excitement. He looked at the dog in disbelief.

Dolly barked affirmatively. "So good to see you, Dolly. I've missed you so much!" Tears welled in Bruce's eyes.

"Annabel, where did you find Dolly?" Rupert asked. It suddenly dawned on him that she'd gone to retrieve the dog. He wondered how she'd found her so quickly, having only seen a picture moments before.

Slightly breathless from her quick return on foot, Annabel smiled. "Do you remember when I was late for work a few days ago and Nina almost fired me?"

Rupert nodded.