Chapter 31: Annabel Wins
Heather stared in disbelief at the unfolding scene. Curt, the shop manager, was personally apologizing to Annabel.
"What's going on?" Bella demanded of Curt. "What mistake did you make? Why are you apologizing to her? Heather likes this dress! You know her—she's Brock's favorite granddaughter. Offending her is like offending the entire Norman family! Do you understand the consequences? Can you afford them?"
Curt ignored Bella, wiping his brow. "Miss Hewitt," he said, "as part of our apology, we'll give you the dress for free. I sincerely hope you're not angry."
He'd just received a call from Anika of Leo Studio. Anika said her friend had been treated unfairly at RD Boutique and demanded satisfaction. If Curt didn't comply, Leo Studio would terminate their contract. Losing Leo Studio's partnership would be devastating for RD Boutique. Therefore, Curt was willing to pay any price to appease Annabel.
A free gift? Heather was shocked. The dress was worth ten million! "Wait! Are you sure you want to lose that money?" she asked, frowning. "I'll buy it. I'll pay three times the price!"
"I'm sorry," Curt replied smoothly, "the dress belongs to Miss Hewitt." He gestured to other dresses. "We have other high-end gowns…"
"I want that one!" Heather insisted, her anger boiling over. She'd never been denied anything before.
Seeing Heather's unreasonable behavior, Annabel stood, addressing Curt in a commanding tone. "You don't have to give it to me for free. I'll send a check tomorrow." She turned and left, wanting no further argument. She had a dinner appointment with Marcel.
"Stop, Annabel!" Heather called. "Did you get Rupert to intervene?"
Heather didn't know Annabel had contacted Anika, not Rupert. She believed Annabel was a nobody with only Rupert as a connection. Why would Rupert defend her against the Normans?
Annabel, delighted by Heather's anger, raised an eyebrow. "What do you think?"
"You're shameless!" Heather fumed, jealous. "What do you do besides seduce men? Do you think Rupert loves you?"
"If he doesn't love me, do you think he loves you?" Annabel retorted, sneering.
"You bitch!" Heather shrieked, raising her hand to slap Annabel. Curt intervened.
He'd gathered from their conversation that Annabel and Rupert had a significant relationship. He knew Rupert's power and influence; offending him was unthinkable. He ordered security to keep Heather and Bella away from Annabel.
"Miss Hewitt, I apologize for the trouble," he said, bowing.
Annabel smiled and left, content to let Heather believe Rupert was responsible. Heather seethed with rage. Annabel had won.
Night fell. At seven, Annabel arrived punctually for her appointment at Charming Bar, Douburgh's most exclusive bar.
Marcel waved. "Annabel, here!" He and his entertainment industry friends were playing games.
Annabel smiled and approached. "Marc, your new game ended quickly? Congratulations!"
Marcel pulled out a chair. "What'll you drink? Red wine?"
Annabel shook her head. "Soft drink, please."
"Come on, a little. It's my birthday." Marcel poured her half a glass, himself a full one. "A toast to you."
"To you, Marc. Happy birthday!" Annabel replied, downing her wine in one gulp.
Marcel clapped. They chatted. A young woman in a red dress sang a beautiful song on stage.
"That's Angel, the bar's singer," Marcel explained when Annabel stared.
"She's good," Annabel agreed.
Marcel grinned. "Yes, but not as good as you. Annabel, sing us a song for my birthday." His friends echoed the request. Marcel remembered her singing from when he was seventeen.
"Okay," Annabel agreed. The bar encouraged customer performances.
Under warm applause, Annabel, in a white dress, walked to the stage. "This song is for my friend Marcel. Happy birthday!" She sang a melodious French song.
In a VIP box, Rupert, hidden in shadow, watched intently. He'd come for a business meeting but hadn't expected to see Annabel. He'd learned she had a dinner appointment here and his face darkened—it was with Marcel.
His client offered him beer, oblivious to Rupert's displeasure. Rupert felt a surge of anger. Annabel, his fiancée, was here with another man, singing for him. His client nervously wondered if he'd offended Rupert.