Chapter 39: A Good Show Is On

The week passed quickly, surprisingly uneventful. Heather didn't return to Benton Group, and Nina left Annabel alone. However, Annabel knew this calm wouldn't last. She sensed the impending storm.

On the appointed day, Brett McCoy, Lady Fashion's CEO, arrived. As the project lead, Annabel was to pick him up from the airport. Before leaving, she confirmed the meeting materials were ready. Satisfied, she headed for the elevator, only to see the doors closing. She rushed toward them, calling, "Wait!"

A tall figure held the doors open. "Thank you so much," Annabel said gratefully. Looking up, she gasped. It was Rupert! His unexpected presence, and even his holding the elevator, surprised her.

Seeing her astonishment, Rupert quietly said, "Come in quickly."

"Oh, thank you," Annabel replied, stepping into the elevator. Rupert followed.

"I'll go to the airport with you," he stated flatly, noticing her confusion.

"Don't worry. I'll go alone," she protested. How could the busy CEO accompany her?

But Rupert was insistent. Hands in pockets, he stood beside her, exuding an aura of dominance. After a moment, he gave her a meaningful look and mumbled, "Brett's a friend. I should meet him personally to show my sincerity." He didn't need to go, but having heard Annabel was picking him up, he'd decided to join her.

Annabel nodded, understandingly silent. They rode to the underground garage. Rupert, who had arrived in a Rolls-Royce, opened the car door for her.

"Thank you," she smiled, settling into the passenger seat and fastening her seatbelt.

Rupert entered and started the car. Gripping the steering wheel, he calmly asked, "Have you prepared for the Lady Fashion meeting this afternoon?"

Annabel pursed her lips. "Of course. No problems." She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she looked forward to it.

An hour later, they reached the airport. Ten minutes remained before Brett's flight.

"I'm going to the bathroom," Annabel told Rupert.

He nodded, and she left. In the restroom, she sent a message: "How is it going?"

The reply came swiftly: "Everything is going well."

Annabel nodded, satisfied. The afternoon's "big show" seemed under control.

Returning to the hall, she found Brett had already deplaned. He was a tall, burly thirty-year-old Frenchman with blond hair and fair skin.

"Hi, Rupert!" Brett greeted warmly, hugging him.

"It's been a while," Rupert replied, his expression unchanged.

Smiling politely, Annabel stepped forward and greeted Brett in French.

"Who is this beautiful lady?" Brett asked Rupert, his blue eyes full of amazement.

Frowning slightly, Rupert introduced her: "This is Annabel. She's in charge of the project."

Rupert was surprised Annabel spoke French. His fiancée was far from a country bumpkin; she was exceptional, captivating Brett's attention instantly.

Brett opened his arms to hug Annabel. "You're beautiful. Have we met before?"

Annabel politely shook his hand. "I don't think so." The truth was, they had met at a French banquet when she was fifteen, but he didn't recognize her. This suited her perfectly.

Together, they escorted Brett and his assistant back to Benton Group.

At two o'clock sharp, the meeting began. Annabel presented a polished PowerPoint presentation. Though Brett spoke English, she delivered a captivating speech in French, detailing the project's progress. The French speakers, especially Brett, frequently nodded in approval.

Nina's eyes hardened with jealousy. Clenching her fists, she muttered, "Annabel, just wait. A good show is about to begin! We'll see how long you stay on top."

After the speech, Annabel received warm applause, including Rupert's. With a faint smile, she continued, "Now, let's look at the drawings."

She reached for the folder, her expression changing drastically as she pulled out several blank sheets of paper.

A gasp rippled through the room. Only Nina remained unsurprised. She was the first to speak: "Annabel, what are you doing?"

As project director, Annabel had personally checked the materials before bringing them to the conference room. The drawings were gone, replaced by blank paper. The responsibility fell squarely on her. Rupert would surely fire her.

Nina glanced at Rupert, noting his darkened face and tightly pursed lips. A flicker of happiness crossed her eyes. Maintaining a neutral expression, she loudly accused Annabel: "As project director, how could you lose the drawings? Using blank paper to deceive us? You're irresponsible and must be fired!"

Rupert's face darkened further. He looked at Annabel and asked, "What's wrong?"