Chapter 45: Annabel, Go To Die

Rupert didn't want to admit he was attracted to Annabel. Her voice, face, smile, and every move lingered in his mind. He'd left Bruce's house after hours and called home, but Tracy said Annabel hadn't returned.

Rupert drove directly to Benton Group. Darkness had fallen. Office staff were leaving, but Annabel remained, engrossed in her work, seemingly oblivious to her solitude.

As she stared at the computer screen, a shadow fell across it.

"Who's there?" Annabel asked, looking up. She saw Rupert.

He wore a white shirt, sleeves rolled up. The light illuminated him, giving him a golden, noble aura.

"Rupert, why are you here?" Annabel asked, surprised.

He smiled, then said seriously, "I'm here to see the Ice and Fire series' progress."

Annabel was puzzled. While the Lady Fashion project was crucial to the design department, Benton Group's core business wasn't jewelry. Many projects held greater importance, and progress reports typically went directly to Rupert. His late-night visit to oversee such a minor project seemed odd. She sensed something was amiss.

"Everything's going well," Annabel answered honestly. "I'm reviewing the production department's financial statements."

"Really? Let me see," Rupert said calmly.

"Okay." Annabel shrugged, indicating the screen. "This is the production report. I haven't finished reviewing it."

"Okay," Rupert nodded, moving to stand behind her. He leaned down, one hand on the table, the other pointing at the screen. "You could add more detail here."

His proximity felt like an embrace. Their closeness allowed Annabel to smell his faint tobacco scent. Her heart pounded.

"I'll ask the production department to do that tomorrow," Annabel said stiffly, turning to him.

He was staring at her. Flustered, she blushed. "If there are no other issues, I'd like to continue."

"It's late. You can finish tomorrow. I'll drive you home," Rupert offered, checking his watch; it was 10:00 PM.

Annabel refused. "I don't like delaying things."

"Okay," Rupert conceded, remaining where he was.

"Are you going to supervise me here?" Annabel asked, noting his unchanged position.

Seeing her embarrassment, he raised an eyebrow. "If there's a problem, I can point it out."

She couldn't concentrate with him so close. She quickly shut down the computer. "Forget it. I'll finish tomorrow."

Rupert straightened, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Didn't you say you dislike delaying work?"

"I'm tired," Annabel replied, grabbing her bag and heading for the door.

Rupert chuckled, following her. "I'll walk you out."

They rode the elevator to the garage. Before Rupert could open the car door, Nina rushed up, grabbing his arm.

"Rupert, I've been waiting for you!"

Annabel saw Nina. Rupert pulled away disgustedly.

"Nina, why are you still here? I told you I don't want to see you again! Leave!"

"Rupert, please don't fire me," Nina pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "I'll even clean—just let me stay at Benton Group, to be near…"

Rupert cut her off sharply. "I said leave! Benton Group doesn't tolerate employees who act against company interests for personal gain."

"Rupert, I'm sorry! I was wrong!" Nina cried, begging profusely. "I did it because I love you! Please, let me stay. I'll do anything!"

Rupert's handsome face registered disgust and contempt. Before he could summon security, Annabel stepped forward, sneering.

"Rupert doesn't want to see you. Why are you being so persistent?"

"Annabel, what are you doing here?" Nina asked, eyes filled with jealousy and resentment, only now noticing Annabel beside Rupert.

"Is there a problem with me being with my fiancé?" Annabel scoffed, linking arms with Rupert.

Smiling, Rupert took Annabel's other hand. She felt his warmth and blushed. It was a calculated move to dismiss Nina, but why was he holding her hand? Nina's hatred intensified.

"Annabel, you stole Rupert from me! If not for you, he wouldn't have fired me! He would have loved me!"

"Nina, stop dreaming. Rupert would never love you," Annabel said, finding the claim absurd.

Nina's fury grew at the tenderness Rupert showed Annabel, a stark contrast to his treatment of her. Jealousy, desperation, and hate consumed her.

Glaring at Annabel, Nina pulled a knife from her pocket and lunged, screaming, "Annabel, go to die!"