Chapter 50: Rupert Trusted Annabel

Cathy's mug crashed to the floor, spilling breakfast across the dining room. Annabel was puzzled. She hadn't pushed Cathy; Cathy had fallen.

"What's the matter?" Rupert asked, hearing the commotion.

Entering the dining room, Cathy began her performance. Her face paled, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Rupert, Annabel pushed me!"

It was a blatant attempt to discredit Annabel.

"When did I push you?" Annabel sneered.

Cathy, maintaining her pitiful expression, played the victim. "Please don't blame her. Your mother asked me to move Annabel's things to the guest room. It's natural she's angry."

Cathy's sudden shift to understanding victimhood sickened Annabel. "Save it," Annabel said sarcastically. "Rupert won't believe you."

Cathy, despite her inner anger, clung to her pitiful act. "Annabel, I hate it, but I can't refuse Aunt's request. I didn't want to do it! You can be angry, beat me, scold me, push me—but that was Aunt's breakfast for Rupert, now ruined."

"Cathy, you're a natural actress! The Oscars await," Annabel mocked, her expression cold.

"Annabel, what are you talking about?" Cathy complained, feigning injury. Turning to Rupert, she continued, "This breakfast was from your mother. She was worried you were tired after work yesterday."

Before Cathy finished, Rupert interrupted impatiently, "Come on, Cathy. Do you think I'm blind?"

"What?" Cathy was taken aback.

"I saw what happened. Annabel didn't touch you," Rupert said, frowning. He hadn't actually seen everything, but his intuition told him Annabel was innocent. Cathy, however, had learned manipulation from her mother.

"Rupert it's not like that," Cathy protested, surprised by his dismissal. From his angle, he shouldn't have seen the incident clearly.

"Don't waste your time. Focus on your studies," Rupert advised.

Cathy stared, shocked and disbelieving. Annabel, pleased, gave Rupert a thumbs-up.

"The truth's out. I'm going to work." She left.

Watching her go, Cathy seethed. Once Annabel was out of sight, she turned to Rupert.

"Your mother doesn't like her. Why"

"Grandpa likes her," Rupert cut her off, his gaze cold. "This is the last time you trouble her. Understood?"

"Just because Grandpa likes her?" Cathy scoffed. "What about you, Rupert? Do you like her?"

"It's none of your business," Rupert said coldly. His aloofness saddened Cathy. She hoped it was only his grandfather's influence, but Rupert's earlier look at Annabel had been full of affection—something she'd never seen before.

"Anything else?" Rupert asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Cathy noticed the bandage on his hand. "Rupert, what's wrong with your hand?"

"Nothing. A small injury," Rupert said flatly.

"Hurt? How? Is it serious?" Cathy asked, worried. How had he been injured? And was it connected to Annabel?

"No. Don't tell my mother," Rupert warned.

"I won't," Cathy promised. "Why didn't Annabel stay and take care of you? Is she more important than you?"

"She has company business," Rupert frowned.

"Rupert, let me take care of you," Cathy pleaded.

"No. I have things to do. You can leave now."

Rupert returned to his study, leaving Cathy alone amidst the scattered breakfast. Her enthusiasm vanished. It was all Annabel's fault. She would find a way to get rid of her.

It was 10:30 a.m. when Annabel arrived at the company. She began working on a document. Her phone rang—Brett McCoy.

"Hello, Mr. McCoy. This is Annabel."

"Hello, Annabel! When will the 'Ice and Fire' series launch? We need mass production plans. When can we meet?"

"No problem. This afternoon." Annabel could finish her work and prepare a plan.

"Okay, see you then!" Brett hung up. He was eager to launch the amazing designs and anticipated unprecedented sales. He also found Annabel interesting.

At 3:00 p.m., Brett and his assistant arrived. Annabel, prepared, greeted them with a smile.

"Mr. McCoy, I have the mass production plan. Let's go to the conference room."

"Okay!"

They entered the conference room, but before Annabel could start, they heard footsteps. The door burst open. Annabel frowned, annoyed by the rude interruption.