Chapter 53: I Have the Final Say

Before Annabel could speak, Rupert abruptly hung up the phone. The insistent beeping made her shake her head helplessly. Why had he called again? Lately, he seemed to seek her out whenever something happened.

Confused, Annabel took the elevator to Rupert's office. His door was slightly ajar. She knocked before entering.

"Come in," Rupert called.

Annabel opened the door to find Rupert seated at his desk. He’d removed his suit jacket, placing it on the sofa, revealing a white shirt with the top buttons casually undone, showcasing well-defined chest muscles. Combined with his handsome face, he looked exceptionally attractive.

Rupert was staring at his computer screen, typing with one hand. Annabel momentarily fell into a trance. She learned later that he was an alcoholic and that his injured right hand hadn't stopped him from working tirelessly.

"Like what you see?"

Rupert, noticing her gaze from the corner of his eye, smirked. His deep voice snapped Annabel back to reality. Embarrassed, she coughed and changed the subject.

"Why did you call me?"

"You had a meeting with Brett this afternoon, didn't you?"

Rupert leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other—a simple yet elegant gesture that highlighted his refined bearing.

"That's correct," Annabel nodded, puzzled by his concern about the project. Was he considering further investment in the jewelry line, or exploring the market?

"I want details on your progress," he said, narrowing his eyes.

Annabel nodded obediently. "Today's meeting focused on next steps. I'm finalizing the minutes now and will send them to you. If there's nothing else, I'll get back to work."

Seeing her eagerness to leave, Rupert frowned. "Wait."

"Anything else?"

Rupert raised his injured hand. "Have you forgotten? The doctor said I should apply ointment twice a day."

Annabel was bewildered. "Okay. So do it."

Rupert said expressionlessly, "I don't know how."

Annabel was incredulous. What the hell? She was about to retort when Rupert pursed his lips and said unhappily, "Is this how you treat the person who saved your life?"

"Okay, fine. I'll help you," Annabel conceded, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "Where's the ointment?"

Rupert silently pointed to the drawer. Annabel opened it, retrieved the ointment, squatted, and carefully unwrapped Rupert's bandage. She applied the ointment gently and evenly. The coolness of the ointment, and the touch of her slender fingers, soothed him.

"Did you study medicine?" Rupert asked.

Annabel paused, stunned. "I know a little about it," she replied, smiling. The act of rubbing his hand seemed to bring him a sense of calm.

"Annabel…" he began, his voice low and husky.

"Yeah?"

She looked up, catching a spark of desire in his eyes.

"Do you really—" He was about to ask if she disliked him, but Annabel's phone rang, interrupting him.

"Sorry, I have to take this."

She checked the caller ID: Marcel. Rupert's expression darkened upon seeing the name. Did Annabel have a romantic relationship with Marcel? With ointment on her hands, she put the phone on speaker.

"Annabel, are you busy?" Marcel asked.

"No. Why? What's wrong?"

"Does something bad have to happen before I can call you?" Marcel asked, a touch of resentment in his tone.

"Of course not. You can call anytime," Annabel chuckled, continuing to apply ointment to Rupert's hand.

"Are you free tonight?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"You left my birthday party early. I'm free tonight, so how about I take you to dinner?"

"Okay. See you later!"

Annabel readily agreed, so absorbed in Rupert's hand that she missed the storm brewing in his eyes. He was clearly furious. How could she flirt with another man right in front of him? Was Marcel the reason she didn't reciprocate his feelings? Was Marcel her type?

"Okay, that's settled then. I'll pick you up at seven. See you later! I love you!" Marcel said before happily hanging up.

As Annabel stood, her legs numb from squatting, she lost her balance and fell onto Rupert, accidentally hitting his wound.

"Oh, my God! I'm so sorry, Rupert. Are you okay?" Annabel quickly checked on him.

"You like Marcel?" Rupert asked, his face pale.

Annabel was speechless. She considered Marcel a brother. Did Rupert misunderstand their relationship again? She didn't feel the need to explain herself.

"He's alright," she replied indifferently.

Rupert's face darkened. "Have you forgotten about the Ice and Fire series? Don't leave this office until you perfect the plan."

"But I have plans tonight," Annabel protested. "Besides, the plan's already perfect. Even Brett agrees."

Rupert stood, looking down at her. "I'm your boss. I have the final say!"