Chapter 58: Are You Done Ogling Me?

Annabel's heart raced as a breathtakingly handsome face approached.

"Rupert!"

A sudden, abrupt voice shattered the enigmatic atmosphere. Annabel shoved Rupert away and sat up straight, secretly annoyed. Her face felt hot. Why hadn't she pushed him away sooner? Was she captivated by his gorgeous looks? She looked up to see Cathy, the unexpected guest.

Furrowing her brows, Annabel wondered what Cathy would do. Wearing high heels, Cathy entered, glaring at Annabel before turning to Rupert. Restraining her jealousy, she asked, "Rupert, did I disturb you?"

Rupert frowned slightly. The warmth in his eyes instantly vanished, replaced by coldness. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "Why are you here?"

"Rupert, how's your hand? I brought you an ointment. It's very effective." Cathy produced a tube from her bag and offered it.

"No, thanks," Rupert said, pushing her hand away. "I already have one."

Observing Cathy's disappointment, Annabel interjected, "Rupert only uses the ointment I brought him. Right, babe?"

Rupert hummed in soft agreement.

Babe? Cathy mentally cursed Annabel's shamelessness. Clenching her jaw, she told herself to calm down.

"Annabel, are you still angry with me?" Cathy asked, dropping her gaze, feigning pity. "I think you've misunderstood. Rupert's mother insisted on visiting the company yesterday to meet you; I couldn't stop her. She was worried about Rupert after he was injured saving you. Her anger was understandable. Please don't be angry."

Sneering, Annabel said, "Really? You told her about Rupert's injury, didn't you?"

"I didn't" Cathy bit her lip, but Rupert cut her off.

"All right, Cathy. Go back to school. Don't come here for trivial reasons in the future."

His tone was icy and impolite; he rudely dismissed her. Cathy's spirits plummeted.

Unconvinced, she tried again. "Rupert, I came here especially to give you this ointment."

"Didn't you already say that? You don't need to worry about your cousin's injury. He gave you advice for your own good—to concentrate on your studies and avoid distractions," Annabel said with a smile.

Cathy resisted the urge to attack Annabel and said, "Rupert, I'm leaving now. You'd better keep this ointment; it might come in handy."

She placed the ointment on the table, turned, and left.

Glancing at the ointment, Annabel said, "Your cousin brought this for you. Shouldn't you put it away?"

"No need," Rupert replied indifferently, tossing it into the trash.

"Why did you throw it away?" Annabel asked, baffled.

Rupert gazed at her intensely and said playfully, "Didn't you say I'd only use the ointment you bought?"

Annabel was speechless.

Cathy heard a thud behind her. Stunned, a gamut of emotions flooded her heart. Rupert had thrown away her ointment—all Annabel's fault! Jealousy raged. She wanted to drive Annabel away, but Annabel had Rupert's protection; even his mother couldn't separate them.

Then, an idea struck her. She wasn't the only one who wanted Annabel gone—Heather did too. Although Cathy hated Heather, she hated Annabel more. She knew Heather's love for Rupert was unrequited; her biggest rival was Annabel. Perhaps she could use Heather to win.

After work, Rupert took Annabel back to Water Moon Community. Danica had prepared a table of Annabel's favorite dishes.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Danica said with a smile.

Rupert nodded, picked up some beef, and served it to Annabel. Giving her a cool look, he said, "See if it tastes good."

"It's delicious." The beef was crispy and smooth.

"You can tell Danica what you want to eat in the future." Rupert dined with elegance, looking dignified and perfect. Annabel seemed mesmerized.

"Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me," Rupert said flatly.

Annabel smiled, her eyes meeting his. His eyes were like a deep, unfathomable sea. She was increasingly struck by his stunning appearance.

"Are you done ogling me?" Rupert asked, his magnetic voice making her cheeks flush.

"I didn't!"

"I saw it," Rupert chuckled.

Annabel glared. "If you weren't staring, how could you see that?"

Rupert watched her with raised eyebrows, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I don't deny that you're beautiful." Annabel flushed. Why was he so flirtatious? He should be distant! The atmosphere became awkward.

Then, Annabel's phone rang. It was Rory. Remembering Rupert's words that morning, she ignored it.

"Why don't you answer?" Rupert asked in a low voice.

Annabel coughed. "It's spam."

Her phone rang again—Rory, persistent. Scowling, she stood, phone in hand.

"I'm sorry. I have to take this."

Watching her go, Rupert felt deflated. Who was calling? Why was she answering it behind his back?