Chapter 6: The Bribe
Annabel looked at Rupert in confusion.
"In case you've forgotten, you're engaged to me," Rupert warned seriously. "Marcel is a celebrity. Many eyes are on him. Behave yourself. I won't stand by and watch you damage the Benton family's reputation."
Only then did Annabel realize Rupert believed she was in love with Marcel. "How did you even reach that conclusion?" she asked. "Also, I must remind you that marrying into the Brooks family will be extremely difficult. After all, you're two years older than Marcel—"
"Enough!" Annabel snapped. "Our engagement is purely for convenience. We both know we won't end up together. Therefore, it's none of your business whom I date or marry. Don't tell me what to do!"
Rupert's face darkened. He wanted to retort, but bit his tongue when he saw her glare.
The rest of the ride was silent. Annabel hadn't denied having feelings for Marcel, and her defensive behavior led Rupert to believe she'd acquiesced to his suspicions. This annoyed him further.
That night, Rupert suffered from insomnia, a consequence of being kidnapped and locked in a dark room at thirteen. He usually experienced panic attacks related to this traumatic event. But tonight, his insomnia stemmed from thinking about Annabel. Scenes from the previous evening flashed through his mind, and he found himself wishing she were in his arms. This unsettled him.
"She has no taste in men," he muttered. "What does she see in Marcel, who's just a boy? Is she blind?"
Irritated, Rupert got out of bed and lit a cigarette.
The next few days at work were peaceful and uneventful for Annabel. However, she missed her previous life as a traveler, spending her time either flying or relaxing at home.
The Benton Group anniversary ceremony soon arrived. That evening, Annabel was styled and dressed in a cocktail dress for the grand banquet, attended by prominent businessmen from far and wide.
As CEO, Rupert was busy socializing. Annabel, tired of mingling, excused herself to the ladies' room. After freshening up, she was stopped by a woman.
"Annabel Hewitt, is it?"
From her appearance—a custom-made dress and expensive jewelry—Annabel guessed the woman was around her age and from a wealthy family.
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"I'm Heather Norman," the woman said, approaching.
Annabel recognized the name; she'd heard it countless times since moving to Douburgh. Heather had been Rupert's longtime companion, and the public had expected them to marry. Their relationship changed with Annabel's arrival.
"Like I said, how can I help you?" Annabel asked impatiently.
Heather produced a bank card. "There's ten million dollars on this card. I want you to break off your engagement with Rupert in front of everyone tonight."
Annabel scoffed. "The audacity of Douburgh residents! This is an insult," she thought, "but Heather is certainly more generous than Erica, who only offered five thousand dollars."
Heather's eyebrows crinkled in annoyance. "Ten million is enough to change your life. You've never handled this kind of money before. You're not good enough for Rupert. He'll never marry you. He's only keeping you around because of his grandfather's health. Once his grandfather recovers, you'll be thrown out. It's better to leave rich than be driven out poor."
"Huh?" Annabel sneered. "Ten million would change my life? What a joke! That's barely enough for my monthly expenses! It's chicken feed!"
Annabel left, tut-tutting. Heather watched her go, incredulous. She thought Annabel was insane. Ten million dollars as chicken feed? Heather's carefully applied makeup flushed crimson. "Since you're stubborn, I'll deal with you with an iron fist. Just wait and see, you idiot!"
Meanwhile, Rupert had finished his speech and was speaking with someone.
Upon returning to the banquet hall, Annabel was scolded by Erica. "Why are you wandering around? Sit down. Don't embarrass the Benton family."