Chapter 1: The Benton Family

A woman in a white T-shirt and jeans emerged from the Douburgh train station, carrying a suitcase. The sun warmed her delicate face, causing a slight blush. She tucked stray curls behind her ears. Beneath arched eyebrows, her bright eyes, slim nose, and cherry lips formed a striking, makeup-free beauty.

"Hello! You are Annabel Hewitt, yes? I'm the driver the Benton family sent."

Annabel nodded and calmly followed him to the car. She was already tired from her journey.

During the drive, the driver stole glances at Annabel, her eyes closed as she rested in the back seat. This woman was Rupert Benton's fiancée. Rupert Benton, the city's most eligible bachelor, was the CEO of Benton Group at only twenty-one—far surpassing his peers. Vigorous, resourceful, and no-nonsense, he inspired fear in many within the business world. His grandfather, Bruce Benton, had taken it upon himself to find him a wife—Annabel, a girl from the countryside.

As he gripped the steering wheel, the driver again observed Annabel's innocent face and clicked his tongue. He anticipated she would struggle with the Benton family.

Annabel slowly opened her eyes and gazed calmly at the unfamiliar city. The car soon arrived at the Benton family residence. The driver retrieved her luggage.

Annabel had barely stepped inside when a well-dressed woman appeared, eyeing her from head to toe with undisguised disdain.

"Tracy!"

"Yes, Mrs. Benton."

At her mistress's silent command, Tracy immediately began spraying Annabel with disinfectant. The well-dressed woman was Erica Benton, Rupert's mother. Hands on hips, she ordered, "Her shoes and hair, too."

Annabel's face and body were soon covered in disinfectant. The pungent smell irritated her nose. She said coldly, "What is the meaning of this?"

Erica exploded. "I heard you're from the countryside, but I expected more decorum. You're just like the other uncouth girls from there. I'm doing this to prevent any viruses or bacteria from entering this household. Do you want us to be infected with whatever you're carrying?"

Annabel was not one to be trifled with. She would have left if not for a prior agreement with her grandfather.

"Then you should spray disinfectant in your own mouth—it stinks!"

With that, Annabel pushed past the servant and entered the house.

"You… Oh my…" Erica pointed at Annabel with a trembling hand. Tracy quickly tried to comfort her.

In the living room, a girl approximately Annabel's age sat on the sofa, clad in designer clothes and bright makeup. Her expression was even more condescending than Erica's as she regarded Annabel. This was Cathy Benton, Rupert's cousin.

"You're Annabel Hewitt, Rupert's fiancée?"

Cathy rolled her eyes at Annabel's lack of designer attire. "Goodness, Grandpa has no taste. I can't believe he chose someone like you. I heard you came by train. You should have told us you couldn't afford a plane ticket; we would have bought one. Wait, is there even an airport in the countryside?"

Annabel raised an eyebrow. She wondered if the entire family was this arrogant. There was indeed no airport near her home, but her grandfather had chartered an entire high-speed train for her journey to Douburgh. These people were unaware she had traveled in the equivalent of first-class luxury—she could have easily flown private if she wished.

Annabel could have easily corrected them, but chose not to. She simply went upstairs.

Annoyance clouded Cathy's face as she watched Annabel ascend the stairs. Unused to being ignored, she followed.

"Where is my room?" Annabel asked a maid.

"Here!" Cathy interjected, pointing to a door before the maid could answer. She pushed it open, adding condescendingly, "You've never stayed in a room this big, have you? Appreciate it while you can. I'm Rupert's cousin, Cathy. You should fawn over me if you…"

Cathy's words were cut short as Annabel walked into the room and closed the door in her face. This enraged her.

"How dare that pauper be so conceited? What was Grandpa thinking?"

The maid cautiously approached. "Miss, but isn't this Mr. Benton's room?"

Cathy glared at the door. "Quiet! Don't say a word to her. Rupert hates anyone in his space or using his things. When he finds out she's here, just tell him she chose this room."

A sly glint appeared in Cathy's eyes.