Chapter 15: Brush With Death

Rupert shot her a searing glare and stormed out. Outside, he bumped into Cathy, who tilted her head and saw Annabel sitting up in bed. Cathy then squinted at her cousin.

"Rupert, why did you come out of Annabel's room at this time?"

Rupert ignored her and left.

His reaction piqued Cathy's curiosity. She followed him. "Don't tell me you slept in Annabel's room? What did you do last night?"

Back in the room, Annabel fidgeted at Cathy's questions. She got out of bed and hurried into the bathroom to wash up. She didn't need anyone to tell her she looked a mess. She was mortified that Rupert had seen her in such a state.

"He'd better not say a word to anyone about what happened, or how scared I looked last night," Annabel huffed, brushing her teeth.

This was all Nina's fault. Annabel vowed never again to be deceived by her; she understood the troublemaker's intentions now.

After washing and dressing, Annabel went downstairs to the dining room. Rupert dropped his fork, stood up, and left without a word. Annabel wasn't bothered; she simply sat down to breakfast. His—or anyone else's—attitude was the least of her concerns. She was starving and weak. She served herself some food.

Cathy, who had been pressing Rupert for answers, was disappointed by his departure. She turned to Annabel. "I underestimated you, Annabel. You've only been here a few days, but you're already seducing Rupert. What did you do to him? Why did he come out of your room this morning?"

"What?" Erica dropped her fork. She also questioned Annabel. "What did you do to my son? Or should I say, what did you two do? Besides, why were you out late last night? Where the hell did you go?"

Faced with this joint interrogation, Annabel sneered inwardly and offered a sarcastic smile. "We're all adults. What else can a man and a woman do together behind closed doors at night?"

"Slut! All you know is how to seduce men. Shame on you!" Cathy stamped her feet.

"Watch your language!" Annabel took a large bite of bacon and chewed gracefully. "I'm Rupert's fiancée. I don't have to seduce him to do anything. It just happened."

Speechless and angry, Cathy dropped her fork and stood up, clenching her fists as she stormed upstairs in a fit of pique. Rupert was such a wonderful man. Why would he marry this country bumpkin? Annabel didn't deserve him!

Annabel finished her breakfast peacefully and went outside. The driver stepped forward. "Miss Hewitt, Mr. Benton ordered me to drive you to work today."

Annabel stopped. Rupert had asked his chauffeur to drive her to work? What on earth was happening?

Just as Annabel was about to speak, Erica appeared and coughed. She looked at Annabel and then ordered the driver, "Take me to the mall now."

"But Mr. Benton ordered me to drive Miss Hewitt to work," the driver hesitated, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

"Don't worry about me. Just drive her instead. I can find my way to work," Annabel said with a smile. She didn't want the driver to get into trouble. She walked out of the villa and took a taxi to Benton Group.

On the way, she saw a stray dog running in the middle of the street. "Please stop the car!" Annabel quickly got out of the taxi, intending to move the dog to the sidewalk. Her grandfather had rescued many stray dogs, so Annabel, having grown up around them, was a dog lover. She couldn't bear to see any dog hurt or in danger.

Annabel carefully approached the dog. Suddenly, she saw a red sports car speeding toward them.

Oh no! The dog was going to be hit!

Without hesitation, Annabel rushed forward and scooped up the dog. She closed her eyes, fearing the worst.

The screeching of tires reached Annabel's ears as the sports car whizzed past. After stopping, a well-dressed woman stuck her head out of the car window and yelled, "Madwoman! Get away from my car!"

Annabel looked at the woman, recognizing her face.