Chapter 16: His Admirers
The dog's whimpers distracted Annabel from the familiar woman. She rushed the dog to the vet. Its front leg had been injured by a car before she could move it out of the way.
While waiting in the waiting room, she noticed she was running late for work. After a moment's hesitation, she called Rupert.
"What's up?" Rupert's voice was low and cold.
"I'm calling to let you know something came up. I'll be several hours late this morning," Annabel explained. She had intended to request permission for her lateness, but Rupert interrupted irritably. "And how is that my business? You don't need to tell me about such a trifle!" He then hung up.
Annabel pursed her lips, wondering at his indifference and anger. Perhaps he was still in a bad mood. Nevertheless, she had informed him. The vet examined the dog, reporting only a minor wound that would heal quickly.
"That's good, but can it stay for observation?" Annabel remained slightly worried.
"Of course!" the veterinarian replied, smiling.
Annabel paid two thousand dollars for the treatment and left the dog at the vet's, planning to find it a home once it recovered. She arrived at Benton Group nearing eleven o'clock. "Annabel, do you have any idea what time it is? Why are you so late?" Nina demanded, frowning, before Annabel could even breathe.
"Good morning, Nina. I apologize; I had an unavoidable situation this morning," Annabel replied politely.
Nina sneered. "Unavoidable? Spare me the excuses, Annabel. You're a newbie, and you're already skipping work. Is this because you think you're the boss's wife already?"
Despite her irritation, Annabel remained calm. "Let's be clear. I'm late, not absent. And I requested permission for my lateness, so I'm not in the wrong."
"Shut up! How dare you talk back to me? When did you ask me for permission? You're fired!" Nina's anger exploded. Sensing the escalation, Annabel pushed Nina's finger away. "I asked Mr. Benton for permission. You fired me for being late. Do you have more authority than the company owner?"
Nina looked horrified, then, seeing a crowd gathering, stammered, "That's nonsense! Let's go to Mr. Benton's office to clear this up."
"Okay, let's go," Annabel agreed readily, intending to expose Nina's demands for overtime the previous night.
Nina, pulling Annabel's arm, headed for the CEO's office. She preened, tidying her hair and clothes and checking her reflection before knocking. In contrast, Annabel looked disheveled after saving the stray dog; her suit was wrinkled, and her shirt had a mud stain from hugging the dog.
Seeing Nina's self-conscious primping and smile, Annabel finally understood her animosity. Nina was interested in Rupert. Annabel was Rupert's fiancée (in name only). No wonder Nina saw her as an obstacle.
"Come in."
Nina's smile widened at Rupert's voice. She opened the door, but her smile froze as she entered. Annabel followed, peering over Nina's shoulder to see a woman standing very close to Rupert.
The woman was strikingly beautiful, with long curly chestnut hair, a red short skirt, and expertly applied makeup. Annabel recognized her—the woman who had nearly run over the dog and insulted her earlier. "Mr. Benton, this is the featured product for next season…"
The woman stood close to Rupert, her eyes gleaming with infatuation. She was an employee; that explained her familiarity. Her expression revealed she was one of Rupert's admirers.
Annabel frowned. How many women were captivated by this cold man? Rupert, in his black Armani suit, looked undeniably handsome, but his arrogance made him unattractive to Annabel, despite his wealth and looks. Their engagement was ending in three months anyway. She was unconcerned by his other admirers.