Chapter 25: Overstepping Boundaries

"You have a new assignment, Annabel," Nina said. "The company is collaborating with Lady Fashion for next season's line. You'll be project lead." Jealousy flickered in Nina's eyes.

She handed Annabel some documents. "These contain all the necessary project information. Please review them."

"Okay," Annabel replied, taking the documents. She returned to her desk.

Nina scowled, consumed by jealousy. She had been in charge of the project until Rupert called her to his office that morning and ordered her to hand it over to Annabel. She couldn't understand why. What was so special about that… woman? she thought. Was it because she's Rupert's fiancée?

Just then, a text message arrived. "How's the task I assigned you last time?" It was from Heather.

Nina paused, then replied, "Don't worry. I'm on it. That… woman… will be out of the picture this time."

Heather replied simply, "Do it ASAP!" Her patience was wearing thin. Her attempt to frame Annabel as a thief had backfired spectacularly; Annabel had not only proven her innocence but had made Heather look foolish. Heather was determined not to lose to Annabel again.

Clenching her phone, Heather muttered with a venomous expression, "Just wait and see, Annabel. You'll regret this."

Annabel spent the day reviewing Nina's documents. The project involved the launch of a new jewelry line for Benton Group, in collaboration with Lady Fashion. The design phase was already underway; Annabel's task was to review the progress and identify any discrepancies. It was straightforward.

Returning home, Annabel discovered her belongings had been moved from Rupert's room to a guest room downstairs.

"Who moved my things?" she asked, confused.

Cathy appeared, smirking. "I did. Problem?"

"Are you aware that touching someone else's belongings constitutes an invasion of privacy and attempted theft?" Annabel asked, leaning against the doorframe with a calm expression.

"They're just shabby suitcases!" Cathy scoffed.

"The Benton family has provided you with food and shelter these past few days. I'm sure the guest room is far superior to the master bedroom in your family's shack. You're ungrateful. If you don't like this room, you can return to your dilapidated home!"

Shabby suitcases? Annabel stared at Cathy incredulously. These were custom-made leather suitcases from a top international designer—far more luxurious than those of most high-end brands. The design, craftsmanship, and materials were top-of-the-line. How dare Cathy disparage them? Clearly, she knew nothing about fashion or quality.

"What's going on here?" Rupert asked, entering to find the two women arguing.

Cathy grabbed his arm, feigning distress. "I was being kind, helping Annabel move her things. Instead of thanking me, she accused me of theft and invasion of privacy! Even beggars wouldn't want her suitcases. How could I possibly steal from her?"

Annabel snapped her fingers. "Rupert, you heard her. She moved my belongings without my permission!"

Frowning, Rupert pulled away from Cathy. "Cathy, why did you move Annabel's things?"

Cathy recoiled under his intense gaze. "Your mother ordered me to."

Rupert nodded thoughtfully. He knew his mother disliked Annabel, but he didn't approve of this unfair treatment. His grandfather would be furious if he found out.

"Move Annabel's things back to my room," he instructed a servant.

"That won't be necessary," Annabel said, remembering their argument the previous night.

Rupert was annoyed by her refusal. She'd rather stay in a guest room than with me? he thought. "Suit yourself," he said, displeased.

"Fine by me. This room isn't bad," Annabel replied, shrugging. She didn't mind staying here; anywhere but Rupert's bedroom, to avoid a repeat of last night's embarrassment. The guest room was beautifully decorated and comfortable.

After settling in, her phone rang. It was Marcel.

"Hello, Annabel speaking," she said.

"Hey, Annabel! Are you free Sunday night?" Marcel asked.

Annabel was free and replied with a smile, "Yes. What's up?"

"I just finished shooting a new drama, and I'd love for you to celebrate with me."

"Congratulations!" Annabel exclaimed, pleased.

"Charming Bar, seven o'clock? See you then."

"Who was that on the phone?" Rupert's voice cut through the air. Annabel jumped.

"That's none of your business," Annabel retorted, frowning. "And why are you in my room without knocking?"

Rupert's face darkened at her evasiveness. Her cheerful tone on the phone suggested a male caller. Now, she was being defensive.

"This is my home. I can go anywhere I please," he said coldly. "I'm here to tell you we're visiting my grandfather this weekend."

"Okay," Annabel agreed readily. Bruce was good friends with her grandfather, and she felt obligated to visit him while in Douburgh.

Rupert was surprised by her immediate agreement. He'd expected a refusal. Remembering her phone call, he said coldly, "Remember, you're my fiancée. Don't disgrace me or my family by going to a bar with some man."

What did he mean? Annabel thought. Was he forbidding me from going out Sunday night? This was absurd. He had no right to control her. Did he actually believe he was her real fiancé?

"I'm a grown woman, Rupert. I'm free to go wherever and with whomever I choose. My actions are none of your concern. This engagement is ending in three months. Haven't you gone far enough?" Annabel shouted.

Without waiting for a reply, she gestured towards the door. "I'm going to bed. Please use the door!"

Rupert's face twitched. Was she ordering him out?