Chapter 27: Strange Picture

Heather regarded Annabel with a smirk. In her eyes, a poor girl like Annabel couldn't possibly afford a decent gift for Bruce. She saw herself as the only suitable wife for Rupert.

She knew Bruce had orchestrated Rupert and Annabel's engagement, and she intended to use this opportunity to change Bruce's mind. She'd been cultivating Erica's favor for a long time, and it had paid off. Still, Rupert remained distant. Erica had confided that Rupert was only engaged to Annabel to please his grandfather.

Heather decided she needed to impress Bruce while simultaneously undermining Annabel to become Mrs. Benton.

"I didn't prepare a gift," Annabel announced.

Surprisingly, Annabel showed no sign of panic.

Disdain flickered in Heather's eyes. She knew this "hillbilly" had come empty-handed; her rudeness and uncouth behavior would surely lead to her dismissal.

To Heather's astonishment, Annabel produced a painting from her bag, saying with a bright smile, "This is Monet's 'Woman with a Parasol.' My grandfather asked me to give it to you."

Bruce's eyes lit up. "This is lovely. Thank Leonard for me," he said happily.

Heather gaped at the painting. The figure was lifelike; it looked like a priceless masterpiece. Compared to her own gift, it was insignificant. Bruce was a known art lover, and his smile broadened as he admired the painting.

How was this possible? How could a pauper like Annabel possess such a treasure? It looked real, but was it a fake? "Annabel," she blurted out, "don't you think it's insulting to give Bruce a fake painting?"

Annabel's eyebrows furrowed. The painting was genuine. Heather's assumption stemmed solely from Annabel's humble background.

"Heather, are you questioning Bruce's ability to discern a forgery?" Annabel retorted sarcastically, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Heather's cheeks flushed. "That's not what I meant. Everyone knows Monet's work is invaluable. How did you get this painting?"

"What? Are you insinuating I stole it?" Annabel asked coldly.

Rupert, who had been silent, spoke. "The painting is genuine."

He looked at Annabel, suspicion swirling in his mind. Wasn't she from a poor rural family? How could her grandfather own such a priceless artwork? His suspicions about Annabel had been growing.

Despite Rupert's confirmation, Heather persisted.

"But—"

"The painting is authentic," Annabel interrupted, "but I can't say the same for your dress. It's a fake!"

"What nonsense?" Heather was offended. "My dress was designed by Leo, an international designer. You wouldn't know him; you're clueless about fashion. How dare you!"

Annabel chuckled. She knew Leo better than anyone. Heather's exquisite dress was a costly counterfeit. Annabel had designed it, and only two had been made—one for a famous star, and one for a princess. Heather was neither. Her boldness suggested she was unaware it was a fake.

"Contrary to your belief, I know about Leo and this dress. Leo always includes a heart-shaped mark on the hem. Care to check yours?" Annabel smirked. The mark was her signature, sewn by Anika, and impossible to replicate.

"What heart-shaped mark? I've never heard of it. Stop talking nonsense!" Heather scoffed, dismissing Annabel's knowledge as the ramblings of a country bumpkin.

Annabel pulled out her phone. "Check today's fashion news," she said.

"The hottest fashion news?" Heather was perplexed.

"Leo launched a new series, 'Elsa,' today. The heart-shaped mark was featured in the announcement." Annabel smiled; the timing was perfect.

The 'Elsa' launch was trending online, detailing Leo's design concept, including the heart-shaped mark. Suspiciously, Heather checked the news. Anika's statement confirmed that every Leo Studio dress bore the mark. Heather's lacked it. Her face paled, then flushed crimson. The dress had cost a fortune, and it was fake. She was humiliated in front of Rupert and Erica.

Heather glared at Annabel, who looked smug. How did Annabel know? Rupert approached Annabel, whispering, "How did you know?" He, as a businessman collaborating with fashion companies, knew about Leo Studio; they'd only mentioned the mark that morning.

"I heard it from a friend," Annabel lied, shrugging casually.

Rupert squinted; his instincts told him she was lying. Why would her friend know before the announcement?

"I'm famished," Erica interjected, changing the subject. "Jaxen, tell the cook to set the table."

Jaxen, after receiving Bruce's nod, obeyed.

Annabel, seated at the table, noticed a photo of Bruce holding a white dog. The dog looked familiar.

"Is that your grandfather's dog?" she whispered to Rupert.

Rupert's gaze fell on the photo; sadness clouded his handsome face. "That's my grandmother's dog, Dolly. She passed away two years ago, and Dolly ran away. We've searched everywhere." Dolly's disappearance had saddened his grandfather.

"I see," Annabel said thoughtfully.