Chapter 35: You're Candy

At the sound of Annabel's voice, Cathy turned and saw her standing in the doorway. Cathy's heart skipped a beat.

Annabel frowned. "Cathy, what are you doing?" she demanded.

Cathy avoided eye contact. "Rupert's drunk, so I was wiping his mouth," she answered.

Annabel's tone was mocking. "So you had to wipe it with your mouth, eh?"

She looked down at Rupert. His eyes were closed, his breath even. He appeared fast asleep. Judging by his level of intoxication, he was unaware of Cathy's actions.

A secret relationship? The thought briefly crossed Annabel's mind, but she dismissed it. Rupert had recently called her "Candy"—a far cry from Cathy. His social standing made a romance with his cousin improbable. Most likely, Cathy's actions stemmed from wishful thinking.

"I'm warning you, don't talk nonsense!" Cathy warned, her eyes filled with apprehension. To Rupert, she was just a cousin. The thought of him discovering her secret kiss… Cathy dared not contemplate the consequences.

Annabel glanced at her and scoffed. "I'm not interested in telling anyone. But Cathy, as long as I'm engaged to Rupert, you'd better stop your dirty thoughts and actions. Or you'll face the consequences of a scandal about your infatuation with your cousin going viral."

"How dare you!" Cathy screamed, lunging forward to slap Annabel.

Annabel grabbed Cathy's arm, pushing her back. Cathy stumbled to the floor.

"Annabel, how dare you push me?" Cathy cried, pain shooting through her body. Anger darkened her face.

Annabel ignored her, sneering as she left the room.

Back in her room, Annabel paused before texting Anthony: "Help me check the relationship between Cathy Benton and Rupert Benton."

Anthony and Ada were two of the world's most famous hackers, their skills legendary. Ada, however, remained more mysterious, rumored to be Anthony's teacher. In reality, Ada was Annabel—though not Anthony's teacher. Long ago, Anthony had attempted to attack her company, Star Entertainment, but Annabel had thwarted the attack. They became friends afterward.

Anthony's reply: "Ada, it's late. Can you let me sleep?"

Annabel: "Cut the crap! Just do as I say."

Their banter was typical. "It's just a simple piece of information, Ada. You can handle it in five minutes. Why do you need me?" Anthony whined.

Annabel sent an eye-roll emoji. "I'm lazy. Hurry up!"

Ten minutes later, Anthony sent detailed information on Cathy: Rupert's aunt had adopted her from an orphanage; they were not blood relatives.

Annabel narrowed her eyes. No wonder Cathy had a crush on Rupert, constantly antagonizing Annabel, Rupert's fiancée. Annabel questioned her grandfather's three-month engagement agreement. She hoped the three months would pass quickly, allowing her to break off the engagement and reclaim her life.

The dreadful weekend finally ended. The following day, Annabel arrived early at Benton Group. She was reviewing materials for the Lady Fashion collaboration when Nina dumped a large pile of documents on her desk, causing it to shake.

Annabel looked up, frowning. "What are you doing?"

Nina barked, "Enter this data. Finish it before noon."

Annabel glanced at the mountain of paperwork and shook her head. "I'm in charge of the Lady Fashion project. These materials are irrelevant. Ask someone else."

Nina's face darkened. "I told you to do it. Everyone else is busy!"

Annabel rolled her eyes. "Mr. Benton said I'm only responsible for the Lady Fashion project."

Nina's anger intensified, but the landline rang. Annabel saw the number 888—the CEO's line—and answered.

"Hello, this is Annabel from the secretarial department."

"Send me a cup of coffee," Rupert ordered, then hung up.

Stunned, Annabel decided to comply. Turning to Nina, she said, "Mr. Benton wants coffee. You can handle those documents." She pushed the papers toward Nina. "Excuse me, please!"

"Annabel Hewitt!" Nina seethed, watching Annabel walk away. She vowed revenge.

Annabel retrieved a latte and took it to Rupert's office. The sight of him sent her heart racing. She composed herself and knocked.

"Come in," Rupert's icy tone called out.

Annabel entered, placed the coffee on his desk, and said, "Your coffee."

Rupert's eyes narrowed. Last night, drunk, he thought he'd seen Candy, believed she'd returned. This morning, it was Cathy on his bed, claiming to have brought him there. But Cathy wasn't Candy. A dream? But so vivid…

Annabel avoided his gaze, feeling uncomfortable. "If there's nothing else, I'll leave."

As she turned to go, she remembered the diamond button and gave it to him. "This is yours."

Rupert lowered his head, catching her unique scent—identical to last night's. He seized her hand, his eyes sparkling. "Candy… you are Candy."