Chapter 38: You Surprised Me

Annabel cleared her throat and said, with a confident smile, "Now, let me introduce the overall situation and progress of the Lady Fashion project."

Using a pen, she drew the project's flowchart on the whiteboard while explaining the details. Her words were clear and easy to understand.

Nina stared in disbelief, so shocked she didn't realize her nails were digging into her flesh. How could Annabel present the entire project so fluently and clearly without preparation? And the chart was excellent! Something was amiss.

Annabel must have learned about the meeting and prepared secretly. Nina had planned to publicly humiliate Annabel, but instead, she'd only elevated her. In Nina's opinion, Annabel was a bitch, and she vowed to get her fired from Benton Group.

Rupert, too, was surprised. His eyes remained fixed on Annabel throughout her presentation. In her light pink business skirt and white shirt, she looked elegant and capable in the soft conference room lighting. Her cherry-red lips were undeniably sexy, making Rupert want to kiss her again.

"Well, that's all. Are there any questions?" Annabel asked, smiling and looking around the room.

The participants seemed highly impressed; no one raised any objections or questions. Rupert's gaze remained on Annabel throughout. Seeing her approach, he swallowed hard. He found her amazing—noble, elegant, and confident, like a queen. But wasn't she from the countryside? Wasn't she considered a clueless bumpkin? There was clearly more to Annabel than met the eye.

"Mr. Benton, is there a problem?" Annabel asked with a faint smile, noticing his continued stare.

"No," Rupert replied, his thin lips curving. "Since there are no problems, please let Chief Designer Anais introduce the designs."

Annabel returned to her seat and gestured to Anais, who unfolded the design drawings. "The theme is Ice and Fire. We're launching a high-quality jewelry set—necklace, ring, and bracelet. These are my drawings."

Rupert frowned, clearly dissatisfied. He turned to Annabel and softly asked, "What's your opinion?"

Annabel examined the drawings. The patterns were exquisite, incorporating many popular elements, showing Anais' careful work. However, Annabel considered them mediocre and unremarkable. Rupert seemed to agree, but why ask her opinion? It could only make her an enemy of the designer. Annabel glared at Rupert, shaking her head.

Then, she spoke frankly: "Lady Fashion targets women aged 30-50, so our designs should reflect elegance. Anais' designs are beautiful, but too ordinary, lacking soul."

Anais' expression changed, but Annabel continued: "Simply put, they're too vulgar. A perfect design requires the designer's feelings, giving it a unique soul."

Even Bernice felt embarrassed. As head of the jewelry design department, she had approved Anais' designs, which were now being criticized by Annabel in front of Rupert. This was damaging to the department's reputation.

Before Bernice could retort, Rupert nodded. "Right, they are vulgar." He hadn't expected Annabel's opinion to match his own. He narrowed his eyes, surprised by her expertise.

"Well, we'll modify them," Bernice said with a strained smile. Turning to Anais, she added, "Try to do much better."

Anais blushed and nodded.

"The Lady Fashion project leader is visiting Douburgh next week, including their president. Our work must be impeccable," Rupert stated seriously.

"We will deliver the best!" Bernice promised through gritted teeth.

"Annabel, keep an eye on the progress," Rupert instructed, glancing at Annabel.

Annabel was incredulous. It had nothing to do with her; she wasn't a designer and hadn't contributed to the designs. As project director, however, she could only nod stiffly and accept the undeserved credit.

After the meeting, everyone left the conference room. Annabel gathered her things, but Rupert's voice stopped her.

"Annabel, please stay."

Annabel paused and turned. "What else do you need?"

Rupert approached, gazing at her silently. After a moment, he softly asked, "Do you know a lot about jewelry design?"

"A little," Annabel said with a slight smile. She excelled in fashion design; jewelry was a minor specialty.

"You surprise me," Rupert murmured, his eyes full of curiosity.

Annabel shrugged. Was she truly that surprising? What if he knew her true identity? Seeing he had nothing more to say, she turned and went to the bathroom.

There, she heard a low female voice from a stall—Nina's voice, mentioning her name. Annabel listened carefully. Nina, in a jealous, angry tone, said, "Miss Norman, don't worry. Our plan will work perfectly. I'll get Annabel fired from Benton Group!"

Miss Norman? Heather? Nina was colluding with Heather! They had set a trap. Annabel's eyes narrowed. She would fight back. She was no pushover and wouldn't tolerate further provocation.