Chapter 5: Chivalrous Lad

The two walked into Benton Group, and the photoshoot proceeded smoothly. However, Marcel found some of the clothes unappealing and complained. Annabel's approval, however, instantly changed his mind; her opinion held sway over his nitpicking. Annabel's mere glance corrected any missteps he made. Marcel was intimidated by her, a fear stemming not only from her having saved his life but also from an apprehension of her potential displeasure.

The shoot, initially estimated to take five hours due to Marcel's attitude, was completed in only two. Afterward, Marcel pulled Annabel aside, saying, "Let's go. We have a lot of catching up to do. I'll treat you to dinner."

Annabel coldly refused. "No, I can't. I'm not off duty yet!"

Some employees, pretending to be busy, gossiped nearby. "What? Marcel offered Annabel dinner, and she turned him down?" "Holy moly! What is she thinking? Doesn't she know who he is? Many girls would jump at that offer. How can she be so arrogant?" "I wish he'd take me instead. I'd quit my job to spend time with him. Annabel is so foolish!"

Marcel, stung by her rejection, felt like crying. After a moment, he asked, "By the way, why are you working here? Did your family go bankrupt? If so, I can support you. You don't have to work here."

Annabel rolled her eyes. "You know nothing, Marc. Now, if you'll excuse me" She returned to work.

Everyone expected Marcel to storm off in a rage, but surprisingly, he smiled helplessly and waited in the lounge until Annabel finished work.

At closing time, Rupert emerged from his office. "Grandpa made a dinner reservation. Let's go."

Rupert hadn't wanted to go, but Bruce had threatened him. The old man had been hospitalized earlier after a heart attack. In a video call, he'd said, "You must go. If you don't, I'll pull the plug on this ventilator. Do you want me to die?" Rupert, his hands tied, had agreed.

Annabel was about to respond when Marcel appeared. "Annabel, you're off duty now, right? Can we have dinner?"

Only when Rupert coughed did Marcel notice him. "You're here, Rupert!" he exclaimed.

Rupert, confused, looked at the pair. Did they know each other?

Annabel, breaking her silence, suggested, "How about we all have dinner together?"

The three ended up at the restaurant Bruce had reserved. During the drive, Marcel chatted with Annabel, who responded amiably.

At the restaurant, Marcel displayed his chivalrous side, opening doors, pulling out chairs, serving Annabel food, and pouring her wine. Rupert was relegated to the background, seemingly an observer to their private world.

"By the way," Marcel said, "you still haven't told me why you work at Benton Group. Is there something between you and Rupert?" He suspected a relationship.

Glancing at Rupert, Annabel replied, "My grandfather asked me to work here. As for what's between uswe're engaged."

Marcel sputtered his water. "You're what? What a small world! So, you're the countrywoman Rupert's engaged to?"

Annabel nodded casually. The engagement rumor was widespread in Douburgh, so Marcel was aware of it. Knowing Annabel's background, he found the media's portrayal ludicrous; she was far from poor. The Hewitt family was immensely wealthy, owning numerous villas worldwide.

"Are you two in love?" Marcel asked incredulously.

"Don't get the wrong idea. We're not in love. The engagement will be canceled in three months," Annabel said calmly.

Marcel sighed in relief. "That's good. Rupert doesn't deserve you. I'm better than him. You two are nothing alike. He's cold and boring. Your marriage would be a disaster."

Fury brewed in Rupert as he silently cut his steak. He didn't deserve Annabel? "That reminds me, Marcel," Rupert said, "your brother asked me to buy the car you've always wanted. He plans to give it to you. I think"

Marcel hastily interjected, "Come on, Rupert. I didn't mean that. Can't you take a joke?"

They finished their meal amicably. After leaving the restaurant, Annabel and Rupert said goodbye to Marcel.

"Bye, Annabel! I'll visit you whenever I'm free." Marcel hugged Annabel, who patted his head, then waved. "Bye, Marc. Take care!"

Her affectionate gesture resembled how she would pet her Alaskan Malamute, Teddy. Rupert, however, interpreted it as flirting.

He grunted and got into the car. During the ride home, he finally complained, "I see why you boldly said you'll never fall in love with me. You're in love with someone else."