Chapter 51: The Money Is Too Little

Annabel looked up as Erica and Cathy entered. Though over forty, Erica retained a youthful, feminine charm, enhanced by her purple dress. However, her expression was one of anger. Rupert hadn't returned home the previous night. Cathy, having delivered him breakfast that morning, returned home with red, tear-filled eyes.

She explained that Annabel had pushed her to the floor, spilling the breakfast and making unpleasant remarks. Cathy also claimed Annabel had caused Rupert's knife injury, a claim she exaggerated to Erica, who was immediately anxious to call Rupert. Cathy urged her not to, saying Rupert would be angry if he knew, adding that the wound wasn't serious.

After a pause, Cathy added fuel to the fire: "But it's dangerous for him to be with Annabel. It's all her fault! He wouldn't be hurt if it weren't for her. He wasn't seriously injured this time, but with her still around, who knows what will happen next? Annabel's a jinx! I'll drive her away!"

Erica, who openly disliked Annabel, accompanied Cathy to Benton Group to confront her. Finding Annabel in a meeting with the CEO of Lady Fashion, Erica suppressed her anger, whispering, "Annabel, come out!"

Sensing their hostile intentions, Annabel stood, frowning. "What is it? I'm in a meeting. Please wait."

Before Erica could respond, Annabel shut and locked the door, returning to say, "I'm sorry, Mr. McCoy. Let's continue." She then detailed the "Ice and Fire" production plan to Brett, covering capital, manpower, and raw materials. He nodded in satisfaction.

Meanwhile, outside, Erica and Cathy simmered. Erica gnashed her teeth. "No problem. I'll wait for her!"

Cathy, feigning innocence, pleaded, "Auntie, please don't be angry. Annabel was so disrespectful! She's a country bumpkin, beneath our family's standards. I think my cousin's bewitched by her!"

Erica's eyes hardened. "I won't let Rupert marry her."

They waited two hours. As Brett and his assistant emerged, Erica and Cathy stormed in.

"Annabel, how did Rupert get hurt?" Erica demanded.

Annabel, preoccupied with packing, replied curtly, "Ask him." She was exasperated with Cathy, who had first harassed her at home and now at work.

Cathy, attempting to inflame the situation, said, "I asked security. Rupert was injured because of Annabel! If not for her, how else would he be hurt? She's jinxed! She'll get Rupert killed! I won't let her hurt him!"

Erica raged, her dislike intensified. She couldn't understand why Bruce, a prominent businessman, would prefer Annabel, and why Rupert seemed increasingly protective of her, ignoring Erica's concerns.

After packing up, Annabel stated flatly, "Nina stabbed Rupert. If you want someone to blame, go to her. I'm busy."

Erica screamed, "Annabel, how dare you!" She slammed a check on the table. "Here's fifty million. Take it and leave! I never want to see you again!"

Cathy, assuming Annabel was shocked by the amount, sneered, "Annabel, look carefully. Fifty million! You'll never earn this much in your life! Take it and get out!"

Annabel picked up the check. "Fifty million, right?"

Erica, believing Annabel easily swayed by money, repeated her demand. To her astonishment, Annabel tore the check and threw it at them.

"I'm sorry, but the money is too little," she said scornfully.

Cathy exclaimed, "Annabel, don't be stupid!" Fifty million being insufficient? Clearly, Annabel aimed to marry Rupert and gain access to far greater wealth.

Erica, recalculating, calmed down. "How much do you want to leave Rupert?"

"I will leave, but not now," Annabel shrugged. "I don't like your family, including Rupert."

She grabbed her bag and exited, bumping into someone. Looking up, she gasped. "Rupert? When did you get here?"