Chapter 52: Annabel Didn't Like Him

"I don't like your family, including Rupert," Annabel's arrogant yet charming voice echoed in Rupert's ears.

Annabel disliked him. Why? Was there something wrong with him? Rupert frowned, pondering her reasons. He'd always been a proud man, and this was the first time he'd felt disliked. He'd always disliked others; now, the feeling was reciprocated.

Seeing Rupert's long face, Annabel asked in surprise, "Rupert, I thought you wanted to stay home. Why did you come here?"

Before Rupert could reply, Cathy interjected, "Cousin, you arrived just in time! Look at my face—Annabel did this to me! She even hit Mom!"

Annabel was speechless. "Didn't I tell you not to trouble her?" Rupert asked, fixing Cathy with a cold glare. His imposing demeanor intimidated Cathy, who trembled and looked to Erica for help. "Auntie"

"Rupert, what's so good about this woman? Why are you so protective of her?" Erica demanded angrily. She couldn't understand her son's kindness towards this "bumpkin."

"Grandpa likes her," Rupert replied. "And he's not in good health. Do you want to jeopardize his health by angering him?"

Erica started to retort but stopped. Rupert's use of Bruce as an excuse was unassailable.

Annabel looked down at the torn check on the floor. "Keep the fifty million," she said, and left the conference room.

"Auntie, look at her! What an attitude!" Cathy exclaimed, stamping her foot. She'd hoped Erica would banish Annabel after Annabel injured Rupert, but her plan failed. Even Rupert protected her!

"Rupert, is your hand okay?" Erica asked, gently taking his hand.

"It's fine," Rupert replied, withdrawing his hand. Erica snorted. "I heard you were injured because of Annabel."

"It has nothing to do with her," Rupert said coldly. "Mom, don't cause Annabel any more trouble."

"Am I causing her trouble?" Erica snapped, furious at his accusation. "Rupert, I'm doing this for your own good! Are you really going to marry this bumpkin? What's so good about her? She's only beautiful—at best! Why are you so obsessed with her? She's unruly and greedy! She might be doing shameless things behind your back!"

"Exactly!" Cathy agreed eagerly. "Annabel's from the countryside. What else can she do but seduce men? You're being kept in the dark! I saw her with a man while shopping with a friend."

"What man?" Rupert asked, frowning.

"Marcel Brooks," Cathy said. "They were very close, walking hand in hand…"

"Enough!" Rupert shouted, his face darkening with anger. "Annabel and Marcel are friends. Don't make stupid conjectures."

Yet, he couldn't shake the image of Annabel singing to Marcel in the bar. He returned to his office, unable to focus on his work. The image of Annabel and Marcel together plagued him.

Finley arrived with a document, but paused at the door. He heard Rupert sharply reprimanding someone about a typo. The department manager, sweating profusely, endured a half-hour lecture.

"Go fix it now!" Rupert ordered, tossing the document.

The manager hurried out, telling Finley, "He's in a bad mood today. Pray for yourself."

Finley knocked, unsure what to expect. "Come in!" Rupert's voice was sharper than usual. An icy atmosphere enveloped Finley.

"Mr. Benton, this document needs your signature," Finley said, handing over the document.

Rupert frowned. "Isn't this for the partner this afternoon? Why wasn't this given to me earlier?"

Finley's heart pounded; he hadn't brought it sooner because Rupert was on leave. Sensing Finley's thoughts, Rupert asked, "Why didn't you come to my place for my signature?"

Finley's scalp tingled under Rupert's gaze. "I'll do that next time."

Rupert signed the document. As Finley turned to leave, Rupert asked, "If a woman dislikes a man, what could be the reason?"

Finley was confused. A woman rejecting Rupert? Impossible! After a moment, he said, "Maybe the man isn't good enough."

"Get out!" Rupert roared.

Back in her office, Annabel immersed herself in work. Her meeting with Brett was successful; he loved her plan. She'd be busy launching the new product.

As she was about to call a staff meeting, her phone rang—Rupert.

"Hello," she said.

"Come to my office," a cold voice interrupted.