Chapter 8: Heather's Lie

Erica and Jayden chatted. It was common knowledge that Leonard and Bruce were close friends. The Benton and Hewitt families had once dominated the business world. However, Leonard had unexpectedly sold his company and retired years ago, disappearing from the public eye. The only news was that he was traveling the world with his granddaughter.

Despite his seclusion, the Hewitt family remained one of the most reputable in the country.

Jayden presented the Bentons with Leonard's gifts—a world-famous painting and the deed to hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of land in the city's southern sector—among many others. Leonard was incredibly generous; his gifts were extravagant.

Annabel, who disliked the Bentons, resented their receiving these gifts from her family. However, she was relieved Jayden hadn't exposed her true identity. She planned to leave in three months. If the greedy Erica discovered who she really was, she wouldn't be allowed to go. Perhaps Rupert might even fall in love with her if he knew she was rich.

Lost in thought, Annabel overheard Heather's friend ask, "The Hewitt family is so generous. That reminds me, Heather, you met Leonard's granddaughter at a fashion show, didn't you?"

One of the greatest current mysteries was the identity of Leonard's granddaughter. There had been much speculation, but no outsider knew her name or appearance.

"Oh, yeah! She's very beautiful and kind," Heather replied.

"I remember she gave you her number and said she'd visit you when she comes to Douburgh," Heather's other friend added.

"Wow! Heather, you're awesome!"

Annabel raised her eyebrows, staring at Heather with disbelief.

Noticing Annabel's gaze, Heather frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that, Annabel?"

"Did you really meet Leonard's granddaughter?" Annabel asked. "Uh-huh!" Heather nodded defensively, crossing her arms.

"What? Are you envious of Heather? You might be a Hewitt, but you're just a country bumpkin!" one of Heather's friends sneered.

Annabel smiled but remained silent.

Heather's confusion grew at Annabel's smile. Did Annabel know her encounter with the young heiress was a lie? How could she? Perhaps she was overthinking it.

As Heather tried to dismiss her anxieties, Annabel shook her head, smirked, and walked away.

Something felt wrong. Heather was sure Annabel hadn't discovered her lie, but she felt flustered and increasingly annoyed.

"She's too arrogant for a pauper," she muttered, glaring at Annabel's back. In that moment, an idea sparked; a vicious smile curved her lips.

Meanwhile, Annabel sat in a quiet corner with her wineglass, massaging her forehead when she felt Rupert's gaze. She looked up to meet his eyes.

Rupert hadn't been able to take his eyes off her since she played the piano. He wondered why a country girl could play so expertly and possess such refined mannerisms. Something didn't add up. He was startled back to reality by her gaze, his heart skipping a beat.

Immediately, a pang of pain struck his heart as Annabel looked away. His pain quickly turned to anger; he frowned.

Taking a sip of wine, Annabel mumbled, "Why the hell is he staring at me?"

She concluded he doubted her piano skills—not surprising, given his arrogance and narrow-mindedness. He'd probably expected her to fail, but she'd proven him wrong.

"So much for being a Benton!" Annabel rolled her eyes. She didn't care about such a self-centered man.

"Chill, Annabel. You'll be out of here in three months," she muttered to herself.

Annabel sat alone for a long time. Late into the night, as guests began departing, she decided to leave. As she hailed a taxi, Rupert's irritated voice called out, "Why are you leaving without telling me?"