Chapter 9: Couple's Tiff

Annabel turned and saw Rupert approaching with a frown. It was obvious he’d been watching her all evening. “Why do I have to report my every move to you? We’re not at work, so you’re not my boss. I can do whatever I want!”

Annabel wondered why he was so concerned about her actions. Suddenly, a car stopped in front of them. The driver got out and opened the door.

Annabel recognized it as one of Rupert’s cars. Looking away, Rupert said indifferently, “It’s late. It’s unsafe to take a taxi alone. Let’s go back together. If anything bad happens to you, people will accuse the Benton family of neglecting you.”

Annabel frowned. “Thanks, but no thanks. I can take care of myself.”

Just as Annabel moved to hail a passing taxi, Rupert grabbed her wrist. “Get in the car!” he ordered.

Staring intently at her, he added, “Since you’ll be staying with me for three months, I’m responsible for you. Don’t make me angry!” In reality, he didn’t care about her; it was purely self-interest.

Annabel’s frown deepened. She shook off his hand and got into the car.

Before even meeting Rupert, she’d dismissed any possibility of falling for him within three months. Now, seeing his bad temper and immaturity, she disliked him even more. How could her grandfather have been so blind as to choose this man as his grandson-in-law?

Heather had followed Rupert from the hall. Hidden behind a pillar, she watched them get into the car and leave.

“I should be the one in that car with Rupert! That bitch just appeared out of nowhere and stole my place. I’m the only one who deserves to be Mrs. Benton!”

After a moment, Heather called someone. “Hey, we’re friends, right? Ready to show your sincerity?”

The recipient was Nina, head of the secretarial department at Benton Group. Nina, lucky enough to have met Heather at a banquet, aspired to join the wealthy elite, but her efforts had been fruitless. Receiving Heather’s unexpected call, she readily agreed. “Of course! Anything you ask. Just name it!”

“It’s simple. It’s about Annabel. I hear she’s in your department. Making her life miserable should be easy, right?” After a pause, Heather continued, “Afterwards, I’ll get you any luxury handbag you want. Money’s no object for me.”

Nina was surprised, but the offer was tempting. “You’re so generous! Leave it to me. I’ll teach Annabel a lesson.”

“You sound confident. How sure are you?”

“A hundred percent! Mr. Benton shows no concern for Annabel at work. Even the other employees ignore her. Making her suffer will be a piece of cake.”

Heather’s heart soared at the news that Rupert didn’t care about Annabel.

“It’s settled then. You’ll get your reward when it’s done. Don’t let me down.”

Meanwhile, Annabel and Rupert sat in the back of his car, a vast distance between them.

Rupert turned, noticing Annabel had been staring out the window since getting in. Her silence was unnerving. “Ahem! I didn’t know you were so good at piano. When did you learn?”

Annabel finally glanced at him, eyebrows raised. She was surprised by his sudden praise. “Was I that good? Anyway, I learned it just now.”

Rupert was incredulous.

Seeing his shock, Annabel beamed. “I learned from Heather’s performance. What did you think? Were you captivated? I’m smart, aren’t I?”

Rupert looked away, annoyed. “It’s so difficult to communicate with you.”

“Then don’t! I didn’t ask you to talk to me. You started it!”

Annabel turned away.