Chapter 1099
Annabel was startled, but she quickly regained her composure. Candace was nothing more than a pawn in Ellis’s game, and without outside help, it seemed impossible for her to escape. Something didn’t add up.
Annabel tried to reassure him. “Don’t worry. Candace only has one benefactor in Douburgh, and that’s Ellis. And the prison has guards patrolling constantly—she couldn’t have gotten out without help. But the one pulling the strings this time can’t easily be Ellis. Why don’t you ask Finley to find out who visited Candace recently, or whether she did anything suspicious before she escaped?”
It made sense. Still, at that moment, Annabel couldn’t think of anyone besides Ellis who might have helped Candace.
So who had arranged her jailbreak—and why?
Could things get any more twisted?
Rupert nodded, but his mind was already on the design competition Annabel was about to enter. He didn’t want her distracted by the mess with Candace.
So he told her, “Don’t worry about this right now. I’ve already told Finley to find Candace. You should focus on the competition. Give it your all and bring home the prize.”
Annabel burst into laughter and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I see, darling. Don’t worry about me!”
Her playful giggle instantly lifted Rupert’s mood. He raised her chin, brushed a soft kiss over her lips, then pinched her cheek teasingly.
“Don’t forget, you’re the apple of my eye. You always come first. Let me handle all the annoying stuff, and you just enjoy yourself, no matter what happens. Deal?”
Annabel lowered her head slightly, but she kept looking into his eyes before finally nodding in agreement.
Rupert couldn’t resist kissing her again.
In the city of love—Paris—no one cared what others thought. People did as they pleased, kissing openly in public and showing affection without restraint.
Find your imagination at galn ovels ; con
But their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by Annabel’s buzzing phone.
“Hold on a second,” she said, pushing Rupert back with a mischievous smile, pretending not to notice his darkened expression. She pulled out her phone, checked the caller ID, then glanced at Rupert. “It’s Michelle.”
“Go ahead. Answer it,” Rupert said casually, though for some reason, he had the feeling Annabel was thinking more about it than she let on.
Annabel answered the call and greeted Michelle, whose cheerful, lively voice rang through the speaker.
“Hey, Annabel, listen. Tomorrow is my birthday, and my dad is throwing me a party. I’d love it if you and Rupert could come. It’s been ages since we last saw each other, and apparently Dad’s been missing Rupert a bit.”
Michelle had called Rupert by his first name. Maybe it was just French enthusiasm, but Annabel had no doubt Michelle had a crush on him. The way she spoke only deepened Annabel’s discomfort.
Annabel hesitated, intending to refuse, but Michelle kept talking. “Since you haven’t said no, I’ll take that as a yes. See you tomorrow at eight.”
“Okay, we’ll be there on time,” Annabel said, acquiescing before ending the call.