Chapter 1100
Rupert sensed something off in her expression and asked, confused, “What’s wrong? Why did Michelle call?”
“Michelle invited us to her birthday party tomorrow evening,” Annabel replied.
They both understood the real reason behind Michelle’s call.
Annabel sighed, jealousy prickling, and couldn’t help saying sardonically, “Guess who she really wants to see.”
Rupert understood Annabel’s mood and didn’t take offense. If anything, he found it a little amusing.
He chuckled, stepped closer, and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Jealous, are we? Don’t worry. Even if we go, my attention will be only on you. I won’t even glance at other women.”
“Fine, drop it.” Embarrassed, Annabel nudged him and said, “Who says I’m jealous of her? Let’s go home already.”
Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Michelle’s smile faded as soon as she hung up. She lowered her gaze, a dull sadness settling in her chest at the thought of Annabel and Rupert arriving together.
Michelle had fallen for Rupert at first sight—she knew it.
But why did he have to be engaged to Annabel?
Ever since the last time they met, Michelle hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him. There were plenty of good-looking boys at school, but none of them came close to Rupert.
Whenever Michelle thought of Rupert, she couldn’t help smiling dreamily. He appeared in her dreams again and again. All she had to do was close her eyes, and she would see him.
She knew how painful it was to miss someone, and she wanted to use her birthday as an excuse to see him in person—even if it meant only exchanging a few words.
But that was a lie.
She didn’t want to merely talk to him. She wanted more.
Michelle was infatuated with Rupert, craving something beyond friendship. That was why the thought of Rupert and Annabel being engaged left her so upset. Annabel seemed like a genuinely nice person, but… it was love. No one could control it.
Ever since the day Talia placed the order for a customized dress, she had been visiting Leo Studio every two or three days. During each visit, she spent most of her time chatting with Chana. Thankfully, Chana remembered what Annabel had warned her about and stayed cautious. She had a strong feeling Talia was after something more than a dress.
One day, Talia came again—this time carrying a bag full of fruit.
“Hello, everyone!” she greeted brightly as she walked in with a wide smile. She handed out fruit as if they were all old friends. “I hope you like what I brought. I just came by to check on my dress.”
Chana was the only one who kept a careful eye on Talia whenever she showed up. The others were oblivious to any hidden motives, and they didn’t think much of her frequent visits. Some even thought she was simply friendly.
But Chana didn’t see it the same way.
When Talia placed a few oranges on her desk, Chana looked up with a faint smile. “That’s very kind of you, Talia. You always come bearing gifts. If you keep this up, you’re going to spoil all the designers here.”