Chapter 1102
Talia’s eyes lit up, and she immediately leaned in. “You mean Leo is taking part in the competition?”
Chana nodded solemnly. “He is. But to be honest, I’m the one who will go to the event with the design draft and the finished piece on his behalf. The dress he designed this time is absolutely gorgeous. I just received the draft, and it’s a work of art.”
She spoke with such enthusiasm that it sounded effortless. Then she looked at Talia innocently. “I can talk to you about the dress, right? You’re a big fan of Leo’s, after all.”
Talia nodded quickly. “Of course. Who would I tell?”
Chana nodded and lowered her voice. “It’s an evening gown with structured shoulders, dark red, with pearls and a bit of lace. It’s medieval European style—absolutely breathtaking. I’m sure you’d like your dress designed like this too, right?”
“Of course,” Talia said eagerly, her excitement unmistakable. As she nodded, a fleeting smugness passed through her eyes as she turned away. Despite Annabel’s efforts to keep everything under wraps, Talia had still managed to dig up information she was never meant to have.
Tomorrow, when she told Susan, it would definitely be quite a show.
Back at the villa, Annabel checked her phone and saw the location pin Michelle had sent. She turned to Rupert, who sat beside her, and said, “Michelle just sent me the location. Tomorrow night at eight, she wants us at her birthday party. It looks like it’s at a villa in the suburbs. I’ve been there once with her.”
Rupert thought about it for a moment. Given Annabel’s current mood, he knew she would feel even more jealous if he agreed too readily. It was better to stay out of it than create trouble for himself.
“Oh.” He nodded. “Tomorrow night’s party… I don’t think I want to go. I’ve only met her once. Why don’t you go alone?”
Annabel studied him for a moment, eyes bright, then smiled broadly. She could read Rupert far too easily.
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She knew going without him would make the night more troublesome for her, but she still preferred to go alone.
“Okay. I might be a bit late. I’ll let you know when I’m back.”
Michelle’s birthday party began at eight that evening.
To make his daughter happy, Calvert threw her a lavish celebration. Everyone who knew the family and was on good terms with them was invited. But Michelle barely acknowledged any of the guests. She glanced at them briefly, then kept looking toward the door.
She was waiting for Rupert to arrive.
Annabel reached the suburban villa about thirty minutes later. Michelle’s eyes lit up when she saw Annabel walk in—but Annabel was alone.
Rupert hadn’t come.
The smile on Michelle’s face faltered. Disappointment overtook her expression as she lowered her gaze, sulking.
At first glance, Annabel noticed Michelle. She sighed quietly when she saw how unhappy she looked. Walking over, she pretended not to notice anything and handed her the gift bag.
“What’s wrong? It’s your birthday today. Why are you in such a bad mood? Here, this is for you. Happy birthday.”
.