Chapter 1103
Michelle lifted her head at the sound of Annabel’s voice, and her irritation flared when she realized Annabel was standing right in front of her. She glanced at the gift bag, knowing she would look rude if she refused it.
“Thank you. You always know what to get me,” she said, forcing a smile. “I’m just… a little tired today. But it’s fine.”
Herman Alvarado—Michelle’s longtime friend and a prince—took two champagne glasses from a waiter as he moved through the crowd. He had intended to share a drink with Michelle, but when he reached her, he stopped short at the sight of Annabel beside her.
Herman was stunned. He could swear he had never seen a lovelier young woman. Her beauty took his breath away, and attraction struck him so quickly it almost felt ridiculous.
“She’s here alone, too,” Herman thought to himself, intrigued.
After a moment, he curved his lips into a grin and strolled over with the champagne. Michelle merely glanced at him without saying anything. Annabel, however, looked a little puzzled. She assumed Herman had come for Michelle, so she started to rise, preparing to excuse herself.
Up close, Annabel’s beauty overwhelmed Herman even more. He quickly stopped her as she turned away. He stepped forward and extended his hand, as if offering her the glass he held.
“If I may,” he said smoothly, “I’d love it if you would accept a dance with me.”
“Me?” Annabel blinked, caught off guard, and pointed at herself.
Michelle looked from Annabel to Herman, as if she wanted to say something, but she swallowed it back.
Whatever. It wasn’t her business. Besides, if Herman managed to win Annabel over, Rupert would be single again.
“It’s just a dance. It’s nothing,” Annabel told herself. So she agreed, but added, “Okay, but I’m a total beginner at dancing. Don’t make it complicated.”
Herman’s grin widened. He responded with effortless courtesy. “That’s fine. It’s an honor to dance with such a beautiful lady.”
Annabel walked with Herman toward the center of the main hall. As the music began, she placed a hand lightly on his shoulder.
The music started, and they moved with the rhythm. Herman held her by the waist with an unmistakably intimate ease, admiring her face throughout the dance and showering her with compliments.
“You were far too modest when you said you were a rookie. You’re actually very good.”
“I’m not that good,” Annabel replied with a brief grin, saying nothing more. She simply wanted the dance to end as quickly as possible.
What she didn’t realize was that journalists from her country were there on assignment. They snapped photos of Annabel dancing with a man, posted them online with minimal editing, and the story quickly gained traction.
While waiting for her to return, Rupert checked his phone for updates. In the process, he saw the trending topic about Annabel dancing with Prince Herman, along with the photos. His expression darkened as he took in how close Herman had been to her.
What the hell did she think she was doing?
Rupert’s mood sank. He set his phone down, replaying the images in his mind. Then he stood, grabbed his coat, and left. He wanted to see for himself who that audacious man was.
.
.