Chapter 1266
Chapter 1266:
Just then, Annabel and Rupert approached.
“Grandpa p>
Annabel threw herself into Leonard’s arms with affection.
“You haven’t forgotten your grandpa, have you? I was starting to think you had,” Leonard said warmly, stroking her head.
“Grandpa, how could you say that? You’re going to make me upset,” Annabel protested, putting on an indignant act.
“Alright, alright. My mistake.” Leonard smiled and patted her head again before shifting his gaze to Rupert.
Rupert nodded respectfully in greeting.
Leonard cleared his throat, his tone turning stern. “If you ever dare hurt my granddaughter, I’ll be the first to set you straight. Understand p>
“I second that. If you dare upset Annabel, I won’t hesitate to discipline you,” Bruce added, pausing his bickering with Leonard long enough to warn Rupert.
Annabel shot Rupert a sly, playful glance.
Rupert looked at her helplessly and tightened his arm around her waist.
“I promise I will cherish her until death do us part,” Rupert said solemnly, gazing into Annabel’s eyes.
Annabel pressed her lips together, then smiled warmly at him.
Satisfied, Bruce and Leonard exchanged approving nods.
But not everyone shared their joy.
In a corner, Erica glared at Annabel and let out a cold huff. She had already begun plotting how to deal with Annabel in the days to come.
Beside her, Cathy wore an equally sour expression. She glanced at Heather, who sat alone on a sofa, then walked over to her, nervously twisting the hem of her dress.
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“It’s just an engagement,” Cathy muttered. “Look at her, showing off like she’s won a prize. Insufferable p>
The words only seemed to deepen Heather’s irritation. Her grip on her glass tightened until it looked as though it might crack.
Biting her lip, Heather shot Annabel a vicious stare, itching to storm over and ruin the bride-to-be’s face.
She swore to herself that sooner or later, she would win Rupert back.
Overwhelmed by the unfamiliar faces offering their congratulations, Annabel decided to take a moment to breathe. She left Rupert to entertain the guests and slipped away toward the refreshments table, debating whether she should treat herself to a slice of cake.
As she hesitated, a familiar voice sounded behind her.
“Annabel p>
She turned and saw Rory standing there, a faint smile on his face.
“Congratulations p>
Despite the warm words, his clenched fists betrayed the turmoil beneath the surface. No one could have guessed how much courage it took for him to say that—especially with a smile.