Chapter 1394
Chapter 1394:
Annabel rose, stretching lazily, and gave a small, confirming nod.
“But I didn’t expect them to take the bait so easily,” she said, her tone cool. “It made setting the trap feel like a waste of time. My whole plan ended up pointless p>
A trace of disappointment colored Annabel’s voice as she spoke. Just then, the party officially began.
“Thankfully, this isn’t the dress you gave me p>
With a stern look, Annabel examined the ruined dress in the box.
As part of her plan, she had spoken deliberately about “her dress” around Heather, baiting her—and to Annabel’s surprise, Heather had taken it. Thankfully, Annabel had already swapped the original dress for another one.
“You go ahead to the party. I’ll join you in a bit,” she said, lifting her eyes to meet Rupert’s gaze. But she had no intention of leaving yet. The real fun hadn’t even begun. How could she just stroll in now?
“Do you think Heather did this?” Rupert asked abruptly.
Unruffled, Annabel gave him a sly smile. Resting her elbow on her knee and propping her cheek in her hand, she replied, “What do you think, Mr. Benton p>
Rupert said nothing.
Seeing his silence, Annabel made her move and casually settled into his lap. “Heather’s hostility toward me is because of you, isn’t it?” she teased. “And I’ve heard you and Heather go way back. If I retaliate, Mr. Benton, will you resent me p>
Heather’s intentions were obvious—surely Rupert wasn’t blind to them. But at her words, Rupert’s expression darkened. He removed his hand from her waist and said sharply, “Off my lap. Now p>
Startled, Annabel bit her lip and retreated to the couch. She was about to speak when Rupert leaned in and captured her lips.
The kiss was fierce and possessive, leaving Annabel breathless before she could steady herself. When Rupert finally pulled away, Annabel’s eyes were glossy as she looked at him.
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Rupert traced her flushed lips with his thumb. “Annabel, the only person I care about is you,” he said, his voice low. “I have no interest in anyone else. Don’t say things like that again p>
Annabel nodded. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. “Go on. I’ll join you soon p>
Rupert left after giving a brief nod. The party was in full swing, and the guests greeted him warmly.
His gaze swept across the room and, unintentionally, landed on a sofa tucked into a corner, where Heather and Cathy sat side by side.
Heather had been watching Rupert in secret. The moment their eyes met, she looked ready to approach, excitement lighting her face.
Rupert ignored her and walked over to Bruce and Erica, who were in the middle of a conversation.
“Rupert, didn’t I ask you to bring Annabel? Why hasn’t she shown up yet?” Bruce asked, confusion plain in his voice. He had been waiting for Annabel and was starting to grow impatient. “Where is she p>
Out of the corner of his eye, Rupert noticed Heather making her way toward them. After a brief pause, he reassured Bruce in a calm voice, “She’ll be here soon p>