Annabel's POV
"Annie."
I turned to meet Fiona's gaze. Her smile stretched wide.
A chill ran down my spine.
What could she be doing here?
Does she know yet?
I stood frozen until she approached me, still grinning. "Annie, you never told me you know my son's workplace."
Fear slithered through my veins. "Um… Fiona, good to see you again."
She narrowed her gaze at me. "Annie, you don't look okay. You are fidgeting."
A shiver ran through my hand, I hadn't even realized it was quivering. "I'm fine, just didn't expect to see you here."
She gave me a gentle shove with a mischievous grin. "Come off it, Annabel my son owns this place."
"Really?" pretending to have no idea.
With a sly smile, she tilted her head slightly. "I thought you two have been catching up. Daniel told me you two met."
Wait, did I hear her well?
Does Daniel know?
Clearing my throat, I said, "Yes, yes, we have." I lied through my teeth.
With a teasing gesture, she brushed against me. "So, tell me—are you here to meet your brother?"
My heart pounded in my chest.
My brother?
"The thing is… Fiona, I'm here to see a friend. I never had the idea that your son owns this place. I mean, we never talk that deep."
A wave of disappointment washed over her. "Really." She arched her brows. "Daniel must have been cruel to you."
"Come, I will take you to his office," she offered.
My knees felt weak.
How do I explain to this woman that I have been to her son's office more than she could imagine?
Not as a sister.
We kissed in the same office.
Fiona was a step away when she noticed I was still standing, lost in thought. "Annie, is anything the problem?"
Her voice drove me back to my senses.
I moved closer to her, each step deliberate, my heart racing, thousands of thoughts running through my mind.
What will Daniel say?
How will Fiona take this if she finds out?
My father will be so disappointed in me.
We were inches apart from Daniel's office when his door opened and he stepped out. Beside him was Brenda. He was giving out instructions to her.
My stomach knotted. I just needed to do something. I couldn't let Daniel find out the truth this way. He would break down, and I couldn't afford to lose him.
With a faster pace, I covered the distance between me and Fiona. My eyes were darting around. "Fiona, please, I have something urgent to cover up. You can go, I will meet up with you guys later."
Her brow furrowed in puzzlement. "Are you sure?"
"Yes…"
She blinked, trying to make sense of it. "Fine." Pointing at Daniel's office, she said, "That's his office. We will be waiting for you."
"I will be there," I returned with a cracking voice.
Without looking back, I made my way to a restroom, and that was when Stephanie's voice cut in from behind.
"Annabel Green."
I stood still.
She strode over with purpose, closing the distance with measured steps until we were facing each other.
Her eyes swept every inch of me. "Why did you lie to Daniel's mother?"
I straightened my neck, trying to maintain my composure. "What are you talking about?"
The edge of her mouth curved into a smirk that almost looked like a grimace. "Annabel, don't play games with me."
I stood up straight to her, fighting to remain confident. "Stephanie, I don't have to explain myself to you."
She let out a derisive laugh. "We both know you are hiding something. You have been avoiding her since the dinner at the Golden Monarch. What secret are you keeping?"
I dimmed my eyes into hers. "Stephanie, you have no right to ask me what I'm doing with my life. We are no longer friends," I told her and shifted to move away from her, but she blocked me.
"Whatever it is, I will definitely find out."
"Then suit yourself." My eyes flickered around hers.
I made way to leave again, but she drew me by my wrist, pushing me off balance. "Stephanie, you have to stop this madness. People are watching."
"Oh. Really?" A scoff escaped her lips, half laugh, half insult. "Then I would love to see everyone gather here today, including Daniel's mother."
Her last sentence struck a part of my heart. I can't let that happen.
Picking a fight with her might bring Daniel and his mum here, and my secret might be revealed.
I lowered my voice and leaned close to her. "Steph, please don't do this." My voice was obviously pleading.
She gave a sneering little giggle. "Then you will have to do anything I ask of you here."
I looked at her, unsure of what she was going to say next. "And what will that be?"
With a deliberate motion, she said, "I want you to strip here."
"What!" My mouth opened wide with words to say but they were too heavy to speak out.
Stephanie wrapped her arms around her with one leg crossing the other. "If you can't do it, then I'm going into that office to inform Daniel and his mum that you are keeping a secret from them."
My spirit dropped, finding it difficult to process everything.
"Fine, if you will not do it, then I'm going to Daniel's office." She made way to leave, but I stopped her.
Holding her firmly, I said, "I will do it, please."
An evil smile twisted on her lips. She turned around, and with just her eyes, said, "Then let's have fun."
I shivered. My eyes searched around to know if people were actually watching us. But they were definitely a few people.
At least they were all girls.
I began to unbutton my shirt slowly. My eyes were still pleading with Stephanie.
But she simply brought out her phone and began to film me.
Once my shirt was off, I reached for my skirt, easing it down inch by inch. Daniel's voice sliced through from behind, stern and rough.
"Enough!"
He hurriedly came to us, removed his jacket, and covered me with it. His eyes searched mine as he pulled my shoulder. "Annie, are you okay?"
I gave him a slow nod.
He stood up to Stephanie. "What on earth do you think you are doing?"
"Mr. Stroke…" she stammered.
But Daniel stopped her even before she could say much.
In one swift motion, he carried me, placing my head on his chest, every gaze around fixed on us.
Stephanie stood there, seething with rage.
And I caught that too. I saw how she was burned.
Good.
Let her squirm.
This has been my mission from the onset.
To see her break, to ruin her carefully curated world.
And I won't stop until every single thing she has stolen from me is burned.