Maxwell descended the stairs just in time to see it.
Annabella looked like she was one breath away from exploding.
His heart skipped.
Just one sharp, painful beat… then another.
He didn't need anyone to explain what she was feeling. He could already imagine the storm tearing through her chest.
His jaw tightened.
He glanced toward the stage, where Mr. Martin was still speaking with that calm smile, then back to Annabella — whose eyes were burning, whose shoulders trembled even though she tried to stand straight.
Maxwell exhaled slowly.
A shaky breath.
He forced a smile to his lips — fake, practiced, the kind he had mastered over the years.
"Felix!" he called, stepping further down.
Felix's head snapped up instantly.
"Max!" Felix grinned, sounding excited.
Felix's gaze flicked briefly to Annabella — who immediately lowered her eyes.
His lips curved.
He walked past her… deliberately brushing his shoulder into hers.
For one terrifying second, she almost fell, heels wobbling — but thankfully, she caught herself.
Her throat tightened.
Her nails curled into her palms, digging so deep she could feel her skin tearing.
"Fe…lix," she murmured through clenched teeth, every syllable trembling. Blood pricked beneath her nails, warm and stinging.
Maxwell's gaze never left her.
He saw everything.
And his heartbeat slowed.
"Long time no see, Max. What have you been up to, dude?" Felix grinned.
Maxwell's attention tore reluctantly away from Annabella. Forcing that same fake smile.
"Nothing, dude. Just work piled up," he replied coolly.
Felix chuckled, tucking his hands into his pockets.
"Yeah, you're always so energetic when it comes to work. I wish I could be like you someday."
Maxwell raised a brow.
"Are you kidding me, Felix? You're already a hot deal in business."
"Ha!" Felix laughed again.
"By the way, congratulations on the successful launching of Rodriguez Diamond Enterprise in Asia. Huge achievement, man." He pulled one hand from his pocket and extended it toward Maxwell.
Maxwell shook it briefly.
"Thank you."
His eyes automatically searched the crowd again.
Annabella was gone.
A strange heaviness settled in his chest.
He reached for a passing waiter's tray, grabbed a glass of wine, and swallowed it in one cool gulp, the burn doing nothing to clear his mind.
Everyone turned back to Martin as his speech reached its final lines.
Martin lifted his glass.
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and my amazing team… Cheers."
Applause rose through the hall when he finished.
Cheers.
Whistles.
Laughter.
Martin left the stage.
Felix leaned toward him. "Excuse me, Max. I'll just say hello to Mr. Rodriguez," he slipped away.
Behind Maxwell, a group of young women whispered.
"Mr. Rodriguez is too handsome for his age."
"Who cares about his age? He's damn attractive."
"And unmarried… I wish he could be my sugar daddy."
Maxwell chuckled under his breath.
Teenage girls, already chasing sugar daddies. The world was wild.
He sat, leaning his head back.
And his thoughts drifted.
Back to Annabella.
To the rage in her eyes. The way her nails sliced into her palms.
"How can you manage, Ana…" he whispered.
He picked up another glass of red wine and took a slow sip, watching Felix laugh brightly across the hall as he spoke with Martin.
"Laugh, Felix," Maxwell muttered. "While you still can."
He emptied the glass.
…
Annabella stormed into the garage.
"Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you!" she hissed, fury shaking through her shoulders.
"Ms. Annabella!" the guards exclaimed.
They scrambled to their feet, dropping their card game, forming a straight line with their heads bowed — silent, nervous, but their eyes betraying curiosity.
They were judging. Whispering inside their minds. Staring at her dress.
"KEYS!" she shouted.
Luis, her personal driver, swallowed.
"Wh.. which car, Ma'am?"
Annabella's gaze swept the rows.
SUVs.
Ferraris.
Mercedes.
Bugattis.
Lamborghinis.
Her finger stopped.
"That one." The orange Lamborghini glowed under the lights.
She dropped her hand and walked toward it with long, angry strides. Luis rushed to grab the keys.
"Should we follow?" one guard whispered.
"No need," she snapped.
"But Ms. Annabella, your father said.." the head guard stammered.
She stopped.
Slowly turned.
Her eyes were cold. Deadly.
"Are you telling me you won't follow my orders?"
The guard stiffened. "I dare not."
"Then forget what my dad said. I am my own boss."
She turned again and walked ahead.
Luis opened the door quickly.
She slipped inside. He shut it gently, then hurried to the driver's seat and climbed in.
"Where are we going, Ma'am?"
"To Amelia's."
"Yes, Ma'am."
The engine roared to life.
The car surged forward.
"Increase the volume, Luis," she murmured, sinking against the seat, exhaustion slipping over her anger.
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied, turning it up.
Alex Warren's *Ordinary* filled the car, loud and aching — every lyric slicing deeper as Annabella closed her eyes and let the world blur.
☆
☆
☆
[Amelia's Villa]
•
"Asleep?" Amelia asked as she stepped into Evelyn's room.
Evelyn didn't even glance up.
"No. Just watching this Korean movie," she murmured, eyes glued to her iPad as she lay sprawled across the bed.
"It's hot." she added.
Amelia snorted, fingers loosening the hairband at the back of her neck. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders. "I don't know what you find interesting in those romantic lies."
Evelyn smiled faintly, her gaze never leaving the screen.
"If we can't get that kind of love in reality… at least we can live it in imagination."
Amelia climbed onto the bed, leaning over to peek at the screen.
"Why not watch it on the laptop? This thing will ruin your eyes."
"No," Evelyn said stubbornly. "I like it better on a tiny screen."
Amelia rolled onto her side.
"Weirdo."
The phone on the dresser suddenly rang.
"Can you pass me my phone?" Evelyn asked lazily.
Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Why? Don't you have legs?"
"I do," Evelyn replied flatly, rolling her eyes as she tossed the iPad aside.
She stood and walked to the dresser.
The moment she saw the caller ID, her entire face changed.
Her shoulders stiffened.
Her lips pressed into a thin line.
Without saying a word, she picked up the phone and walked out.
Amelia turned her head just in time to see her leaving the room.
"So we have secrets now?" she yelled after her.
Evelyn didn't respond.
She walked straight into the living room and answered the call.
…
"Mum," Evelyn breathed.
"Evie…" Her mother's voice came through soft… fragile.
Evelyn's chest tightened instantly. "Mum… are you crying?"
Silence.
Then a sniff.
"Did that rascal hit you again?" Evelyn asked, anger rushing into her voice like wildfire.
"He is your father, Evie. Don't call him names," her mother scolded weakly.
"I don't have such an idiot for a father!" Evelyn snapped.
"Evie!" her mother shouted.
"All he knows how to do is drink, gamble, and beat his wife," Evelyn said, tears burning her eyes. "He was never a father to me."
Her hands trembled as she clenched the phone tighter.
"Why don't you just divorce him, Mum? You deserve a better life."
Her vision blurred.
"No, Evie," her mother sobbed.
"Your dad is a good person. He wasn't like this when we got married. I believe he will change."
"And when will that be?" Evelyn yelled. "After he beats you to death?"
"Evie, listen…"
Evelyn cut the call.
The phone slipped from her fingers and landed on the sofa.
Her knees gave way.
She crouched on the floor, wrapping her arms around herself, burying her face between her knees as quiet sobs tore out of her chest.
The phone rang again.
She didn't pick it up.
…
Annabella's car rolled smoothly into the villa.
Amelia's guard straightened immediately and saluted.
He recognized the car.
Recognized the driver.
He didn't stop them.
Annabella and Evelyn had access to the villa just like Amelia herself — per Amelia's direct instructions.
Luis drove into the garage and parked.
The engine went silent.
"Who gave you the job of being my driver?" Annabella asked suddenly.
Luis blinked, startled by the question. Still, he answered respectfully. "It was Mr. Rodriguez, Ma'am."
Annabella examined her nails lazily.
"What if I say I don't want you around anymore?" she asked. "Would you still have your job?"
Luis stiffened. "N..no, Ma'am. Have I offended you?"
"Not yet."
She lifted her gaze, staring at him through the rearview mirror.
"But you will… if you dare inform my dad about my location."
Her voice was ice.
"I won't, Ma'am," he said quickly.
She dropped a few dollar bills onto the front seat. "Go have fun somewhere. I'll call you when I'm done."
She stepped out of the car.
The smirk on her lips deepened as she glanced at his frightened expression.
Poor people would do anything to protect their jobs.
Annabella walked up to the door and keyed in the passcode.
Amelia's birthday.
…
She entered the living room like she owned the place.
Her eyes immediately landed on Evelyn — crouched on the floor, knees hugged to her chest.
"Girl… are you crying?" Annabella asked softly.
Evelyn's head snapped up.
"Bella!" she exclaimed, scrambling to her feet.
Her eyes were red. Swollen.
"Why are your eyes red?" Annabella asked, concern slipping into her voice. "What happened?"
"N..nothing," Evelyn lied, wiping her cheeks quickly. "Something got into my eyes."
Annabella stared at her.
Unblinking.
Even a blind person could tell she'd been crying.
"Bella… your dress…" Evelyn murmured, finally noticing her from head to toe.
Annabella scoffed. "I almost forgot I'm still wearing this rag."
She walked toward the stairs.
Evelyn hurried after her.
"You didn't answer me," Evelyn said quietly.
"Let me get rid of this first," Annabella replied, pushing open Evelyn's room.
"Who just called…" Amelia turned toward the door and froze.
Annabella was already there.
Annabella ignored her and went straight to Evelyn's wardrobe, scanning through clothes.
"What on earth happened to you, Bella?" Amelia chuckled. "You look like trash."
Annabella turned slowly. "Must you insult me inside your question?"
"Well," Annabella shrugged, "this is my effort to make it to your birthday."
She didn't tell them about the incident with the arrogant guy. She doesn't want to be thier laughing stock for the year.
She just rolled her eyes and turned back to the wardrobe.
Then paused.
She turned again.
"Wait." Her eyes narrowed.
"Why are you two here? I thought the party was starting."
Amelia and Evelyn exchanged looks.
Evelyn gave Amelia a sharp *I-told-you* stare.
Amelia searched desperately for an excuse.
"You're not answering me," Annabella said, folding her arms.
"Y-yeah," Amelia said calmly. "It was starting… but not anymore."
Annabella frowned. "I don't get it."
"The hall was mistakenly occupied," Amelia lied smoothly.
"So… I postponed the party to nighttime. Sorry, I forgot to inform you."
She smiled faintly.
Evelyn stared at her in disbelief.
"After all this struggle," Annabella sighed, dropping onto the edge of the bed.
"Why didn't you just book another hall?" she scoffed. "It's not the only one in town."
"We're talking about Mandarin Oriental Ritz," Amelia said proudly. "The best in Madrid. I can't hold my party in some cheap place."
"Yeah," Annabella said, falling back on the bed.
"Anyway… all's well that ends well. Now I have enough time to prepare."
She smiled.
Amelia rolled her eyes annoyed.
"I didn't come with my cards or phone," Annabella said, turning toward her. "Can I use your phone to order something to wear?"
"Sure." Amelia handed it over.
Annabella logged into the shopping site and scrolled.
Evelyn climbed onto the bed beside them and resumed her movie.
"How much do you have in your bank account?" Annabella asked casually.
"Not much," Amelia replied.
"But enough to buy you anything you want. I'm not that fucking poor."
"Oh." Annabella nodded.
Minutes passed.
"Here," Annabella said, handing the phone back.
"I'm done." she added calmly.
She stood. "I'm going to shower."
"What?!" Amelia screamed.
"£10,000 for a gown?!" she yelled.
Annabella paused at the bathroom door.
"I thought you said you weren't fucking poor," she replied calmly.
"That's too much for one dress!" Amelia protested.
"So you *are* poor," Annabella chuckled.
"I'm not!" Amelia snapped.
"It's just that my own money is hard earned. Not like some people who reap what they never sowed."
Annabella looked down.
Then laughed softly.
"You're right," she said slowly.
She lifted her head, eyes shining with arrogance.
"I don't need to work to get whatever I want. And even if I spend for thousands of generations… it will still remain."
She smirked.
"Why? Because I am Annabella *Rodriguez*."
The bathroom door slammed shut.
"Arrrgh!" Amelia screamed, throwing a pillow across the room.
She turned to Evelyn, who had her headphones plugged in.
"Let's see how arrogant you'll be," Amelia muttered through clenched teeth, "when we snatch everything from you."
☆
☆
☆
[Rodriguez Mansion]
•
"Felix! What took you so long to arrive?" Lorenzo asked, striding toward his son with impatience written all over his face. "I've been waiting for you."
Felix straightened his jacket. "I had something urgent to handle first."
Lorenzo waved it off and leaned closer, his lips curving into a grin. "I actually wanted to introduce you to Martin's daughter."
Felix's eyes lit up. "You mean Annabella? I've been waiting to meet her too."
"You know her already?" Lorenzo asked, surprised.
"Not personally," Felix replied smoothly. "Just through the media."
Lorenzo chuckled and leaned in conspiratorially. "Then guess what?"
Felix raised an eyebrow.
"She's hotter in real life," Lorenzo whispered.
They both burst into laughter.
"So where is she?" Felix asked, scanning the hall.
Annabella was nowhere in sight.
Frowning slightly, Lorenzo walked toward Martin, with Felix trailing behind him.
"I can't seem to find Annabella anywhere," Lorenzo said. "Felix would like to say hello."
"Oh," Martin replied calmly.
"Annabella had a sudden headache. She's resting in her room."
"That's unfortunate," Felix said softly.
A pause.
"Maybe I should check on her," he added.
"Sure," Martin said without hesitation. "Her room is on the third floor."
"Thank you," Felix nodded.
He turned toward the elevator. The doors slid shut the moment he stepped in, and he pressed the button for the third floor.
…
"Oh shit!"
Maxwell jolted upright.
He had been watching everything from his seat — every word, every movement.
His heart dropped.
Without thinking, he rushed toward the stairs, hoping to catch Felix before he discovered the truth — that Annabella was nowhere near her room.
His boots clicked sharply against the steps as he half-ran upward.
"Felix!" Maxwell called out catching his breath.
Felix turned just as his hand reached for the door handle.
"Max?" he asked, surprised.
"Are you… going into Ana's room?" Maxwell asked, forcing his voice to sound casual.
"Yes," Felix replied easily.
"I rang the doorbell, but she didn't answer. Her headache must be serious, so I thought I'd go in."
"Maybe you shouldn't," Maxwell said quickly.
Felix frowned. "Why not?"
"Well…" Maxwell hesitated, then shrugged lightly. "I know how Ana is. She hates being disturbed when she's asleep."
He squinted slightly. "You wouldn't want to land on her bad side, would you?"
A brief silence.
"Of course not!" Felix exclaimed. "Thanks for telling me, Max. I would've messed things up."
"No problem," Maxwell said, smiling.
"I really want to get to know Annabella better," Felix added thoughtfully. "Next time we're free, you should tell me more about her likes and dislikes."
"Sure," Maxwell replied — though his smile was forced.
"Let's head back to the party," Maxwell said, patting Felix's shoulder lightly. "There are entertainers downstairs. You can charm anyone you want later."
Felix laughed. "You really know me too well."
Felix walked ahead.
Maxwell followed, his jaw tightening.
*Annabella will never be with someone like you Felix.* The thought burned.
Wait!
Is he … jealous?
☆
☆
☆
[8:45 p.m. — Mandarin Oriental Ritz]
•
"Pick up the phone, Felix," Amelia muttered anxiously, pacing back and forth. "You mustn't come here. Annabella will be here too."
She had been calling him repeatedly, trying to cancel their meeting.
No answer.
A black Bugatti rolled smoothly into the driveway and parked neatly by the entrance.
Amelia froze.
She recognized the car instantly.
Her breath hitched as she lowered her phone.
Just then, an orange Lamborghini pulled in and parked only inches away from the Bugatti.
Amelia's heart skipped violently.
"No… no… no!" she whispered in panic. "Annabella must not see you here. It'll ruin everything."
She hurried toward Annabella's car.
The door opened.
Annabella stepped out — one foot first, then the rest of her body following with effortless grace.
She wore a golden gown, short in the front and flowing long behind, paired with black heels and a matching bag. The night breeze lifted her long black hair before it settled down her back, brushing against her hips.
The other door opened.
Evelyn stepped out beside her, dressed in a black men's suit, dark shades resting on her short blonde hair.
"Girls, you're finally here," Amelia said quickly, positioning herself in front of Annabella — deliberately blocking her view of the Bugatti.
"Yeah," Annabella replied calmly. "You should've joined our ride."
"Let's get inside," Amelia said, forcing a smile. "The event is about to begin."
Annabella glanced briefly at the black Bugatti.
Something about it stirred her curiosity.
Who on earth here is riding a car that almost beat hers?
She turned to walk inside with Evelyn and Amelia.
Then she paused.
Something pulled her back.
She turned again — just in time to see Felix stepping out of the Bugatti, dressed in a black tuxedo, the tinted door closing behind him.
Her body stiffened.
Memories from earlier crashed into her mind.
Anger surged like a storm.
"YOU!"
Her voice echoed.
Amelia's heart slammed painfully in her chest.
Annabella stormed toward him, her heels striking the ground sharply.
Before Felix could even process what was happening …
*SLAP.*
Her palm met his cheek with a sharp sound that cut through the night.
"Ooooo!" Evelyn gasped.
Amelia closed her mouth with her palm. Her eyes wide opened.
Annabella stared coldly into his eyes that are now burning with both shock and fury.
The party… had just begun.