After rushing outside, Annie instinctively let out a sigh of relief. The tightness in her chest from earlier made her acutely aware of how fast her heart was racing now.She could vaguely guess that Finn might be teasing her, but she didn't dare to be entirely sure. After all, Finn's usual demeanor was cold and aloof-not the type to enjoy playful banter like that....Later that night, Annie lay lazily on the sofa, watching TV. She stretched her legs languidly while nibbling on the fruit Keelin had prepared for her. Though it was already late, sleep evaded her. The show she was watching grew increasingly engaging, and every now and then, a soft, amused giggle escaped her lips.Just as she stretched with a yawn and prepared to stand, the faint sound of footsteps reached her ears from the staircase above. She looked up to see Finn descending slowly.Almost unconsciously, she stepped closer to help him. Finn, for his part, accepted her support with ease, leaning slightly against her with
When work ended, Denis followed Annie to a nearby coffee shop and chose a table by the window. He felt a spark of joy at having some time alone with her, but he didn't expect her first words to strike him like a thunderbolt, freezing his expression in place."Denis, I'm already married. My husband and I love each other deeply and live together in perfect harmony," she began, her voice calm but unwavering."I'm not the right person for you to pursue right now."Denis's smile faltered, and an awkward stiffness took its place. He stared at Annie, utterly baffled by what he had just heard."What are you talking about? Married? When did you get married?"His eyes widened, his voice tinged with confusion and disbelief. From the moment he had met Annie, she had always seemed unattached, hadn't she?"You don't need to make such an excuse just to brush me off. If you don't like me, say it outright, Annie," he said, his tone tinged with both frustration and resignation."I won't cling to you or
Annie tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at the person who had just raised their voice. It was one of the individuals who had earlier stood beside the girl in the white dress, accusing her. They were all in it together.A group of malicious people intent on framing her.Annie yanked her hand free from the girl’s grasp, noticing that her wrist had reddened from being held too tightly. She looked at the girl, her voice still soft and composed.“What do you mean? What exactly did I steal?”“Do you have any proof?”Unprepared for Annie’s calm rebuttal, the girl momentarily froze. But within seconds, she puffed out her chest, raising her chin defiantly as she countered.“My word is proof enough. Now, get upstairs this instant!”“Apologize to my friend for your disgusting behavior earlier!”The woman persisted in accusing Annie, her voice growing louder and more commanding, drawing an increasing number of onlookers. Annie knew full well that this girl was deliberately trying to frame her,
In the video, everything was captured clearly.Very clearly.After Annie left, the corners of Lisa's lips curled into a mocking smile, quickly shifting into contempt. She scoffed softly, leaned over, and whispered something to Selena, causing the two to laugh.Seizing the moment when no one was paying attention, Selena helped Lisa remove the elegant diamond necklace from her neck and discreetly hid it in a secluded corner of the hotel.Selena winked at Lisa, signaling that everything was in order, and then walked away.The video ended there, as the rest was already known to everyone. Selena accused Annie of being a thief and humiliated her with the most vicious words imaginable.After hearing Annie's account of the situation and reviewing the footage from the camera, Finn let out a cold laugh."So this is what you call a thief, in your own words, Selena? Such a masterful twist of the narrative.""And Lisa," Finn's gaze shifted, his voice sharp and unyielding. "You truly are clever, ar
And of course, not an angel investor. Mike doesn't have that much money and kindness. Hearing Finn's invitation, Mike was genuinely intrigued. After all, Lisa's father's company operated in an industry that had always piqued his interest-jewelry. "How do you plan to do it?" Finn blinked thoughtfully, considering for a moment before outlining his plan to Mike. As Finn spoke, Mike seemed increasingly captivated, nodding along with visible enthusiasm. By the end of the explanation, he glanced at Finn with a meaningful smirk. "I have to admit, for someone who built their company from scratch, you've got a decent head for this." Finn didn't respond, merely giving Mike a calm, indifferent look. "Enough with the nonsense. When are you ready to start?" Mike arched a brow, his smirk widening. "Anytime." Finn chuckled, saying he wanted to get started immediately. Mike nodded, signaling his agreement. ... A few days later. Annie was in the garden, watering her flowers when
Annie endured in silence as she took a seat across from Sofia."How have things been lately? Has Finn grown tired of that rustic face of yours yet?""Has he thrown you out of the house already?"Sofia's tone was laced with arrogance as she eyed Annie with disdain and curiosity."Never. Everything is fine.""Finn still hasn't realized that I'm just a stand-in for you."Sofia burst into laughter as if she had just heard the most ridiculous joke."Then Finn really is a fool, isn't he? A noble lady like me is being replaced by a pathetic, ignorant girl like you for this long, and he hasn't even noticed a thing."Annie had no interest in entertaining Sofia's insults. She met her gaze head-on, her voice calm and indifferent."Why did you call me here today?"Sofia wasn't the least bit offended by the interruption. Instead, she smirked."Give me some money. Lately, my mom hasn't been as generous with my allowance, and it's hardly enough to take my darling boys on yacht parties like before."
At that moment, the phone rang. Finn impatiently picked up."What is it? Make it quick."His voice was a mix of irritation and impatience, startling even Mike. What had he done to provoke Finn?"Hey, who ruffled your feathers today? Or is it trouble in paradise with your fiancée, and I'm just the unlucky punching bag?"Mike shrugged innocently. Finn clenched his fist, his patience wearing thin."I'll give you three seconds to say what you need, or I'm hanging up."Mike quickly pleaded for him to wait, then hastened to explain."To celebrate the successful acquisition of Lisa's father's company, I want to invite a few close friends to the bar for drinks. So, how about it? The man who suggested this golden opportunity to me and my business partner-are you interested?"Ordinarily, Finn did not incline these gatherings and would refuse outright. But his mood was foul today, and perhaps a few drinks would do him some good.So, he agreed."What time? Where?"Mike was taken aback by Finn's a
However, Finn's upbringing did not allow him to display anger or any reaction at this moment. He remained silent, merely observing his fiancée from a distance. And for a fleeting second, it seemed that Annie had also noticed him.Compared to Finn, Annie was far more flustered. A guilty unease flickered in her eyes as she avoided looking in his direction-despite knowing that Finn was blind and could not see her.Her anxiety made her movements unsteady. As she placed the bottle of wine on the table, her hands trembled so violently that she nearly dropped it.Just then, a friend sitting beside Mike suddenly spoke up."Oh, that's right! Didn't they say Finn's fiancée just moved in with him? When will you bring her over to meet us?"The man was hearty and straightforward, his words accompanied by a friendly smile as he turned to Finn.Finn, ever composed, continued playing the role of a blind man-his expression unchanged, his eyes remaining unblinking, exuding an air of serene indifference
After hearing Sofia say she could handle it, Annie visibly relaxed. With a lighter heart, she stepped outside again, continuing to watch over Amber and quietly tending to her until the scenes were finally wrapped up.It had been a long day of filming, and by the time Amber completed her final shot, night had already fallen. Accepting Annie's warm cup of water, she took a small sip before speaking in a low voice."Is everything alright? You still seem so calm and at ease-does that mean there's nothing serious to worry about?"Annie nodded, briefly filling her in on the situation."Sofia said she'll take the interview tomorrow to handle it. It should all be resolved soon."Amber's brow furrowed slightly."But what exactly is she planning to say in the interview? Didn't she tell you?""And based on what you've told me about Sofia in the past, she doesn't exactly strike me as the kind-hearted type. Are you sure she won't take this chance to throw you under the bus in front of the media?"
A few days later,While Annie was on set watching Amber film a scene, a staff member suddenly approached her, holding out a phone."Annie, there's a scandal just breaking-something about a billionaire's fiancée caught cheating. Super famous. Have you seen it yet?"Normally, Annie paid no mind to gossip or celebrity news, so she shook her head.Unexpectedly, the staff member grew even more eager."This one-you have to see it, Annie. The girl in the photos looks exactly like you. I seriously thought it was you-you-the fiancée of that billionaire!"The staff lowered their voice, eyes wide with intrigue."Do you have a long-lost twin or something? It could really be that girl."Their excitement only deepened Annie's confusion. She took the phone hesitantly, her fingers cold with a strange unease, and glanced down at the screen.The headline was striking, splashed in bold across the top of the page:"Is the Brilliant CEO of Company X Engaged to a Faithless Woman?"Even Annie furrowed her b
Annie stood motionless, like a statue, as Amber dragged her out of the house when her makeup was done."Auntie, I'm taking Annie out to have some fun. I'll bring her back this evening-or maybe later tonight," Amber called cheerfully, waving at Isolde with a bright grin.Isolde offered them a gentle smile in return, even wishing them a good time.As for Annie, she had already given up on resisting. Amber, practically bouncing with excitement, tugged her outside and ushered her into the front passenger seat of her friend's car."Come on, get to know each other! This is Annie-the talented artist manager I told you about," Amber said excitedly from the back seat, leaning forward to make the introduction."She's even prettier in person than in the pictures, right?"Her friend offered Annie a warm smile, his gaze lingering with a trace of fascination."Hi, Annie. I'm Lay, Amber's friend. I'm two years older than you and currently the CEO of a furniture company in Country A."Out of courtesy
At first, Sofia kept up the pretense of confusion."What do you mean? What did I sabotage, exactly?"She shrugged, her expression all innocence."I really was being followed by some man. That wasn't something I asked for.""As if I'd put myself in danger just to mess with you two? I'm not crazy."Sofia tried to convince Finn, but from the beginning to the end, he said nothing. If she didn't want to admit it, there was no way he could force her.Still, from now on, he wouldn't believe a single word from her mouth."Fine. If you want to keep lying, be my guest. I have no interest in listening to your nonsense any longer."Without another word, Finn turned and walked away. Annie was no longer here-he had no reason left to keep talking to Sofia.Sofia watched his retreating figure, a faint smirk curling at the corners of her lips. So what if Finn doubted her?As long as she got what she wanted, nothing else mattered....As for Annie-After she left, just as mentioned before, she returned
Annie glanced at Finn before they both hurried inside. She hadn't even had the chance to press the doorbell when Sofia swung the door open, her face a mixture of panic and worry."Annie, Finn, you're here. I was really so worried," she exclaimed, voice trembling slightly.Annie stepped in, her eyes sweeping around the house. Noticing the absence of anyone else, she looked at Sofia with a hint of suspicion."Where are the police? Why are you here alone?"Sofia's pale face revealed a flicker of discomfort. Clearing her throat, she replied somewhat awkwardly,"They came and searched the area. When they didn't find anything suspicious or dangerous, they left."A spark of surprise flashed across Annie's eyes."That quickly...?"Before she could dwell on it further, Sofia swiftly changed the subject."Thank goodness you and Finn made it in time. I honestly don't know what I would've done otherwise. You have no idea-just a little while ago, I even heard someone trying to enter the wrong pass
"I'll ask one more time-who is he?"Finn frowned, repeating his question with a sharp edge, clearly irritated by Annie's stunned silence. But Annie, still frowning deeply, only stared at him in confusion.Thankfully, Nathan reacted swiftly. He pulled Finn's hand away from Annie and stepped in front of her protectively, his eyes fixed on Finn with wary intensity."And who the hell are you to ask?" Nathan shot back. "As far as I know, she doesn't have a boyfriend or a husband. So what gives you the right to control her?"The easygoing air Nathan had carried before was now gone, replaced by a cold, guarded demeanor. He didn't forget to gently pat Annie's hand in reassurance either-an action that only fueled Finn's growing anger.By now, Annie had regained some of her composure. She leaned slightly forward, giving Finn a displeased look."That's exactly what I was about to ask you." Her voice was cool, clipped."Who are you? What right do you have to interfere in my business?"She couldn'
Annie stared in shock, her voice rising with concern."Why are you suddenly kneeling? Did something happen?"Indeed, Sofia's unexpected gesture had startled her, and her tone had a hint of urgency.Sofia, however, merely curved her lips into a faint smile, one laced with sorrow."Annie, will you please grant my request? I beg you."Annie stepped forward, trying to help her up, but Sofia remained kneeling, unmoved. Her face was pale, and tears welled in her eyes-she looked pitiful, almost heartbreakingly so."Alright. But stand up first and explain everything. Don't just kneel like that without reason."Only then did Sofia slowly rise to her feet, though her voice still trembled with sobs as she spoke, word by word."Don't mention Finn again. I think... he's figured out there's something different between us. That's why, not long after you left, his attitude towards me suddenly turned cold and distant."What Sofia said left Annie stunned. She hadn't expected it - that Finn would be so
Sofia tilted her chin toward the bar, speaking with a calm air."Same as last time. I'll treat you to a few drinks."She fell silent for a moment as if recalling something unpleasant, before continuing,"But don't worry-nothing like that will happen again."Her voice had dropped to a barely audible murmur, and Hubert couldn't help but chuckle. He raised an eyebrow at her and let out a low "Oh?", finding her rather adorable at that moment.True to her word, their conversation was more serious this time. Hubert had overheard a few harsh words from the man earlier, enough to piece together some context, so Sofia no longer tried to hide anything."Right now, I'm fighting against my stepmother. It's been a long time since I last went home," she admitted. "But my stepmother and father aren't ready to let me go."Sofia took a sip of her drink, bitterness flickering across her face."The company's finances are in trouble, and they're too impatient to wait for a real solution. They wanted me
A few days passed.Sofia had been caught up dealing with the financial loopholes in her father's company, leaving her with no time to meet Annie. Meanwhile, Annie was equally consumed by her own work and assisting Amber with her new film shoot, barely sparing a thought for Sofia.As for seeking Finn's help with the financial issues-Sofia knew full well it wasn't an option. If she brought it up now, there was a real chance their relationship would reach an impasse. Annie had already returned home; Sofia no longer had many means to keep close contact with Finn.What's more, if Finn truly wished to bestow Annie with the title of fiancée, then surely, he would be all the more eager to see Sofia make a mistake. That way, he could pursue Annie openly and justifiably, making them a rightful couple in everyone's eyes.And that was the outcome Sofia feared the most.So, when it came to this matter, she was as good as lost-on the verge of losing her mind. At times like these, she often ended up