72.“I know it's going to be hard but—”“But what, Carson?” She interrupted. “Do you expect me to just nod my head, walk to his office and be like, “Hey, Roland, I'm not working for you anymore. I quit!” because you say so?“ She couldn't believe he would tell her such a thing.“I know why I'm saying this, Anna. Roland isn't someone you should be around.”“Let me be the judge of that.”“Anna, you're not understanding me. Alright, if you're worried about where to work after quitting, the grand opening of my company is this week. I'll employ you and make you my manager, I'll give you whatever you want, Anna. Just leave Roland.” He sighed, hoping she would get his point but Annabel wasn't seeing things from his perspective.Annabel shook her head. “I can't believe you're saying this to me, Carson. I wasn't expecting this. Because you two are at beef with each other doesn't mean you have to drag me into it.”“Roland is not a good person. He's a playboy and can hurt you. It's only a matter
73.Next Day…“Good morning, Annabel. Here's Mr. Roland's schedule for the week.” The secretary smiled as she handed over the files to Annabel.“Alright, thank you so much.” Annabel took them with a smile and walked into the office.She settled down and started going through them. One particular schedule caught her attention.She looked closely to be sure she was seeing right. “An invitation to be a guest in CS Haute Couture Company?” She blinked. “That's Carson's company. Why did Carson invite Roland when they're not on good terms?” She was still wondering when the door opened and Roland walked in.“Come on, Mr. Roland, it's just for a night.”Annabel turned to see Jessica pleading with Roland. With a smile, she stood up to welcome them but they were engrossed in their argument.“Jessica, I can't do that. It's not her job and besides, I don't think she'd agree to something like that.” Roland facepalmed.“That's why you're her boss. You can talk to her and she'd help us get it done. P
74.Carson paced forth and back in his study. He didn't even know which emotions to express at the moment. He was angry, frustrated and disappointed at the same time.Angry because Annabel stood up for Roland without batting an eyelid.Frustrated because Roland was still like a pest, who ate everything in sight and now he was about turning his own friend against him.And disappointed because Annabel turned down his offer.He thought it'd be easy to persuade her; he thought it was a piece of cake since they were obviously friends and had gone through so much together, but she turned him down and decided to continue working for Roland. Sometimes he felt like tearing Roland to shreds.He groaned and slammed his fists on his study table.“I still can't believe Annabel turned your offer down like that. I was hoping she'd think about how much you've helped her in the past and at least, make a decision. What's with Roland anyway?” Liam asked.Carson didn't even know what to say. All that kep
75.Next day…Annabel was all dressed and ready. Roland had called, asking her not to use her car and that he'd personally pick her up today.“You look beautiful. I'm sure Roland would trip.” Sasha chuckled.Annabel just smiled. “Thanks for your help, Sasha. This dress is beautiful,” She turned around, admiring the red gown she was putting on. It was a striking scarlet red, with a plunging neckline that revealed just the right amount of skin. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves while still leaving something to the imagination. The back of the dress was cut low, showing off her flawless skin and adding a touch of seduction to the ensemble. Her heels were equally as impressive, with a four-inch stiletto heel that made her legs look even more incredible. Sasha handed her purse over to her and she smiled. They heard a car horn, signifying that Roland was there.“See you at 10.” Annabel smiled at Sasha, who waved at her.When she stepped out, Roland had his ba
76.“How do you feel?” Annabel asked Roland as they drove back to her place.Roland sighed. “Why do you ask?”She licked her bottom lip and ruffled her hair. “Well, I saw what Carson did. I just want you to know that he is not that kind of person. Maybe, the building plan might have clashed with yours —”“Annabel,” Roland called and she turned to look at him. “Why did you choose to follow me instead of staying with your friend?” He asked the question that was bothering him instead, ignoring hers.“This isn't the time for you to ask me that question. I'm trying to apologize for what Carson did here and you look unbothered. How are you so calm?” She couldn't believe this guy. If she was the one, she would have reacted immediately and even sued him, but since it's Carson… she doesn't even know what to think.Roland smiled. “I can't lie that I'm not disappointed, Annabel but what can I do? Sue him for everything he's worth?” He chuckled. “No, I'm more than that. One thing I know for sure
77.A DAY LATER…Annabel walked into the company and was surprised to see the employees rushing to and fro, going Helter skelter. Someone almost bumped into her but she was quick enough to dodge.“Sorry!” The girl exclaimed without looking back and hurried out.“Sheesh, why is everybody in a rush today?” She muttered to herself and headed for the elevator.The elevator door dinged open and people rushed out of it. “There you are, Annabel. Come help me with these!” Jessica handed over stacked boxes to her before she even had the chance to say anything. “Follow me, dear.”Annabel sighed and followed her outside. She opened the booth of a black Range Rover car and gestured for her to put the boxes in, which she did.She handed over the keys to the driver. “I need them changed. The colours are not my models taste. When you get there, tell Ms. Beon, to give me a call, okay?” She ordered and gestured for Annabel to follow her in.“What's going on? Why is everyone in a hurry?” She asked as t
78.DINNER NIGHT…Annabel walked into the hall where the event was taking place and her mouth fell open. The place was decorated beautifully and a big table, long enough to accommodate everybody was placed at the middle of the hall, and was occupied with assorted drinks and variety of dishes.“Wow!” She exclaimed.This looked like nothing she had ever seen before. It was… beautiful, too beautiful and she couldn't wait to delve more into what the night held for her. She looked around, hoping to get a glimpse of Roland, but he was nowhere to be found. She had worn one of the gowns Carson bought for her and Sasha had helped her fixed her make up, hair and the rest of them, and yup — she needed a compliment because she was gorgeous tonight. And who else could compliment and make her heart flutter if not Roland?Meanwhile, Roland was in his office, literally freaking out over how he was going to confess his feelings to Annabel. He had never been this nervous in his life. He had his way with
79.Roland wasn't happy to see him but he couldn't care less. He had a mission to accomplish.“Anna.” He called.Annabel's face lit up with more smiles when she saw him. “Carson, you're here!” She hugged him.Carson pecked her forehead and Roland cleared his throat. He wrapped his hand around Annabel's waist much to the detriment of Roland.“I never knew a dinner party could be this eventful, Roland. Thanks for the invite.” Carson smiled.“I didn't invite you.” Roland frowned, his eyes on Carson's hand around Annabel's waist. His annoyance was that Annabel wasn't saying anything about it.“Yeah, that's why I'm thanking you. Anyways, I'd like us to talk alone.”Roland crossed his arms. “I don't think we have anything to talk about.”Carson chuckled and walked to where he stood. “You might be interested because it's about Annabel. I'll be at the lobby.” He whispered and started walking away.Just like he said, Roland was interested immediately. He took a paper and wrote to Annabel, tell