Anabel got back home and stepped out of her car. Her mind was still occupied with thoughts about her hospital visit. The conversation with Desmond had stirred something in her—an unease she had tried to push aside but couldn't fully ignore.
As she walked toward her father’s grand villa, she noticed two luxurious cars parked neatly in the driveway. She slowed her pace slightly, and her brows knitted together as she took in the unfamiliar, expensive cars.
She tried to recall if they were expecting visitors, but nothing came to mind. She tried to recognize the cars, but she couldn't. One was a gold Bugatti, and the other one was a gray Rolls Royce. The latest and the most expensive car in the country. Even though her father was known to have high-profile associates, these cars weren’t ones she recognized.
The insignias, the vip plate number. They belonged to people of significant wealth, people who rarely made unexpected visits.
Anabel straightened her posture and entered through the main doors. As soon as she stepped inside, she caught sight of three men seated in the lavish sitting room. Two handsome young men who were well-dressed and exuded quiet confidence. And a mature, distinguished-looking man who bore an unmistakable aura of authority that looked like their father. She could recognize them. The Johnsons.
The Johnsons were one of the wealthiest families in the state. Respected. Influential. The father of these men had been a longtime business partner of her own father, Sir Orton. Their reputation was impeccable, with a vast reach. But what puzzled Anabel was why they were here today. They have never visited their house. They only meet in offices and at events.
She walked up to them, offering a polite smile as she greeted them. “Good afternoon, Sir Johnson. Reuben. Edward. Welcome to our house. It's good to see all of you." She acknowledged each of them respectfully before turning toward her father, who sat near the fireplace with her mom, watching her with a smile.
“I’ll be heading to my room now, Father,” Anabel said, maintaining the same level of politeness she had offered their guests.
But before she could take a step further, her father called her back. “Don't go yet. You need to be in this brief meeting. Please have a seat."
Anabel hesitated for some moments before complying. She glanced at the empty seats and chose the seat beside her mother. She glanced at the Johnsons. In curiosity before speaking up. “Is there any problem?” she asked.
Sir Orton let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “No, Anabel. There is no problem. They came for good and not for trouble," he replied. “They actually came here because of you.” The dad added, and she stiffened slightly. “They came because of me?”
Her dad nodded. “Yes, they are here because of you. Reuben, the eldest son of Sir Johnson. I know you have seen him before. He just finished his master's and is back to take care of one of his father's companies. So he said he likes you. That he always loved you, even when he was still small. Now, he wants to marry you.”
Anabel turned her gaze to Reuben, taking in his quiet confidence. He met her gaze with a polite nod, coupled with a cute smile, but he didn't say anything. He was expecting him to introduce him by himself since he haven't talked with her before, but he kept quiet. He looked like a shy type. Maybe it was one of the reasons he has never approached her in the past.