hapter 19 Breaking Off Her Engagement
Annabel was done listening to Victor’s nagging. With a sharp click, she hung up the phone.
Across from her, Mason was scooping up dessert, chewing on his spoon as he spoke around it, voice muffled. “Annabel, how do you want to get back at that shameless couple this time?”
Seeing Annabel silent, he shrugged and answered himself, “Should I upload those photos you took?”
“Too basic. And pointless,” a cold smile flashed in Annabel’s eyes. “I’ve got a better idea.”
The eldest heiress of the White family, engaged yet supposedly keeping a boy toy on the side–she was on the verge of becoming the biggest joke in high society.
Furious, Victor skipped work at the White Group, staying home to wait for Annabel so he could give her a proper scolding.
But when Walter laid eyes on the so–called “boy toy,” he was first stunned, then oddly delighted.
It took him a long moment to snap out of it–and immediately, he made a phone call.
Annabel hadn’t planned on going back to the White residence. But when she heard that the Shaw family had shown up, curiosity got the better of her. Drama was always worth watching.
As soon as she walked through the door, a chaotic clamor greeted her ears.
She hadn’t even stepped fully into the living room before a shrill, mocking voice rang out. “Well, if it isn’t Miss Annabel White–the one who clearly knows how to ‘enjoy life‘ and just can’t stand being alone. What, decided to honor us with your presence at last?”
A middle–aged woman, decked out in flashy jewels and luxury brands, stood up, eyes filled with disdain and contempt as she stared Annabel down.
This was Karen Shaw–Charles’s mother.
Annabel curled her lips into a cold smile. In her past life, this woman had never stopped finding ways to belittle her. Trying to win her favor, Annabel had once even considered giving away her pendant.
Seeing Annabel simply standing there, smiling silently, Karen’s temper flared. Her voice rose, spitting venom. “A promiscuous tramp like you–ugh, even if you threw yourself at our Shaw family for free, we’d still be disgusted!”
“Exactly! With a lifestyle that messy, who knows how many men she’s stringing along outside of the one we know?” That came from Charles’s sister, Sierra, who jumped in
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Chapter 19 Breaking Off Her Engagement
with a sneer.
Insults like these, in her own home, and Annabel was still unmarried. The words were vile enough to make a stranger feel sorry for her.
But her own father? Victor just sat on the sofa, flanked on either side by Beatrice and Lillian, watching coldly, even wearing expressions of faint disgust.
Annabel had long since stopped expecting warmth from them, but this scene still made her already frozen heart turn to solid ice..
Lillian caught her looking and felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. She put on a soft, innocent act. “Beatrice, don’t be so harsh on Annabel. Maybe she really does love that
man…
Charles’s eyes, already blazing with fury, darkened even further as he glared at Annabel.
The room fell silent. Annabel raised an eyebrow. “That’s it?”
Victor snapped, unable to take her attitude. “You ungrateful brat! Apologize to me, Mrs. Shaw and Charles right now!”
Annabel let out a low, scornful laugh. “She just called me trash, and you want me to smile and apologize? Dad, do you even know what people are saying about the White family out there? Shamelessly clinging to the Shaw family’s coattails?”
“Shut your mouth!” Victor shot to his feet, but the sudden movement made him dizzy. He swayed, nearly losing his balance.
Lillian rushed to support him with teary eyes. “Annabel, you’re the one without shame! It’s your fault the White family is a laughingstock!”
Beatrice joined in with her usual crocodile tears, clinging to Victor and sobbing pitifully.
Karen rolled her eyes and spoke up. “Alright, enough. You can deal with your family mess later. We’re here for a reason.”
Sierra couldn’t wait to chime in. “Annabel, even if we put you on the street, no one would want you. You’re not good enough for Charles!”
Annabel snorted. “If anyone’s private life is messy, they know it in their own heart.”
Sierra bristled like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on. She lunged. “What did you say?”
“Sierra, enough!” Karen cut in with a cough. “We’re here to end the engagement between Charles and Annabel.”
Lillian’s heart leapt at those words, and she blushed shyly. “It’s fine to call off the engagement with Annabel. But maybe the White and Shaw families can still keep our alliance…‘
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Chapter 19 Breaking Off Her Engagement
Beatrice, catching the implication, quickly cut in. “Lillian, go upstairs.”
“But Mom-” Lillian begged.
Beatrice’s tone left no room for argument. When Lillian didn’t budge, she grabbed her hand, trying to stop her from saying more.
She didn’t think much of the Shaw family–her goal was to get Lillian to Orion Steele and use that to break into the elite circle in the capital, Arlington.
Annabel was about to respond when Walter descended the stairs.
“If there’s to be a breakup,” Walter said sternly, “it’ll be on our terms.”
Ignoring the others in the room, he looked kindly at Annabel. “Annabel, what do you say?”
Annabel smiled faintly. Her grandfather’s words echoed her own thoughts.
But before she could reply, another guest arrived–someone even more unexpected.
Edward Shaw stormed in, fury in his voice. “What kind of nonsense are you all up to?”
“We’re here to break off the engagement,” Karen replied, her voice trembling despite the pride in her eyes.
“Grandpa,” Sierra said quickly, “Annabel isn’t fit to marry into our family.”
face darkened. His gaze moved from Annabel to Walter. “Walter, and Annabel,” he said. “Don’t worry. The Shaw family will not break off this engagement.”
“Grandpa!” Charles exclaimed. “Annabel and I are completely incompatible! After everything she’s done, how could I still marry her? What will people think of me?”
“You idiot, shut up!” Edward snapped. He turned to Annabel, his eyes gleaming. Annabel, if this fool really wants to back out, then you can choose someone else in the Shaws. Whoever you marry will become the next heir.”
The room fell silent. Everyone looked at the old man, wondering if they’d heard him right.
Everyone except Annabel, whose expression remained cool, and Walter, who looked like he was suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.
‘That crafty old fox… Still as sharp as ever, thought Walter. ‘But no matter what happens, the key person is still Annabel.‘
“So, Annabel?” Walter turned to her, waiting for her reply.
Worried she’d been hurt by all this, Edward hurried to speak. “I’ve always believed in you. That stuff online? Nonsense. I watched you grow up. I know you’d never do something like that.”
Still, Annabel said nothing. Her eyes were dark, unreadable.
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Chapter 19 Breaking Off Her Engagement
The living room was steeped in an eerie tension. Everyone was waiting for her decision.
Charles was sweating now. What. if she really accepted the breakup–and his grandfather actually followed through?
“I won’t break off the engagement!” he blurted, clenching his teeth.
Annabel looked at him, her gaze light but filled with mockery.
Charles’s face flushed hot. Still, he forced himself to say, “I misunderstood you before. Annabel, I was jealous. I acted out because I care about you.”
Finally, Annabel spoke. “Your mother and sister just called me a tramp and accused me of sleeping around…”
Charles lowered his head. “I apologize on their behalf.”
Annabel’s expression turned cold. Seeing that, Edward immediately slapped Charles across the face. “Who told you to speak for them? Karen, Sierra–get over here and apologize properly!”
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