Gwendolyn scoffed at Annie while reading her intentions.
Yet, the latter showed no response, as though she was utterly clueless. “What are you talking about, Ms. Harris? Secretly plotting against you? Is that what you're planning to do to me?”
“I didn't say that, but let me make it clear—I'm someone who holds grudges and doesn't like being taken advantage of. If anyone tries to mess with me, I'll return the favor tenfold. I'm sure many other people in the corporate world are as petty as I am. So, Ms. Annie, if you ever get knocked out and kidnapped while walking outside on the streets, you must've crossed someone in the first place.”
Annie appeared frightened as her eyes reddened in a flash.
“Don't scare me like that, Ms. Harris. I've never had any experience doing such things. Besides, I haven't crossed anyone. The only person I can think of is...”
She trailed off while falling deep into thought before quickly fixating her gaze back on Gwendolyn.
“If you're here all of a sudden just to talk about getting robbed of your project, you can leave—because as long as you're the director of Antea Group, I'm going to snatch every project it gets its hands on.”
Annie's eyes grew even redder as tears swirled within them. “Why are you doing this to me, Ms. Harris? What did I ever do to get on your bad side?”
Gwendolyn leaned back into her office chair casually. “If you want peace between us, answer my questions.”
Annie nodded earnestly. “Okay, please do. I'll tell you everything I know.”
A look of scorn flashed in Gwendolyn's eyes as she began, “Are you really Annie Steinfeld?”
Annie appeared puzzled. “Of course. I'm Annie in the flesh.”
“Well, Ms. Annie, do you still remember where you met Paul?”
Annie's brows furrowed. “This is a matter between lovers. Do you really have to ask that, Ms. Harris?”
“I'm just asking where you met. It's not like I'm intruding on your privacy. Are you not willing to answer me?”
“I think it was at a forest in Salinsburgh, Chanaea,” Annie replied truthfully, following the other woman's gaze.
“Oh?” Gwendolyn raised an eyebrow in surprise. “What were you doing there?”
“My school's club organized a field trip down to the countryside back then. Those who wanted to score more credits could join and work at a farm. I wanted to get a scholarship, so I signed up. I got lost in the mountains, but Paul, who was traveling in Chanaea, happened to be there too, so I asked him for directions. There, he fell in love with me at first sight and kept hitting on me the entire trip. I thought he was pretty interesting, so I gave him my contact.”
Gwendolyn lowered her head to conceal the coldness in her eyes. “I see. That's interesting.”
Annie looked down and smiled, seemingly reminiscing about the good old days.
“That sounds like an unforgettable memory to you. Well, Ms. Annie, do you remember which forest you visited? And which farm did you work at?” Gwendolyn continued, seeing that the other woman had her guard down.
Annie froze and pondered for a moment before questioning, “Why are you asking for so many details? You sound like you're really interested in how Paul and I met. I think you should at least tell me why before I decide whether or not to tell you everything, don't you think, Ms. Harris?”
“It's because my younger sister went missing while working at a farm. It was as if she had vanished into thin air, and she was nowhere to be found. That's why I'm curious as to where you worked and whether you've met her.”
“Your sister? Do you have her photo?”
“Of course I do.”
An ill-fated fairy.
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