There was no need for him to play along with her, he had long decided to cut ties with the Smith family, he could not allow her take advantage of the situation to start another rumors.
Annabel was a bit embarrassed but she managed to keep her calm and walk away. If one did not know, they would assume that two lovers were having an argument.
Which couples did not fight, if she also let Eric leave and return to her position it would be fine. Given how Eric did not show her any respect she knew that things could only get ugly if she continue following him. So why not leave people with their imagination and guess.
It would not affect her the slightest, on the other hand Emily would have a bad reputation. There was already rumors about her following different kind of men anyway.
