As the car sped away, Dave the man occupying the back seat, cleared his throat,"Annabelle, there's something important we need to talk about.
He paused letting his words sink in before continuing, " once we are back at Riverdale, we'll host a little press conference to announce that you are officially the adopted daughter of the Wallis family ".
This was rather shocking to her , something that hadn't been mentioned before, Annabelle's gaze was deep and impenetrable, creating an aura of mystery and detachment that made it difficult for anyone to get close to her.
She seemed completely different from the compliant girl she had been moments ago.
Dave felt a twinge of discomfort under her sharp gaze,of course Annabelle hadn't been under his guardianship all this time hence the perpetual distance between them.
Forcing down his unease ,he explained carefully,"Our Family has always been dependant on the Lannisters family with their support we have been nothing but coefficient and sustainable . The two family had proposed an arranged marriage between the son of the Lannister family and the daughter of Wallis family ,it wouldn't have been a problem if they haven't met Emily but now they have to protect our and reputation of the family , we've to make this arrangement with you."
His biggest fear was that if the Lannister family found out that his own daughter was raised in the countryside because of a mistake their alliance would crumble.
" Sure , Annabelle replied nonchalantly.
She pulled out her phone from her bag, opened a game and started playing , acting like the conversation was not her concern.
Dave felt a wave of relief when he saw she didn't raise any objections.he figured that being raised in the countryside meant she was docile and easily manipulated.
If it wasn't for Alexandria constant nagging and fear of wanting to see her child in person,he wouldn't have bothered to bring her back.
He regretted his decision of bringing her back to the family ,given her rude behavior and obsession over trivial things like the game she was playing,he couldn't help but think she would embarass the Wallis family in public someday.
The car pulled up at the airport, and they boarded the plane. Two hours later they arrived in Riverdale.
Apart from eating, Annabelle spent most of the time on the plane refreshing the game , determined to break the record,and she did her final attempt took three seconds to memorize.
Out of nowhere ,a slew of WhatsApp messages popped up.
Cricket: hey raven are you serious about not accepting any orders?.
Cricket: someone's offering Four times your usual rate for a gig.are you really not considering it?.
Annabelle clicked her tongue in annoyance and shot back with a word; Nope
Cricket: refusing an eight digit gig , what's your problem?.
Raven: taking a break
Cricket: how long then? I need to give a response.
Raven: depending on my mood
Dave watched Annabelle glued to her phone , thinking of her as this internet addicted girl.
Compared to Emily ,who engrossed in study on the plane ,they were on different wavelengths.
Dave thought, keeping Annabelle identity under wraps to spare the Wallis family from future embarrassment was the right move to make.
....
At the countryside,Old Mr Wales was busy sun-drying tomatoes in the yard when two men dressed in combat suit approached him from beyond the fence.
The leader with his chiseled features and imposing physique, seemed like a work of art carefully sculpted by the hands of a divine artisan.however,a bloodstain on his right chest hinted at a recent injury that had already been treated . following closely behind was a man with a youthful appearance.
Excuse me,sir" the leader Brandon addressed Old Mr Wales, retrieving a bloodstained piece of cloth from his pocket.
The cloth instantly triggered a sense of caution in Old Mr The embroidery on the cloth was his late wife's handiwork.
Recalling Annabelle's appearance when she returned that morning and then glancing at the bloodstained piece of cloth on Brandon's hand ,he inquired...who are you?
Brandon noticed the Change in old Mr Wales demeanor and promptly explained gently . We're part of special forces in the army, currently on a mission .this girl helped capture the criminals and even saved my life.we need her to come with us for a special report on the mission and also to express my gratitude in person.
"Unfortunately you're late ,old Mr Wales answered,she Left some hour's ago and won't be returning any time soon.
Brandon's brow furrowed slightly, "where did she go?.
After hesitating , old Mr Wales finally revealed ,she has gone to the Wallis family in Riverdale.
" Thank you very much , Brandon acknowledge and turned to take his leave.
Williams catching up with Brandon asked with a playful grin," Boss have you been away from the army for so long?or is your memory slipping ? Since when does the team require special report after completing a mission?".
"Just a minute ago," Brandon replied curtly.
Williams was left speechless by his retort.
Brandon handed the bloodstained piece of cloth to Williams and instructed ," clean it up,find the girl's address and bring it to me tomorrow unfailingly.