Chapter 161: Annabelle Joseph

[Chapter 161: Annabelle Joseph]

In February, London was unusually cold.

Early in the morning, the entire city sprang into high gear. Buses, subways, and ferries were bustling, especially the warm breaths of heavily bundled crowds, filling the city with vibrant life.

For Charlie, who was used to the eternal spring-like weather of Los Angeles, this scene felt even more alive and authentic.

So while riding in the hotel's Mercedes towards the southern district near the Thames River, heading to Swinton Law Firm, Charlie sat upright in his crisp suit, arms crossed, gazing out the window, contemplating: Once this busy phase is over, I'll take a few days off for a vacation.

As the car moved on, they arrived at a bustling commercial district surrounded by skyscrapers.

The car smoothly pulled up under security guidance at the fountain plaza in front of the Bert Building main entrance.

The hotel driver quickly got out and opened the door for Charlie. "Sir, we have arrived at your destination."

"Thank you!" Charlie stretched his long legs and stood in front of the massive glass doors.

Uncle Lamont also got out from the other side, standing quietly nearby.

Security directed the hotel car to go to the underground parking.

Charlie stood still for a few seconds, adjusted his red tie, then stepped into the building.

Generally, such a bright-colored tie didn't suit his personality or his appearance and age.

But Bobby on the phone hyped how impressive the people he was about to meet were.

Today, Charlie was curious and had dressed up specially to meet these so-called high-society.

---

"Charlie Corleone, Swinton Law Firm!"

At the building's reception, during visitor registration, Charlie suddenly felt that his earlier daydreaming was a bit childish.

He must have been influenced by that crazy Rachel!

The building staff confirmed his details and politely directed him to the correct elevator.

After waiting a few seconds, Charlie and Uncle Lamont entered the elevator with three or five others.

Then, a light voice said, "Sorry, just a moment!"

Suddenly, Charlie felt someone bump his shoulder quite hard.

"Damn!"

At first, Charlie thought someone was about to attack him.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry," the person quickly apologized while squeezing in.

It was a young woman with long, wavy dark brown hair, dressed in a sky-blue women's business skirt suit.

She was tall and curvy. Her dark brown eyes were round and lively; her revised eyebrows were thick; her slightly chubby face still framed a slender chin; her lips neither too thin nor thick bore a bright sunny smile.

She smiled apologetically at Charlie, an infectious smile.

What surprised Charlie the most was her height; even in white high heels, she was nearly eye-level with him.

"No problem!" Charlie shrugged, nearly losing half his irritation; pretty women always had a calming effect.

Man, that woman sure had some strength.

Silence returned in the elevator. Everyone quietly picked their floor and waited as the elevator moved.

Because the elevator got crowded, the woman couldn't turn around and had to face Charlie.

Compared to shy young woman, Charlie felt no embarrassment; standing with arms crossed and legs straight, his formidable stature occupied a large space.

After about ten seconds, the elevator stopped on the 8th floor; Charlie and Uncle Lamont stepped out.

Before they came out, the woman had quietly turned and trotted out as if she was escaping.

---

After greeting the Swinton Law Firm's reception, Annabelle hurriedly pushed open the glass doors and entered the company.

She sighed and resumed her elegant posture as she headed toward her office.

Today was really unlucky -- her car broke down, she was late, and she ran into an annoying perv.

That hypocritical man had no manners and shamelessly ogled her from less than a foot away.

Annabelle knew she had a great figure, maybe even exaggeratedly so.

But being appreciated like today was a first.

Raised in privileged surroundings, she had never encountered a bastard like Charlie; most people with status were hypocrites, appearing very gentlemanly on the surface.

Shaking her head to push the annoying guy out of her mind, Annabelle opened her computer and grabbed a file, getting busy.

Shortly after, the boss's primary assistant Julia knocked and came in. "Good morning, Annabelle."

"Good morning."

Julia smiled warmly and sat on the chair beside Annabelle, "I came for the Rio Tinto case files."

"Oh, sure," Annabelle said, prepared, and handed over a blue folder from the neatly stacked files on her desk. "How about it? The dispute with Total sounds serious, and Guinea seems to be leaning toward Total."

"I don't know. We're only supporting the huge Rio Tinto team, but I don't think there'll be problems. The boss is having an impromptu meeting, so I'm just taking a break here with you," Julia answered, distractedly looking around and whispering mysteriously, "Annabelle, I heard Princess Diana returned yesterday to attend a royal party."

Annabelle smiled and shrugged, "You asked the wrong person. My grandfather is in poor health, and my father wasn't invited. You'd better check the Sun."

Julia sighed softly and shook her head, "I really feel sorry for Diana. She was so good but unfortunate to meet Charles. Even after divorcing, that family still kept interfering. I heard she's now dating a surgeon. I hope she finds a new beginning."

Annabelle couldn't help but roll her eyes silently, thinking to herself that Diana was actually dating an Egyptian billionaire.

"The boss has been focused on the Rio Tinto and Total case lately. Who could have made him suddenly change his schedule for a meeting?" Annabelle changed the topic casually.

"A very young, handsome, tall American," Julia said excitedly. Suddenly the phone on the desk rang.

Answering quickly, Julia grabbed the files and left in haste. "The boss called me; see you, Annabelle."

After the chattering woman left, Annabelle sighed in relief, stood up, and went to brew a cup of coffee, preparing to rest a bit before continuing work.

But a few minutes later, Julia returned with a familiar face. "Annabelle, your luck's here: the boss has allowed you to independently handle a project ahead of schedule."

*****

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