Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Annabelle's POV

Heaving a sigh, I went downstairs to the kitchen to see what Martha was doing.

Martha was busy chatting with Jenny, Stefan's housekeeper while mixing dough for pizza. She looked up when I entered the kitchen and smiled.

"Did you need anything Anna?" She asked.

"Do you mind if I bake some cupcakes, Martha? I'm bored." I asked, looking at both women.

"Do you need help?" Asked Jenny smiling at me.

"No, thanks, just tell me where everything is and I'll be fine," I said and they showed me where all the ingredients were stored.

I got started with my task after they left me at peace. Baking and cooking were something that de-stressed me. Maria, our old housekeeper, was very good at cooking and baking and taught me everything since I was very young.

As the cupcakes were done, I left them on the kitchen counter to cool while I started preparing the frosting and toppings.

"These smell delicious, honey, " I looked up to see Audrey eyeing my cupcakes and smiling. She came around the kitchen island and hugged me and I hugged her back.

"Thanks, when did you come? " I asked, smiling, I was so engrossed, I didn't see her coming.

"Just five minutes back. Here, let me help you with the frosting." She said as we worked on the frosting together.

"Anna, did you and Stefan have any misunderstanding, dear? I know I shouldn't be involved but I'm very worried." Audrey asked gently, looking into my eyes with concern.

I hesitated, should I tell her? "A little one, I guess, why? " I asked hesitantly. Why should Audrey be worried? Is anything wrong with Stefan?

"Stefan went through a lot, dear. A forced marriage with an evil woman and a horrible divorce and much more, but I had never seen him so upset before as he has been this whole week. He hasn't come home for a week dear. He's living in the office, buried in work. He's not eating well, not sleeping well. He's in a foul mood, and has thrown out six employees already." She sighed. My eyes went wide, I was very worried now. I should go meet him.

" I wouldn't have bothered you, dear, but I saw him with you. He was happy and calm when he was with you. Please could you talk to him, dear?" She asked with so much hope in her eyes that I nodded.

" Okay, mom, I will go to his office today and speak to him. Don't worry. " Audrey had asked me to call her mom, and I obliged. I called Nathaniel, dad, as he had asked me to.

"Thanks, dear, I appreciate it." She said and kissed my cheek and said," I'll meet Ophelia and come down in 10 minutes. You can get ready, I can drop you at Stefan's office dear if you want."

"That will be great, mom. I'll be ready." I said and rushed upstairs after putting some of the cupcakes in a box to take with me, and storing the rest away.

After 20 minutes we were on our way to meet Stefan at his office. I was too nervous to talk. Audrey understood and held my hand reassuring me that everything would be alright. She dropped me in front of his office building, giving me instructions to go to the 30th floor using the private elevator.

The magnificent building that stood tall before me went all the way to approximately 40 floors. The glass cladding facade gave it a sophisticated and modern look with the company logo engraved on the side.

Today being a Saturday, the office was closed and the reception was empty. So, Audrey instructed one of the security guards to escort me. She had to return home as she had invited some guests, so with a wave she left. The security guard guided me to the elevator. I assured him that I could manage from there so he left me and went back to his job.

The elevator reached the 30th floor, and taking a deep breath I got out. There was a reception area and 2 doors on one side. The other side led to the conference room I guessed from the signs. A young woman around 27-28 years of age, with jet black short hair and blue eyes, sat staring into her computer. The entire floor was tastefully decorated in pale blue, beige, and white color combinations. As I came out of the elevator, the woman stood up and looked at me.

"I'm Annabelle Carter. Which is Stefan's chamber?" I asked her.

"Do you have an appointment, Ms. Carter?" She asked.

"No, I don't need one, I'm his family," I said looking at the doors to see Stefan's name.

"Sorry ma'am, Mr. Henderson has clearly ordered not to let anyone in. He's busy." She said stubbornly.

I ignored her and walked towards the door on which was engraved CEO, Stefan Henderson in golden letters.

"Ma'am, please, you cannot go in. I will be fired," she said, rushing after me. I just turned the knob and opened the door and went in followed by the poor woman who was in a panic.

Stefan looked up at all the commotion in irritation from behind a huge wooden desk. The moment he saw me, he blinked in disbelief.

"I'm sorry sir, she just rushed in. I tried to stop her, I'm sorry, this will never happen again, sir. I " she was interrupted by Stefan.

"It's ok Grace. You may leave now, " Stefan said after composing himself.

" Sir?" She asked, confused.

"You can go home Grace," Stefan said gently.

"Are you firing me, sir? I'm sorry." She was near tears.

"No, I'm not firing you. You can go home and come back on Monday. Go enjoy your weekend." Stefan said with a smile.

Her jaw dropped to the floor. " t t thank you, s sir" she stammered and fled, in case he changed his mind.

I realized how intimidating Stefan must be towards his employees.