Your Regrets Won't Bring Me Back - Chapter 50: Chapter 50

Annabelle's eyes flashed with sudden excitement. She exclaimed, "That must be Victor!"
Racing to the door in high spirits, she called out, "Victor!"
The name was barely out before her smile turned stiff.
Standing on the threshold was none other than Sir Whitmore.
Annabelle faltered. "Sir Whitmore—"
Sir Whitmore peered past her into the suite, his face darkening. "Why are you here? Where is Ellie?"
A flicker of panic crossed Annabelle's eyes. "My sister and I swapped rooms."
His sharp gaze pinned her. "Did she trade with you, or did you force her to?"
Seasoned by decades in business, his voice carried effortless authority, the sheer force of it making Annabelle shiver.
"S-sir... we didn't force her. Ellie agreed on her own..." she stammered.
Sir Whitmore barked, "Insolent! You still dare lie to my face? Do you think I don't know exactly what sort of person you are?"
Annabelle went deathly pale, sweat beading along her temples.
The old man's roar drew Lawrence Bennett and the others from their rooms; hearing the commotion, they rushed into the corridor.
Adaline hurried forward with a placating smile. "Sir Whitmore, what's the matter? Did our Annie do something that made you misunderstand?"
"Misunderstand?" he growled. "You indulged her in seizing Ellie's room, and you want to shrug it off as a simple misunderstanding?"
Elena stepped out of her room at the sound of his wrath. "Sir Whitmore, what happened?"
The moment he turned toward Elena, his expression softened.
"Ellie, perfect timing. Come here," Sir Whitmore beckoned.
Annabelle watched the stark difference in his attitude toward the two sisters and ground her teeth in fury.
Elena walked to Sir Whitmore's side.
"Ellie, I arranged this room especially for you. Why is Annabelle staying here? Did they wrest it from you?" he asked.
Elena lifted her eyes to Annabelle.
So this was why Sir Whitmore was angry; Annie must be hating her to death right now.
Adaline, fearing her daughter might admit to forcing the swap, rushed in, "Sir Whitmore, we were thrilled you prepared such a fine room for Elena. The girls simply adore each other and were being polite—that's all."
"I'm asking Ellie," Sir Whitmore said coldly.
Adaline pressed her lips together, shooting Elena a pointed glance.
Elena understood: she was being warned not to tell the truth.
Lowering her lashes, she looked up at Sir Whitmore, looking torn. "Sir Whitmore, I'd never wish to slight your kindness, it's just that—"
She threw Annie a single look, an unspoken catalogue of grievances.
Sir Whitmore instantly understood and turned a stormy gaze on the Bennetts. "Do you still have anything to say for yourselves?"
Adaline frowned, displeasure flickering across her face; she clearly hadn't expected Elena to defy her.
He swung back to Annabelle. "Well? Return the room to Ellie at once!"
Annabelle bit her lip so hard the resentment showed on her face.
Still, she made no move.
If she gave up the room now, it meant she had lost—and they would keep squeezing her forever!
"Sir Whitmore, Ellie, you've misunderstood me. I suggested the swap for Ellie's sake. Everyone knows she and Victor have broken off their engagement; it's improper for her to stay next door to him."