Alabella quickly turned her head to avoid him, staring with wide eyes, looking at him warily. “What are you trying to do?”“What do you think?” Reginald pinched her little chin lightly, speaking nonchalantly.Alabella put her fingers under his chin to stop him from getting close to her mouth, and said very seriously: “You said you were going to get a divorce.”“Just now at the hospital, you also said you didn’t want it anymore.”His dark eyes looked at her intently. “I’m taking this matter very seriously.”Alabella lowered her lashes. “I don’t want to do this with you now.”Reginald raised an eyebrow slightly. “Who was the one seducing me just now?”“I wasn't. I, I...” Alabella suddenly didn't know how to express herself correctly.In her panic, her face turned red again.It wasn’t just her face, her neck and wrists were also covered in a light red glow, like little wild roses blooming in the snow.A beautiful and charming combination, innocent yet alluring, irresistibly tempting.Reg
She was extremely angry, feeling like her chest was a prickly cactus, stinging painfully.She listened angrily for a while, angrily hung up the phone, and threw it onto the sofa. “Mom, I want to kill Alabella,” she said angrily to Olivia.Olivia stared at Chloe’s arm still in a plaster cast, then rubbed her own nose, equally angry. “I also want to kill her.”“Any news from that person?”“I found out she was sold to a poor valley. A dreadful place, evil people, ferocious customs. No signal, not even electricity...”As Olivia described the miserable fate of this person, a sinister light flashed in Chloe's eyes. “I also want to sell Alabella there. Can you contact that human trafficker again?”Olivia was suddenly emotionally agitated. “No, we absolutely cannot act rashly!”Chloe gritted her teeth. “But seeing her intimate with Reginald really irritates me!”"That Arabella, she injures her hand, and two days later, you end up with a compound fracture. The man who ruined your hand blatantl
Chloe stared at the nondescript bag hanging on Arabella's shoulder with a hint of contempt in her eyes. "Chloe, you come from some small village, you may not understand luxury. To shop here, you must be prepared to spend at least £10,0000 before they'll let you buy anything. Do you have that kind of money?""Of course," Arabella answered coldly.She herself did not care much about luxury items. On her way out she had grabbed the first bag she saw, barely remembering what brand it was, only that it was convenient for carrying things."Oh?" Chloe asked with a frigid laugh. "It seems Miss Arabella has no hesitation spending Mr. Reginald's money. You are too generous."Arabella smiled. "He's my husband. I can spend however I want without needing permission from outsiders like you."Chloe scoffed. "Reginald and I grew up together for over ten years. We have a history you know nothing about. He even bought me my first Hermes bag! Compared to me, you're the outsider."Arabella did not bother
The experienced female clerk clearly sensed something amiss, giving Chloe a strange look.Once outside, Mrs. Thompson suddenly asked, "Ex-girlfriends can be quite vexing creatures, can't they?"Arabella gave a faint smile. "Indeed very annoying.""Don't worry too much about whether Reginald can forget her or not. What's most important now is that he loves you."Arabella remained silent. Unfortunately, the one Reginald loved was not her, but Chloe.If he did not divorce her still, it was because of his grandmother's firm opposition.He was good to her probably because of everything she had done for him during his lowest and most desperate times. He was a very respectable man.Mrs. Thompson glanced at her watch and suggested, "It's still early, shall we go for coffee together?""Certainly."Arabella got into Mrs. Thompson's car as they headed to a cafe she frequented.After sitting down and ordering coffee, Mrs. Thompson lightly placed her chin in her left hand, scrutinizing Arabella. "
Mrs. Thompson took her hand and said, "Miss Arabella is the granddaughter of the renowned art restorer Mr. Sislowes, from a distinguished literary family."The group of women, unfamiliar with the antique world, displayed a subtle change in expression. "Ah, I see, that's good," they replied with a hint of disdain in their tone.The other guests wore smiles that carried an air of ignorance.Arabella, perceptive as she was, noticed this, though she didn't outwardly reveal her discomfort.Mrs. Thompson ushered her into the room and whispered softly in her ear, "Darling, pay them no mind. Many of them here are rather crude, emitting the scent of brass and are completely ignorant."Arabella felt a warmth in her heart, flashing a charming smile at Mrs. Thompson. "Thank you, Mother. I'm fine."Mrs. Thompson patted her shoulder. "That's good. Dear, sit here for now. Help yourself to any tea and pastries you like. If you need anything, ring for a servant. Reginald will be with you shortly. I mu
Chloe did not seem to feel uncomfortable either. She jogged over to Reginald and looked at Arabella with an admiring gaze. “My goodness, Miss Arabella looks so beautiful tonight!”She pulled at her own dress, “What a coincidence, we're both wearing the same gown tonight!”Just like Reginald's lukewarm reaction, Arabella just nodded slightly at Chloe, then dropped her gaze on Tiramisu.She couldn't even be bothered to respond to Chloe.Chloe turned to Reginald, pouting disappointedly. “Arabella doesn't seem to like me very much.”Reginald lifted his chin, looking towards some empty seats across from them. “You can go eat over there.”Chloe looked at him for a moment, hesitated, then dejectedly said, "...Oh, alright."As she sat down, her gaze lingered longingly on Reginald.After exchanging some pleasantries, Northridge strode towards Reginald and Arabella, with Chloe following closely behind.Seeing him approach, Arabella smiled and stood up. “Father!”Northridge glanced at her perfun
That stinging feeling was too painful.Arabella clutched at her skirt, turning to Chloe lightly. "You must be very proud to so enthusiastically play the role of a mistress, Chloe. I truly hope your father lives to 200, continuing to shelter you."Chloe's breathing quickened in anger. "I still have my brother!"Thinking of Chloe's upright brother, Arabella smiled coldly. "Somehow I doubt he would support you in this. Best stock up on some life-extending supplements for your father. Every extra year would help."Chloe stormed out, slamming the door.Arabella's smile slowly disappeared. What good was winning a verbal skirmish? She had truly lost to Chloe.The reality was brutal—no amount of effort could outweigh having a powerful father.By the time Reginald and Mr. Northridge came downstairs, Arabella had regained her composure. She sang happy birthday and blew out the candles with them, as if everything was normal.After the cake, Reginald told her, "I'll have the driver take you home
Normally, Arabella would feel warmth in his embrace, heart racing, body flushing.But now she was emotionally turbulent, falling silent for a few seconds before saying softly: “It’s late, time to wash up and sleep.”“Very well.”Reginald released her and they went upstairs to the bathroom.Arabella helped him undo his watch and shirt buttons, loosen his belt, asking if he needed assistance washing.“Unnecessary, I can handle basic things myself,” Reginald retorted.“Alright.” Arabella turned on the shower for him, adjusting the water temperature.Stepping out to let Reginald shower, her gaze lingered inadvertently and a faint blush tinged her cheeks.Arabella squeezed toothpaste for him at the sink. She did not return to the bedroom but as usual, waited quietly by the door.When the water stopped, Arabella came back in with a towel, gently patting Reginald’s skin dry while covering his lower body herself. She dried areas left-handed he could not easily reach.Seeing that robust, mascu
"Speak up! Who sent you?" Robert demanded sternly, his hand tightly gripping William's throat.William glared back at him, his face stained with blood, eyebrows furrowed in pain.Through gritted teeth, he insisted, "No one... no one sent me, I swear. If there was someone, I would have... I would have said by now."Seeing that relentless questioning yielded no results, Robert instructed the officer, "Check his call records and contacts, find out who he has been meeting recently.""Yes, of course," the police officer quickly agreed. "We will initiate an investigation immediately."Then he hesitated, wondering why he was following this guy's orders.Even if he was a special forces operative, that was abroad.He had no jurisdiction here. But he dared not voice his objections aloud.The police immediately recognized that this group of people was far from ordinary. They were individuals of significant influence in the big city—beyond the scope that regular police could handle.Robert glance
Arabella quickly grabbed a jacket to cover herself and then jumped off the bed to turn on the lights. The bright light illuminated everyone in the room, exposing them.Still panting, Arabella looked at the rude, rough man who had just attacked her. His weathered, dark skin, robust build, and ugly features suggested he was a local. The man with the gun pointing at her head had dark skin, a crew cut, handsome facial features, and a cold expression. He wore a sleek black leather jacket on his tall and straight figure.It was Robert.Arabella hastily put on her jacket, smoothed back her disheveled hair to regain composure. Feeling dignified, she asked, "Robert, what are you doing here?""I'm meeting a client in the area," he replied.Arabella was puzzled. "You came here to meet a client?""Yes, I'm here to collect some antiques," Robert said gently to her, then he moved the gun to the man's temple and sternly asked, "What's your name?"The man's raised hands trembled slightly, his rough l
Emily sighed as she looked at the mural, "Our Arabella's mind is sharper than a camera. She remembers every detail of something she has seen once, and can even perfectly recreate it. We should have brought her here."Upon hearing her words, Professor Graham's eyes flashed with admiration. "Heroes abound, your generation is truly talented!"Emily said, "Of course, Arabella is a once-in-a-century genius."Arabella lightly tapped her, indicating she should lower her voice.Emily quickly closed her mouth.Arabella modestly told Professor Graham, "Oh no, we still have a lot to learn from experienced professors like you."Professor Graham laughed heartily, "I heard you are the granddaughter of Percy Sisalvos?""Yes," Arabella replied."I have admired his work for a long time. In fact, I collaborated with him on several projects in the past. It's a pity the old professor passed away."Thinking of her late grandparents, Arabella felt a wave of sadness.She paused for a moment and then continu
After their marriage, they maintained a respectful distance. Following the storm of divorce, it seemed that their relationship had greatly improved. Their intimate and affectionate gestures resembled those of newlyweds. After a moment of contemplation, Arabella spoke, "I'll be working there, and it will take at least ten days to two weeks to complete. You're usually busy with work, so don't waste time on this."Reginald briefly considered and replied, "Then I'll assign a few more bodyguards to protect you. Four should be enough, right?"Arabella was taken aback by this suggestion – it seemed too extravagant. Going to restore some paintings while being followed by four well-dressed bodyguards. Just imagining that scene gave her a headache."One is enough; I'm going for archaeology, not warfare. Others aren't bringing bodyguards, and if I have them, it'll be too ostentatious and not aesthetically pleasing.""At least two, taking turns to protect you," Reginald's tone allowed no dissent.
An ordinary worker dared to betray her!Chloe was furious, feeling like her lungs were about to explode. She angrily shouted at the driver, "Go after that worker! Damn it, I've been humiliated! Now Reginald will hate me even more!"The driver quickly responded, "Yes, miss."He started the car engine to locate the construction worker.The worker walked silently along the road. It was an affluent neighborhood with no buses, let alone taxis.His legs grew tired, and he couldn't find a taxi. Just as he looked around in confusion, someone suddenly threw a piece of clothing over his head. Soon, he was dragged behind the bushes by the roadside,thrown to the ground, and subjected to punches and kicks.As the assault began, the wailing siren of an alarm sounded in his ears. The driver felt guilty, abandoned the worker, and attempted to flee. Unfortunately, before he could get in the car, he was detained by police who jumped down from a patrol car.The driver was arrested for assaulting someon
Chloe could hardly believe what she was seeing.No mistake! The worker in front of her was the one who had spilled the bucket from the scaffolding that day. Her father had secretly bribed him so that she could capture Reginald's heart using the tricks of a distressed maiden.But now, this worker suddenly appeared on the estate.It's over! Only one thought remained in Chloe's mind — her conspiracy had been exposed!Although the weather was pleasant, she felt like she had been thrown into an ice cellar, shivering from the inside out.She really wanted to rush over and strangle the worker.This way, she could kill him and keep him silent.She regretted her previous overconfidence and carelessness. She should have been more vigilant and prepared. She had missed such a good opportunity.Reginald gave Chloe a cold look. "Miss Chloe, don't you have anything to say?"She sat there dumbfounded, unable to utter a single word.Northridge looked at her with confusion, then turned to Reginald. "Wh
Northridge looked at him with suspicion, "Why did you suddenly bring the workers home?"Reginald remained expressionless, spooning the food from the plate into Arabella's bowl, and slowly replied, "You'll find out soon enough.""Trying to keep secrets from me?" Northridge said with some annoyance.Chloe cleared her throat gently and said to Northridge, "Uncle Northridge, he might have something to attend to."Reginald's lips curled slightly. Looking at the steamed abalone Chloe had just placed in front of him, he picked up the entire plate and handed it to the servant behind him, saying, "Get me a new one.""Of course, sir."The servant took it and quickly replaced it with a new one, placing it in front of Reginald.Chloe stared at the plate in front of Reginald, feeling indignant. This was too disrespectful to her.Doing this in front of so many people made her lose face.Seeing her unhappy expression, Northridge's eyes turned cold. She picked up a piece of grilled steak with her for
He received a call from Olivia, "Your dad said you came to the hospital, but we haven't seen you yet. Chloe just woke up and has been calling your name non-stop. She hit her head, seems a bit confused, forgetting who some people are, but she hasn't forgotten you."If he had heard this ten minutes earlier, Reginald would have felt guilty.But now, he knew it was all a lie.They had manipulated him, orchestrating the entire performance to deceive him.For this, they went through so much trouble.Reginald said expressionlessly, "There's an emergency I need to attend to. You all take care of Chloe; I know she's in good hands.""But...""I'm busy." Reginald hung up the phone.A few minutes later, Northridge called, sounding accusatory, "Reginald, what happened? Chloe got hurt because of you. In the situation where our family is working together, you should be by her side. Unless there's something else, it's your duty."Reginald's face immediately turned cold.He didn't know if Northridge w
Arabella breathed a sigh of relief.Arabella had genuinely worried that Chloe might become mentally disabled or vegetative due to the impact.Given the temper of this family, they would undoubtedly endlessly blame Reginald.Reginald checked his watch. "It's getting late; you should go home. I might come back very late tonight."Arabella hesitated. "Don't forget to have dinner.""I know, you too," Reginald replied.As Arabella left, she encountered Reginald's assistant at the corner, reminding him to "make sure he eats dinner.""Of course, ma'am," the assistant respectfully said.Back home, Arabella freshened up and went to bed. She waited and waited for Reginald, but he didn't return. Exhausted, she finally fell asleep.In the middle of the night, Arabella woke up, opening her eyes to see an empty bedside. Her heart sank.Glancing at the clock on the wall, she realized it was past two in the morning, and Reginald still hadn't come home.She grabbed her phone to call him, but it was tu