Molly fell silent for a moment, appearing somewhat melancholic. "Mom knows, dear. I just wanted to gift you a wedding dress, regardless of whoever you may eventually marry. I'd still give you one."Arabella felt both touched and pained, as if a cat were scratching at her heart. She managed a forced smile. "Thank you, Aunt Molly, but I really don't need it."Her pace of loving someone was slow. Once she loved, it was difficult to step away.As for remarriage, that seemed distant.Molly grew a bit upset. "Don't call me aunt. Even if you divorce Reginald, I'm still your mother. If you can't be my daughter-in-law, then be my daughter. I designed these, spent several nights perfecting them. If you don't want them, it's disrespectful to me."Tears welled up in Arabella's eyes. Deeply moved, she was close to tears. Unable to refuse, she sat beside Molly and earnestly reviewed the designs.Preferring a simple and elegant style, she chose a sleek, white, floor-length gown. The fabric appeared
"Arabella heard a saccharine voice beside her ear, 'Hey, Arabella, are you here for the photoshoot too?'Arabella felt a tingling sensation on her scalp as she turned towards the voice.Three feet away stood Chloe, already impeccably made up, adorned in a yellow chiffon gown, smiling brightly at her.The makeup room was bustling with people, but Arabella wasn't particularly keen on engaging. She simply nodded lightly in response.However, Chloe had no intention of leaving. She sneered, 'Arabella must have grown up in some remote woodland. I bet this is your first photoshoot, isn't it?'Her voice was anything but lowered, and everyone in the makeup room heard it.All eyes turned to Arabella.Their stares were quite conspicuous—they were looking at her as if she were some country bumpkin.Arabella was thoroughly infuriated.Her grandparents had, in fact, worked in the city when they were young. Upon retirement, due to her grandfather's illness, the doctors recommended they move to a hea
Arabella felt as if she had been slapped hard in a public place. Her cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and anger.Taking some time to compose herself, she replied, "I didn't break my promise. Reginald just returned from overseas yesterday, and today is the weekend. The court is closed today."Northridge said coldly, "Next Monday, I will have my assistant check Reginald's schedule. I hope Miss Arabella won't break her promise."Arabella murmured her agreement in a low voice.Adding a meaningful tone, Northridge continued, "I have a high regard for Reginald, but if he displeases me, he can be sacrificed. I have another son, though his business acumen is slightly inferior, his character is ruthless and decisive. He won't be distracted by emotions and will listen to me. Our elite family is different from yours—we have a big business to run. Business is war; either you become a king, or you perish, with no room for father-son or brotherly sentiments. If Reginald can't be the king,
Reginald cradled Arabella in his arms and led her to where his car was parked. With one hand, he opened the passenger door and gently placed her inside.Arabella cried intensely, her face pale, tear streaks lining her distraught expression. Anyone who saw her would feel profound sympathy.Seated in the driver's seat, Reginald leaned over, fastening Arabella's seatbelt and embracing her. He whispered softly in her ear, "Be strong; I'll take you to the hospital right away."Arabella, consumed by grief over her grandmother, couldn't comprehend his words. Her mind was filled with longing for her departed grandmother.Reginald swiftly drove towards the hospital.Upon their arrival, he parked the car and hurried to open Arabella's door. As she stepped out, her legs almost gave way—she could barely stand, let alone walk.Deciding to lift Arabella, Reginald briskly carried her towards the hospital ward.Upon reaching the room, Arabella's mother, Margaret, was already present, covering her fac
The funeral car began to move slowly.Arabella clutched the door handle, crying bitterly, walking out of the village.As they reached the main road, and the hearse accelerated, Arabella had to let go. Her outstretched hand slipped from the cold metal door.It felt like the sky was collapsing on her.Arabella was overwhelmed with grief, not knowing what to say—she just desperately reached out to grab the slowly disappearing vehicle. She held back her tears, running frantically, helplessly chasing after the hearse carrying her grandmother.Reginald, concerned that Arabella might get hurt, rushed over to stop her.She was in utter despair, her legs giving way, collapsing on the ground.Reginald gathered her into his arms, holding her tightly, as if she were a child.Arabella was too weak to stand; she reached out with her hands, as if by sheer willpower, she could pull back the departing funeral car. But it had irrevocably vanished into the distance.Her eyes blurred with tears until it
"Arabella struggled in agony, desperately clutching Robert amid the flames. 'Robert, Robert!' she screamed, tears streaking down her cheeks.Her cries startled Reynald. Seeing her closed eyes and anguished expression, he furrowed his brow slightly, then reached for tissues on the bedside table. Gently, Reynald wiped away the tears from Arabella's face.He silently observed her for a moment, then enveloped her in his arms. Reynald softly caressed her back, consoling her in a low voice as he had done before.Yet his heart felt like it was wedged with jagged stone, throbbing in pain. Reynald found himself instinctively comforting Arabella even as she suffered torment in her nightmares.Reynald's dark lashes cast shadows beneath his eyes, adding a somber hue to his handsome countenance, mirroring the storm brewing within.In recent days, Reynald had forsaken everything, steadfastly staying by Arabella's side throughout her recovery. He believed he was doing right by her.However, at this
Arabella looked at Reginald in confusion as he suddenly kissed her lips.Even though it was already nighttime, people were still strolling nearby, occasionally passing by them.Grandmother had just been laid to rest. Engaging in romantic moments during the mourning period was inappropriate.Arabella tried to push him away, but Reginald tightly grasped her wrist with one hand, preventing her from moving. Unable to break free due to his strength, she closed her eyes and allowed him to continue kissing.His kiss was forceful, even a bit assertive, devoid of the usual tenderness. It was as if he were trying to prove a point to someone.Arabella recalled his words spoken into the phone earlier. He must have been talking to Northridge.She thought Reginald was just trying to stand up against Northridge.Not until he had kissed her almost breathless did Reginald finally release her, gently wiping away the moisture from her lips. "We're not getting a divorce," he stated decisively.It wasn't
"Reginald's voice is so charming, deep, sexy, clear, as pleasant as a cello, brushing past Arabella's ears and slipping into her mind.Arabella's heart raced uncontrollably.It felt like a little deer was vigorously bumping into her chest.She stood there, motionless.Words of love from her beloved truly set off a dopamine rush all on their own.Arabella lifted her eyes, tilted her face up, and gazed at his charming and handsome features, saying, 'Thank you for soothing me, thank you.'Reginald laughed, pinching her cheek with a teasing look. 'I've noticed you're quite straightforward, my little straightforward girl.'Arabella's expression paused slightly, embarrassedly smiling, 'I might lack some finesse, George mentioned it before.'Reginald's lips curved upwards, jokingly asking, 'Oh? How did George evaluate you then?'Arabella rolled her eyes, helplessly saying, 'He said I'm too honest, a bit dull, and suggested I should learn to be more open and proactive, sprinkle in some cute c
"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