Ten minutes later, Reginald returned.He sat down next to Arabella and reached out to stroke her head, saying gently, "Chloe has an illness that makes it hard for her to handle stress. Don't take it to heart."He wanted her to endure it.Arabella pressed her lips together slightly but did not speak.She was actually quite stoic by nature and had already endured Chloe's behavior several times. And now, even the slightest retaliation caused Reginald to see her as petty.The word "endure," when split open, was like a dagger stabbed into one's heart. Only those who endured knew what that felt like.During those two years when Reginald had been in poor health, irritable, and throwing things around, she endured it all - initially out of gratitude, and later because she had fallen in love with him.But what was Chloe to her that she had to endure anything from her?The more Arabella thought about it, the angrier she got, her lips pressed tightly together, her face as dark as murky water.Sen
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