FULL NOVELXO Chapter 141-150
Chapter 141
After lunch, Arabella headed back to the office.
Just as she reached the 20th floor and the elevator doors opened, she heard Dean’s voice echoing from afar.
At that moment, Dean was blocking a group of seven or eight male employees outside the office, not letting them in.
One of the men, dressed in a white shirt, was pleading. “Dean, I really fancy Ms. Bennett…”
“Where do you get the nerve? Do you have a house and car in Summerfield?”
The man in the white shirt shook his head.
“How much do you have in savings?”
“Three hundred dollars…”
“You dare to fancy Ms. Bennett with only three hundred dollars?” Dean was getting angry.
“Dean, I genuinely fancy Ms. Bennett. I’ll work hard to make money…”
Another male employee hurriedly stepped forward, smiling as he spoke, “Dean, I have an apartment in the city center, a car worth 100,000 US dollars, and my monthly salary has already increased to 8,000. Could you please help me place this love letter on Ms. Bennett’s desk…?”
Looking at the somewhat balding man in front of him, Dean suppressed the urge to curse and communicated with him patiently.
“Look, you’re 32 years old… Can you stop causing trouble! Ms. Bennett is only 18, can you back off a bit?”
Another slightly effeminate man handed over a lunch box, “Dean, this is lunch I made for Ms. Bennett when I went home at noon. Could you help me to deliver it to Ms. Bennett’s office? If she eats it, she will definitely feel blessed!”
“So, you fancy Ms. Bennett too?”
The man nodded firmly, “Yes!”
“You’re not Ms. Bennett’s type. She doesn’t like househusband types.”
Dean scrutinized his appearance. His effeminate look would seem very odd next to Ms. Bennett.
“I can change for Ms. Bennett! If she likes muscular guys, I’ll work out! If she likes career–oriented men, I’ll work harder! No matter what Ms. Bennett likes, I’ll strive to.. become her type!”
Dean patted him sympathetically on the shoulder, “Mate, take my advice, you’re miles away from being Ms. Bennett’s type. Go home and rest.”
“Dean, what do you think of me? A young, handsome boy with a somewhat immature look stepped forward.
He seemed sunny, carefree. Dean, remembered he graduated from a prestigious university abroad. Young, highly educated, and from a well–off family, he even owned a villa.
But…
“Ms. Bennett isn’t interested in boys like you.”
“Why?” The boy looked puzzled.
“Dean, can you give us another chance? Help us deliver the gifts to Ms. Bennett…”
Dean glanced at his watch, “Ms. Bennett is very punctual, she should be arriving at the office soon. You best scram, or she’ll dig up your past laziness!”
Upon hearing this, everyone hastily left, not wanting Ms. Bennett to uncover their past slacking off.
They took the staff elevator, separate from the VIP elevator Arabella used, so they didn’t run into each other.
Arabella, in high heels, strolled leisurely towards her office. As she walked past Dean, she raised an eyebrow, “Seems like you’ve been quite busy?”
Chapter 142
“Ms. Bennett, you finally showed up…”
Dean had been talking so much his mouth was parched. He took a big gulp from his water cup before continuing, “They’re all so full of themselves, compared to Romeo, it’s Just ridiculous…”
At the mention of Romeo, Arabella gave him a warning look.
Dean didn’t dare to continue, he wiped the residual water from his lips and said, “What I meant was, they’re not good enough for you!”
Arabella entered the office, cheerfully saying, “Dean, I’m starting to think being an assistant might not be your thing.”
Dean was excited, “Ms. Bennett, are you about to give me a raise and a promotion? I mean, I did save you from a lot of headaches, but you don’t have to be this touched…. it’s all in a day’s work for me.”
“Consider becoming a matchmaker at a marriage agency,” Arabella suggested as she opened the file, “You have the potential to excel in this role and should not be overlooked.”
Several question marks popped up in Dean’s mind. He definitely didn’t want to be a matchmaker!
“Or a security guard.”
“Ms. Bennett, I’m only trying to help!” Dean whined, leaning in closer, “Do you know how much effort I put into keeping them at bay? My lips are dry from all the talking! It hasn’t been easy, you know…”
Before he could finish, there was a knock on the door. It was Oscar!
Dean’s eyes almost popped out of his head. Wasn’t Oscar taken to the police station for questioning this morning? How did he get out so fast? Faster than he expected…
Arabella looked up, her gaze meeting Oscar’s in a silent standoff.
Dean wished he could just disappear…
“The coffee at the police station is terrible.” Oscar sat down across from Arabella with a sly grin, “It’s several levels below the coffee we have at the office…”
Arabella smirked, “The coffee bean the staff gifted you is expensive, no wonder it’s better.”
Oscar was taken aback, how did she know a staff member had gifted him coffee bean!
“Better get used to it, Mr. Oscar, you never know when you might end up back in the station….
“Ha ha ha…” Oscar laughed uproariously, “Who knows who’ll end up at the police station. Ever heard the saying, ‘what goes around comes around“?”
Dean was worried, was this old fox planning to frame Ms. Bennett?!
If he knew about her powerful backing, he wouldn’t dare to speak to Ms. Bennett like this!
“All I’ve heard is ‘what you sow, so shall you reap, and good people will be rewarded.”
Oscar’s face turned sour at these words.
Amid the tense atmosphere, Arabella smirked and confidently said,.
“Better be careful when you step out, Mr. Oscar, as ‘what goes around comes around‘. Bad deeds won’t go unpunished, they’re just waiting for the right time to strike back. When the time comes, it’s game over.”
Oscar didn’t expect her to curse him like this, he scoffed, “Well, let’s wait and see. I just came here to tell you, nothing is decided yet, we’ll take it one step at a time.”
Watching his arrogant back as he left, Dean was fuming, “Who does he think he is? If there was enough evidence, he’d be behind bars! How dare he act so brash in front of you.”
“He won’t be smug for long.” Arabella dismissed him nonchalantly, continuing to read her files.
“Ms. Bennett, there’s something I don’t understand. You have such a powerful ally, why don’t you use Romeo’s influence to deal with Mr. Oscar?”
By all accounts, Romeo has a lot of clout and should have no problem dealing with a small fry like Oscar!
Chapter 143
“Is it necessary to seek his help?” Arabella thought, feeling frustrated with herself. Is she really that incapable?!
Dean understood now. Ms Bennett was a powerful career–oriented woman who was self–reliant and didn’t need any external assistance to handle her affairs.
“Ms. Bennett, my admiration for you has grown even stronger. What should I do?” Dean’s eyes sparkled with admiration.
Arabella kept her head down, not even glancing at him, “If you have time, you can help the janitor clean the toilets.”
“I’ll get to work right away!” Dean hurriedly left the office. He definitely did not want to clean toilets.
Night fell
Louisa sat on the couch, whipping out her phone to ring up her boys.
“Your sister’s been found, she’s on summer break. You guys need to wrap up your work and whoever can, come home ASAP. Whoever can’t, needs to make some time!”
“I know you guys are busy, but your sister is back, all five of you need to come home for a while! Got it?”
“Anyone who dares to ignore their sister or mistreat her, I’ll be the first to oppose!”
“You can come home without luggage, without work, but you must bring gifts for your sister!”
After four calls, Louisa finally dialed her youngest son’s number and repeated the message.
“But mom, I’m your son, you’re giving me a hard time over a sister who just showed up?” David Collins was a bit peeved on the other end of the line.
“Huh, at least you remember you’re my son, how many times have you come home to see me this year?!”
“Well, I’ve been swamped with work, no? And I’ve sent plenty of gifts and gift cards!” David’s tone was rather aggrieved.
Louisa was unimpressed, “Humph, who cares about your money!”
Well, his mom didn’t exactly need his money.
“Anyway, you must come back! Oh…” Louisa seemed to remember something and added, “Tell me in advance when you’re coming back.” “Why, you gonna make me something tasty?”
“You’re famous and all you think about is eating? Have I ever let you starve when you were little?” Louisa sounded disgusted.
David was indignant, “Even famous people need to eat!”
“The Bartley’s girl has been over a lot lately, she’s pretty, well–educated, well–mannered…”
“Okay, stop, I get it, I don’t have time right now!”
“You little rascal, let me finish.” Louisa didn’t let him interrupt, “You’re not young anymore, you should think about getting married.”
“Mom, I still have my elder brothers, why don’t you urge them? Why me?”
“They won’t listen to me! The Bartley’s girl has a crush on you, what can I do?”
“You…” David clutched his heart, this was definitely his mom!
“Remember to bring a gift for your sister when you come home, bye.”
David felt wronged, if not for this sister, how long has it been since his mom called him?
Louisa completed her mission, finally able to let go of her worries.
“Dear, are you thirsty? Have some coffee first.” Kenneth tenderly served a cup of coffee, smiling warmly.
After five calls, Louisa was indeed thirsty, so she took the cup and had a few sips.
“I started brewing the coffee when you were making the fifth call, the temperature is just right now,” Kenneth waited for her to finish her coffee, put the cup back on the table, and continued to massage her, “Dear, you’ve worked hard, are your hands sore? Let me give you a massage…”
“You take a break too.”
“I’m not tired!” Kenneth lovingly squeezed her hand, “By the way, this big news about Bella coming home, when are you going to tell our other relatives?”
When they’re emotionally stable, then we can share the good news.
If they can’t accept it at once, blood pressure would spike, old illnesses would flare up, that’d be a hassle!
Once they know Bella’s back, relatiyes from both families will certainly find out. Visitors would be endless, just thinking about it is annoying!
If they disturb us, that’s fine, but if Bella gets annoyed…
“We’ve gone through a lot to find Bella, I want to spend more time with her, make it up to her.” Kenneth massaged her hand, “If too many relatives show up, our time with Bella will be reduced, don’t you think so?”
“I don’t want anyone to disturb our family reunion.”
Just as Louisa finished speaking, her phone rang. It was Arabella calling!
Kenneth looked on with anticipation, a sour feeling in his heart: when will his daughter call him?
Louisa cleared her throat and answered the phone joyfully yet solemnly, “Hello? My baby girl…”
“Mom, Romeo McMillian and I are eating out tonight.”
“Okay, I got it. Ever since Romeo’s been around, I’ve stopped saving dinner for you!”
Why did Arabella suddenly feel a pang in her heart?
“Take your time and enjoy! Don’t worry about home!” Louisa wanted to talk more with her daughter, but didn’t want to annoy her, so she quickly said, “If there’s nothing else, hang up first.”
“Okay.” After hanging up, Arabella turned to the man in the car, “What’s wrong with you now?”
“Don’t call me by my full name in the future.” Romeo held her, speaking affectionately, “When can I hear you call me honey?”
Arabella didn’t want to deal with him. She couldn’t bring herself to say it, “I think Romeo is a nice name.”
“Nonsense, ‘honey‘ sounds much better.”
Could they have a peaceful conversation?
Romeo kept pestering her, “Call me ‘honey‘ once.”
“If you annoy me again, I’ll get out of the car.”
Romeo immediately quieted down, just hugging her and occasionally kissing her forehead and lips.
“You’re pushing your luck more and more!” Arabella was getting a bit pissed off. When would he learn to have some boundaries?
“Maybe I need someone to keep me in line?” Romeo replied, grinning in a way that was both charming and smitten. “Maybe you should step in more, keep me in check. I need a partner who can rein me in.” Romeo’s eyes were full of warmth and affection.
Arabella was a bit overwhelmed and turned her head away, deliberately avoiding his gaze.
Chapter 144
Not long after, the car stopped in front of a luxurious mansion. This was the most renowned private estate in Summerfield, purchased last year by an important figure for a staggering 180 million dollars.
Unlike Reflections Villa, where Arabella resided, which was the most expensive residential area in Summerfield, comprising thirty–three opulent households, Moon Villa was an entirely private domain.
The villa was surrounded by a riot of colorful flowers, and its architecture was tastefully designed, exuding an air of grandeur. When illuminated by the evening lights, it appeared even more vibrant and enchanting, captivating the hearts of those who beheld it.
Nearby, there was a crescent–shaped lake that, whenever bathed in moonlight, rèsembled a moon descended to Earth, enchanting all who gazed upon it. As a result, this place was fittingly named Moon Villa.
Arabella was a little puzzled. Weren’t they supposed to go to a restaurant for dinner? What were they doing here?
Carl got out of the car, politely opened the door, and told Arabella, “Miss, this is Mr. Romeo’s home. It’s the first time he’s brought a lady here…”
Another first. It seemed like Arabella was taking a lot of “firsts” in Romeo’s life.
Romeo came out of the car carrying Arabella. His handsome eyes filled with affection, his voice filled with tenderness and emotion, “This is actually our home.” Arabella, being carried towards the villa, felt a little uncomfortable, “Put me down, I can walk.”
“I just want to pamper my wife.” Romeo looked down at her beautiful face, expressing his intense love, “Let me hold you a little longer, or I’ll miss you every day. Romeo carried Arabella to the entrance and had her place her fingers on the fingerprint scanner, recording her fingerprints.
“Visit our home more often,” he said.
The word “home” warmed Arabella’s heart, and her face blushed unconsciously.
Inside the majestic villa, there was only one man named Derek serving as both butler and attendant, waiting for them in the garden. Although he knew a girl would be coming today, seeing Romeo embrace her so affectionately left Derek in shock.
Maintaining his professional composure, Derek hid his surprise, but deep down, he was utterly astonished.
“Mr. McMillian, welcome home.” Derek respectfully bowed and then turned his gaze toward Arabella, his eyes filled with kindness.
“This is my wife, Arabella.”
Upon hearing Romeo’s introduction, Derek quickly bowed and said, “Good evening, madam. I’m the butler, Derek.”
“Derek, good evening. Arabella greeted him politely.
Seeing the girl’s elegant and refined demeanor, and her well–behaved manners, Derek’s impression of her improved, “Dinner is ready, please follow me.”
Arabella whispered in Romeo’s arms, “Let me down.”
“I just want to hold you.”
Their interaction fell on Derek’s ears, shocking him once again.
It was rumored that the McMillian family had a marriage agreement with the Collins family. The Collins‘ daughter had visited Mr. McMillian several times but never met him. The fact that Mr. McMillian had personally recorded her fingerprint and said such, sweet words meant this girl must be more important to him than the Collins‘ daughter. Romeo was a person who enjoyed tranquility and disliked being disturbed. Apart from Derek, the only other person in the house was a male chef named Gary.
At this moment, Gary had created a dreamlike atmosphere at the dining table. Beautiful rose petals fell delicately into the caviar, creating an ethereal ambiance that was truly enchanting.
Shrimp balls shaped like lychee fruit were placed on lifelike tree branches, resembling a bountiful harvest. Each dish exhibited an ultimate visual appeal.
Knowing that an exceptionally important girl would be dining at the house today, Gary didn’t dare to be negligent. However, seeing Mr. McMillian carrying a girl inside, he, like Derek, was also shocked to the core.
“This is the future Mrs. McMillian. Derek introduced first.
“Good evening, madam! Sir!” Gary hurriedly greeted them. After arranging the last dish, he bowed and left.
Chapter 145
There were only two people at the dining table. It was a dinner filled with romance and aesthetic appeal. The gently swaying tree leaves outside the window added to the astonishing beauty, creating a truly romantic ambiance.
*From now on, we’ll have our dinners at home,” Romeo said as he sat down, embracing Arabella and not letting her sit separately on a chair. He held a fork and knife with one hand and fed her with the other
“Romeo. I can do it myself,” Arabella protested, sitting on his lap, feeling a bit restless with her legs.
She was no longer a child She didn’t need him to feed her!
“So, you’re not letting me hold you or feed you. Do you not consider me your fiance, or do you not want to be my fiancée?”
Arabella was somewhat irritated, “What does that have to do with anything?”
“It does,” Romeo slowly said, “Your rejection and distance from me suggests that I’m not doing enough, not enough to move you. I need to spend more time with you.” “I can do without feeding you,” Romeo said with a chuckle, “How about you feed me instead?”
“In your dreams!”
“It’s either one or the other”
“Why would I have to make such a choice?”
Romeo’s smile softened, “Then let me feed you properly.”
Arabella huffed and puffed as she ate, looking adorably grumpy.
“Try this,” Romeo picked up another dish, “It tastes pretty good.”
As Arabella ate, she felt his other hand gently rubbing her back, “Can we eat properly for once?”
“Your beauty stops me from eating a meal without looking at you.”
Finally, after dinner, Romeo held her and sat on the couch, in the same intimate position, “I’ll take you upstairs later.”
“I need to go home.”
“Don’t you want to see what your future home looks like? Where our room is…”
“You’ve had enough…”
Seeing her slightly annoyed look, Romeo’s smile became more mischievous.
Derek served two cups of coffee, politely inviting them to taste.
“Put me down.”
Arabella was almost out of words.
Romeo brought the coffee to her lips, “How does it taste?”
She looked incredibly beautiful–while drinking, her clear eyes downcast, looking like a fairy.
“It’s okay.” Arabella drank half of the coffee, her lips still a bit moist. The coffee was fragrant and elegant, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. It was top–notch coffee. Romeo cupped her face and suddenly leaned in for a kiss.
Her lips still tasted of coffee. After a light taste, Romeo deepened the kiss.
Derek, who was standing nearby, was seeing this side of Romeo for the first time. Romeo was usually cold and stern, his emotions never showing on his face.
Chapter 146
Today was the first time he passionately kissed a girl like this!
Who knows how long it went on for, Romeo finally let go of her, “That was pretty good.”
Arabella was a bit annoyed and wondered what the deal was. Didn’t they have another cup of coffee over there?
He brought her here, not for any nefarious purposes, right?
“If you dare to touch me again, I won’t come next time,” Arabella warned him.
“Huh?”
“I won’t dine with you either,” Arabella knew he was incurable, so she had to nip it in the bud
That is, to minimize the frequency of meeting and the chance of being alone…
Upon hearing this, Romeo glanced at her, “Are you angry?”
Seeing that Arabella didn’t respond, Romeo asked softly, “Are you upset because of the kiss just now?”
“You…”
4
Romeo kissed her again, savoring the sweet taste little by little.
Derek, who was watching, was really enlightened. Mr. McMillian seemed to have a thing for this girl, and it was more than just a crush…
Such sweet nothings flowed naturally from Mr. McMillian’s mouth, and they didn’t seem out of place at all!
After being kissed by him, Arabella was really at a loss for words, “Romeo!”
The butler was still around, and their posture was way too suggestive. She really wanted to get off!
“Was my kissing skill bad? Huh?” Romeo’s nose touched hers, his eyes filled with affection.
Arabella didn’t want to answer this question.
Romeo kissed her again, and after a while, he asked, “Will you come next time?”
Arabella kept silent.
“Huh?” Romeo started kissing her again, “Will you dine with me again?”
Arabella was really helpless, “Romeo, you’re getting cheekier.”
“I’m only cheeky in front of you,” Romeo continued to kiss her, “and I want to be even more so…Will you come again? Huh?” Romeo insisted on getting an answer.
A bit annoyed, Arabella replied, “It depends on my mood.”
“What can I do to make you feel better?” Romeo asked while kissing her.
“Let me go first.”
Romeo seemed to understand, “It seems you don’t like it here.”
“You finally figured it out!”
Romeo picked her up and walked upstairs, “Let’s change the location then.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“Let’s take a tour of the other rooms.”
When Arabella was taken upstairs, his room was clean and spacious. Even without the lights on, the crescent–shaped lake outside the large window was as beautiful as a..- fairyland.
“Bella…” Romeo’s voice was particularly charming, “I want you to get used to married life in advance
Arabella pushed against his strong chest, “If you continue like this, I’ll get angry.”
Arabella had been kissed for a while before she said, “Put me down.”
She hadn’t even entered his house yet today!
“You haven’t answered my question earlier,” Romeo held her tightly, “Will you come again?”
Arabella was speechless.
“Huh? Will you come again?”
Arabella gritted her teeth, “Yes.”
“Will you dine with me again? Huh?” Romeo was determined to get an answer.
Forced to respond, Arabella said, “Yes.”
Romeo smiled and then put her down, “Look outside the window.”
Arabella had noticed the crescent lake outside. Under the moonlight, the flowers and plants by the lake were as beautiful as a fairyland.
“What kind of flowers do you like?” Romeo hugged her from behind, admiring her beautiful side profile, “I want to turn every flower, every tree here into what you like.”
That way she might like this house more, and him.
“Carl said that girls like roses,” Romeo’s gaze fell upon the outside scenery, “I had initially thought of planting different kinds of roses before you arrived, but I was afraid you –wouldn’t like it.”
Arabella’s heart seemed to be touched, like a flower gently blooming.
“Our home is up to you, you decide what flowers to plant,” Romeo said with a gentle tone, “Tell me what you like.”
Arabella thought for a moment and said, “I don’t have a particular favorite flower, but if I have to choose one, it would be Tibetan Primrose.”
Not the vibrant roses, nor the proud plum blossoms, not the pink cherry blossoms, nor the blue lavender…
huyu krow the meaning Titan Princes? Romes softly maked in her
*Cherish the parent from of you Roman whinged The Dimeses reprenante kadiness and beauty”
Lingine kome mounded by and by tilretetion is bound to t
Time continued to there nothing in the home that to be change
wheesemed the forever Den who had used wating notes tumed to the drafted and was the domes and Arabella come out
Tom tar of time when wes with belie and he couldn’t had to w
ceann of the gate kindly and card
petfully with a emile. Come in and have come coffee. The master and madam may not come out for a while I think
the time & Phillgle dite pre about to be cleared up Mr McMillere marriage is looking kegatal
belon matte kee hare Pillig tried to matchmaks Mr McMillian and M McMillan was always indifferent
a to have eyes only for Arbelis
Teak you don’t know Phillip is very satisfied with Ms. Belle, he even gave her the necklac
They talking about the crown necklace from his wife Shirley’s wedding gift Derek was shocked he didnt get this young–looking gifts get the Milian family’s
Everyone known that getting in the door of the McMillian family airt a walk in the park
Ves Carl followed Derek in the door, smiling “Mr. McMillian personally said, he only marry Me Bella in this fee
The shocked Derek even more “What about the Collins family
“Do you mean Serena? Mr McMillian is not attracted by her Carl didn’t spill the beans about her fake identity, instead he said Ms Bella is also from the Collins family both families have already given their blessings for this marriage
“Well that’s good that’s good Derek had once worried the two families would end up at loggerheads over this He said with relief in the and they are still on family that’s fate fate indeed
Chapter 147
At half past eleven in the evening. Arabella finally returned to Reflections Villa.
“Bella, you’re back?”
Serena, who was about to go downstairs, saw Arabella heading upstairs. Suddenly a gust of wind blew, revealing several hickeys on Arabella’s neck.
It was like a heavy blow to Serena’s heart, a pain so intense it was unbearable.
“Bella, why are you back so late? Were you with my brother in law?”
Even though she knew there was a chance Arabella was with Romeo, seeing the hickeys on her neck, Serena couldn’t accept it!
Romeo was always so restrained, how could he passionately kiss a woman like that?
It must be Arabella who seduced him!
“Bella, we may not have strict house rules, but you should come home earlier, or people will say we have no manners.”
Arabella looked up and asked casually, “Do you like Romeo?”
“I definitely don’t like him…” Serena lowered her head in denial, not daring to meet her gaze.
Not because she was afraid of her, but afraid she would tell their parents. Even if she liked Romeo, she couldn’t admit it in front of her….
“Then stay away from him. Arabella’s tone was nonchalant, showing no emotion, “Mind your own business.”
“Bella”
Serena watched Arabella walk upstairs, clenching her fists.
She was just a country girl, who was she to talk to her like that?
Did she really think that returning to the Collins family meant she could look down on everyone?
Arabella returned to her bedroom, her phone suddenly vibrating. It was a call from Jack.
“Boss, the matter with Group S has been resolved. Also, regarding the investigation you asked me to do about the Mercy Hospital fire eighteen years ago on September 10th, there are now some leads.”
“The janitor, Yvonne, who raised Yolanda Murphy, once told her friend that it was a night of heavy rain, and the road conditions were very poor. Many places were flooded due to the rain. Around 2 AM, Yvonne and other janitors were cleaning the streets and helping with drainage when suddenly, they heard a series of loud explosions. The explosions continued one after another. At first, Yvonne was too frightened to approach, but later, when rescuing people, she noticed several black unlicensed cars leaving the scene. In that era and place, not many people had cars… I suspect that the fire may be connected to those cars.”
Arabella’s gaze deepened, “Who would want to burn down the entire clinic, and for what reason?”
“It’s strange… Yvonne was only focused on the rescue at the time and didn’t think much of it. If she had noticed anything special about the people or features of the cars, it would have been much easier to investigate.”
“But Yvonne’s not doing well now.”
“Huh?” Arabella raised an eyebrow.
Isn’t she Yolanda’s adoptive mother?
Even though Yolanda has now returned to the Murphy family, she’s been raising Yolanda with great difficulty for many years, how could there be a bad outcome?
Chapter 148
“After finding out about her origins, the Murphy family offered Yvonne a hundred grand, but Yvonne didn’t bite. She just hoped to spend some time with Yolanda when she could However, Yolanda wasn’t having any of it and didn’t want much to do with her.”
“Yvonne tried to visit the Murphy family many times, but was shooed away by the help every time. Now, she’s in bad health, with no income, and no family or kids to look after her. It’s kinda pitiful”
“She ended up raising an ungrateful brat,” Arabella knew Yolanda’s character. Yolanda would just see her past as a humiliation, preferring to push Yvonne away to clamber up the social ladder!
“Another odd thing is, the higher–ups from Mercy Hospital back then are all missing, and there’s no trace of them even in the archives.”
“Now, all we can do is look for clues from Yvonne and other rescuers. But boss, brace yourself. The results may not come quickly.”
“Mhm.‘ Arabella finished, felt her phone buzz. She glanced at the screen, it was Romeo calling. “Gotta take this.”
After her call with Romeo and a shower, Arabella hit the sack.
In her dream, she seemed to be back at the Murphy family, watching a little girl holding Olga Murphy’s hand, teary–eyed, asking, “Mama, when will you come back next time?” “Arabella, can you just stop? Your dad and I are up to our eyeballs in work every day. Do you think we’re idle? Just because you have a fever, we should come see you?” Little Arabella felt wronged, crying softly, “I didn’t…”
“Do you think your grandma would call us and force us to come back if you didn’t tell her? Do you know how much we have to put on hold every time we come back!” “Alright Olga, she’s just a kid,” Attlee Murphy tried to mediate.
“A kid?” Olga snapped, “Which kid manipulates us with the elders at such a young age? Look at how your mom spoils her! I tell you, Arabella, the more you do this, the more I dislike you! You are always crying, so annoying!”
Watching Olga storm off, Attlee hurriedly followed, “Honey, don’t be like this… The kid doesn’t know that her grandpa teft the company to us after his death, and that so many people in the company are trying to oust us, setting up roadblocks… She just misses us.”
“This troublemaker, always causing us problems. If she’s so capable, why don’t she make us unnecessary to work, what can she do besides crying!”
Little Arabella, wiping her tears, seemed to make up her mind. If she becomes better, helps the family to make money, would mom and dad not have to work so hard? Would they like her then?
With the help of her grandpas, she excelled. Only then did she find out that the relationship between Grace Murphy and Olga was not good, there were even some unpleasant incidents over the shares…
Olga had no love for Grace, every time Grace was affectionate towards Arabella, Olga’s distaste for Arabella deepened…
Olga even thought of Arabella as a troublemaker, every time she came back, there would be mistakes at work, hence she was less and less willing to come home. Throughout the years, Attlee and Olga seldom came home, the bond between them and Arabella was very weak.
Before, Olga disliked hearing Arabella cry, gradually, Arabella became a child who wouldn’t cry. To outsiders, she even seemed a bit aloof, not keen on mingling with people. After a long time, Arabella opened her eyes again. It was already day outside.
She felt hollow inside.
She picked up her phone to check the time, it was only half past six. On the screen were a few unread messages from Romeo.
[Bella.]
[I miss you so much that I can’t sleep.]
[I want to hold you as I sleep.]
The emptiness in Arabella’s heart seemed to be filled with something, the sense of loss was gone, replaced by a faint feeling of happiness.
Chapter 149
Romeo dropped her a text at 6 am, clearly, he hadn’t slept a wink
Arabella tapped the screen with her slender fingers, ‘Ain’t I always with you?”
She patiently replied, “Get some shut–eye, we’ll catch up in a bit.
Unexpectedly, a few seconds after she sent the message, Romeo gave her a ring
“Bella” Romeo’s voice was magnetic, “Why are you up so early? Nightmares?”
Arabella wasn’t sure if her childhood counted as a nightmare, “Haven’t you hit the hay yet?”
“Uh, I can’t catch any Z’s Romeo’s voice was alluring. I miss you like crazy”
He kept replaying their every moment together, missing Arabella’s face something fierce, so much so that he couldn’t sleep.
“Are you still sleepy?”
Arabella said casually, “Nope, I’m wide awake”
After Arabella cleaned up and changed, Romeo’s ride was already parked at her doorstep.
As soon as Arabella stepped out, he pulled her into a bear hug.
Hers fresh scent filled his nostrils, finally calming his longing.
“I miss you.” He looked down to see the love bite from the previous night on her pale neck. He couldn’t help but cradle her face, the one he’d been daydreaming about, and flashed a doting smile, “Morning.”
“Morn.”
“You look adorable when you’ve just woken up.” Romeo gently stroked her face, his smile even more indulgent.
On the terrace, Serena initially thought she was mistaken, but when she carefully looked through the binoculars, her expression couldn’t be described as anything other than shock!
It was truly Romeo!
Romeo personally came to pick up Arabella!
Not only did he open the car door for her, but he also protected her head, helped her fasten the seatbelt, and even gave her a tender morning kiss inside the car!
Serena couldn’t believe her eyes. They were together until after 11 PM last night, and now, it was not even 7 AM, and they were already together again!
Watching their car pull away, Serena was so mad she could feel her insides churning, and she stormed off to scheme with Martha.
By the time Romeo and Arabella arrived, the sun was up, casting a golden glow on the horizon, it was picture-perfect.
“We’re a bit late,” Romeo said, his arm around Arabella’s shoulder, “We’ll come earlier next time.”
“Uh–huh.” Arabella looked at the view, “Actually, this is beautiful too.”
She never had the time to appreciate nature, just standing here and watching now was enough.
Romeo saw the sun shining on her fair face, he hummed in agreement, “Indeed, it’s beautiful.” So beautiful that he couldn’t resist giving her a peck.
The restaurant manager almost dropped his jaw when he saw them kissing in the sunlight. What the heck was happening?!
Last time they only held hands, now they were locking lips?
Weren’t things moving a tad too fast?!
Chapter 150
After the kiss, Romeo looked into her eyes and said tenderly, “In the future, you can share anything with me, whether it’s happy or sad. I’m willing to listen.”
Arabella lifted her head and gazed at his sincere expression.
“You don’t have to bear everything on your own, you know?” Romeo continued.
Arabella seemed to have never opened up to anyone, whether it was good or bad, even with Kelly Piper, it was just a few simple words. But now, seeing Romeo’s caring gaze, she nodded, “Okay” She would do her best to share her feelings.
Romeo gently caressed her face, smiling indulgently, “Let’s go, we’ll have breakfast.”
After breakfast, Arabella arrived at the company, and amidst a pile of reports, she discovered new clues. Her slender fingers lightly tapped the desk as she pondered how many hidden secrets Oscar still had that she had yet to uncover.
“Ms. Bennett, Designer Molly wants to meet you!” Dean’s voice echoed from outside the door.
“Come in”
When Molly entered, traces of tears were still evident in her eyes.
“Ms. Bennett, good morning. These are my recent autumn designs.”
Molly respectfully handed over the design drafts to Arabella, a smile on her face.
But it was not hard to see that her smile was forced and even held a hint of sadness.
“Mr. Samual wanted me to show you the drafts. He said you’re the real design master.”
Arabella looked at Molly’s swollen eyes, “Have you been crying?”
Molly shook her head, but couldn’t help but start sobbing lightly again.
“Sit down, take a moment to calm down.”
Arabella didn’t pressure her, instead, she handed her a tissue, allowing her to let out her feelings.
Molly’s tears fell drop by drop. She tried to control herself several times, but her emotions got the better of her.
Dean outside the door had no clue what had happened, he shrugged in confusion.
He texted Arabella: [I have no idea what’s up with Designer Molly. Should I ask?]
Arabella replied calmly: “No need.”
When Molly had cried herself out, Arabella poured her a glass of water and placed it in front of her, “Drink some water first.”
“Ms. Bennett.” Molly didn’t expect Arabella to pour her water personally. A stranger treated her so kindly, thinking of her own family/her emotions started to flare up again. Arabella watched her sob and asked calmly, “Is it about work?”
Molly shook her head.
“Family issues?”
Molly nodded.
Arabella got the hint. Only family could hurt someone this deep.–
At this, Molly started crying again. She really didn’t want to bring personal stuff into work, but every time she thought about it, she felt so angry and wronged!
“I haven’t told my mom about this yet,” Molly choked on her words, tears falling like rain.
Arabella waited until she stopped crying before asking/“Did your family do it?”
“Yes!” Molly recalled her heartless family members, and tears streamed down her face. “In fact, my family also owns a clothing company,” Molly wiped her tears and continued, “This company was founded by my grandfather, and my father took over after his passing. But a few years ago, my father suddenly passed away in a car accident.”