SWNOVELS Chapter 861-880
Chapter 861
“I made a trip to Carol’s place, sprayed Luminol in the living room and backyard,
and caught a hint of fluorescence.”
“You mean someone was hurt? Is it severe?” Clark knew what Luminol was, and
his heart clenched at the thought.
“We’re not sure whose blood it is yet. We’ll need to run some tests.”
Arabella explained, “I sprayed the Luminol, and swabbed some of the glowing
dirt and dust with a cotton swab. We’ll have the results soon. Also, I found
strands of hair in both Carol’s and her parents’ rooms. There were also nail
clippings under the sofa and in corners. I’ve collected them all.”
Enter title…
The nails and hair could be used for DNA extraction, but it might not be
successful if too much time had passed.
Once the blood test results were back, they could compare the DNA to see if the
blood was theirs.
If it was, it meant that they had been injured at home, with the living room being
the primary crime scene and the backyard the secondary.
But if it wasn’t.
Clark’s heart clenched tightly. How did Carol’s parents get wrapped up in this?
What else was hidden behind this situation?
“Oh right, boss, here are the hairs from the people inside.” Jack handed Arabella
a few transparent small bags, and there were also traces of blood.
“How many did you pluck?” Arabella took the bag. Blood and hair could be used
for DNA testing.
The blood found in Carol’s living room and backyard could also possibly belong
to the four people inside.
Arabella then took out another transparent bag from her backpack.
Inside was just a bit of powder. If they didn’t look closely, they might think the
bag was empty.
“What’s this?” Clark asked again.
“This was found in the Vitamin C bottle in Carol’s room.”
Jack was a little puzzled, “Isn’t Vitamin C usually in pill form? Why is it
powdered?”
“This isn’t Vitamin C.” Arabella explained, then looked at Clark, “One of the
components in this powder is Aetherbloom.”
Aetherbloom?
Now, Clark couldn’t keep his cool. His heart felt like it was being squeezed. The
pain was unbearable.
“What the heck is Aetherbloom?” Jack, who had been by the boss’s side for
many years, had never heard of it. But it didn’t seem like a good thing judging
from Clark’s reaction.
Clark knew that Aetherbloom was a potent poison, “You’re saying that Carol
ingested poison? Is she possibly gone?”
“Not necessarily.’ Arabella spoke softly, “Aetherbloom can also be used in
medicine. It depends on what the other components are.
Clark, don’t worry too much. Jack, take Clark to rest for a bit. I’m heading to the
lab.”
“Right.” Jack gestured, “Clark, this way, please.”
Clark didn’t know how he managed to walk into the main building.
It was luxurious, just as fancy as the Reflections Villa, but he had no heart to
appreciate the decor and trinkets. All he could think about was what his sister
had said.
Jack came out in a change of clothes, carrying an assortment of food and
drinks.
“Clark, have something to eat first, or maybe a cup of coffee. I’m telling you, this
coffee is usually only for our boss. No one else gets to enjoy it.”
Jack sniffed the aroma of the coffee in the air. It was so fragrant.Chapter 862
Clark slumped on the couch, lost in a sea of despair. Had it not been for Bella’s
intervention, he would still be oblivious to the danger Carol was in.
How many hidden truths were lurking behind this predicament?
“Clark, drink up, will you?” Jack offered him a glass, speaking earnestly.
“Solitary contemplation won’t solve anything. Once we get the results from the
tests, everything will be clear.”
“No, it won’t be that simple.” Clark felt as though he had led Bella into a foggy
maze with no clear direction in sight. The exit seemed so far away.
Enter title…
“Clark, when did you become such a pessimist?” Jack insisted, nudging the
glass closer.
Clark accepted the drink, but his heart wasn’t in it. “It’s not pessimism.”
It was the reality of their situation, the mounting evidence that offered no reason
for optimism.
Where was Carol? Was she safe? No one could answer him.
“Don’t worry. With our boss on the case, there’s no mystery she can’t solve.”
Ever the optimist, Jack downed a swig of water from his bottle.
“But how did Bella know that those guys would go to Carol’s house today.”
Clark’s gaze fell on Jack.
“You wouldn’t know this. Our boss found several hidden cameras and bugs in
Carol’s house, oh, sorry, I meant Mrs. Clark’s house and took them all down.
Those who planted the devices would naturally be anxious and send people to
check.”
“So, Bella set a trap there alone.”
Clark was suddenly struck by his sister’s bravery. She had risked her life, all to
uncover the truth for him.
“She’s a fool, knowing full well that taking down the cameras and bugs would
draw them in, yet she used herself as bait.”
And she didn’t even ask for backup!
His heart was a mix of appreciation, guilt, and worry. What if something
happened to her?
“Don’t worry. Our boss is one of the best. There are few in the world who could
match her skills. If we were there, we would only get in her way.”
Jack grabbed a bag of chips from the table and munched on a few before
continuing, “Besides, she took all necessary precautions.
She installed surveillance, recorded the fight, and even released a sleepinducing scent.”
Jack painted a vivid picture, “That scent is potent. Anyone who inhales it will
pass out within five minutes. But those guys were tough. They held out for
seven minutes. That’s a clear indication of their superior physical condition. One
of them even managed to escape after inhaling it!”
“You said Bella installed surveillance and recorded the fight?” Clark interjected
hastily. “Where’s the footage? I want to see it.”
“Er. You should ask the boss for it.” Jack hesitated.
If Bella found out that he had shown Clark the footage without her permission,
she would have his head.
“You said Bella fought them. I don’t know if she got hurt in the process. She
wouldn’t show me the footage because she doesn’t want me to worry.”
“Clark, it’s not that, it’s more that I don’t want to lose my job.”
If he could, he would spill everything.
“You mentioned earlier that those guys were tough. So Bella’s skills are
superior?” Clark queried.
On this point, Jack was honest, nodding his head. “Our boss is indeed very
skilled. She can handle a few thugs with ease.”
“Who taught her? She’s so young, yet she could subdue four strong men.”
“You should ask the boss about that!”
Seeing that Jack was unwilling to disclose much, Clark finally relented. “Alright,
then add me on WhatsApp.” Chapter 863
“Sure thing.” Jack, seeing that Clark wasn’t pressing further, readily displayed
his QR code.
After Clark added him as a friend, he even sent him a friendly GIF.
Jack opened it and exclaimed, “Jesus, Clark, I didn’t know you were into this.
This woman’s got some curves!”
The GIF featured a sultry woman blowing a kiss, both innocent and suggestive;
Jack found it quite intriguing.
Enter title…
Meanwhile, Clark had managed to hack into Jack’s phone and access the
surveillance footage.
He saw a group of men, their faces concealed by black masks, burst into Carol’s
living room with swift and ruthless precision.
Then, his sister locked the door, leaving her alone to face them.
“Carol? You are traitor, finally showing your face.”
“Today’s the day you die.”
They mistook his sister for Carol, intending to kill her with their ruthless tactics.
Clark’s heart clenched with anxiety. His sister was facing danger alone. What if
something happened?
“You’re not Carol?”
“Who are you?”
Seeing them alternately brandishing knives and guns, wanting to kill this girl,
Clark felt his heart in his throat. Thankfully, his sister was more skilled than they
were; otherwise, the consequences would be unthinkable.
Despite the flurry of bullets aimed at his sister, she managed to dodge them all
perfectly, even launching a counterattack!
Her skills and her reaction speed left Clark utterly astounded.
Realizing they were at a disadvantage, the group decided to retreat.
One of the men threw a smoke grenade, but even in the dense smoke, his sister
could locate them by sound, binding up the ones who hadn’t managed to
escape through the window.
“Can you tell which organization these guys are from by their moves?” Clark
asked Jack, who was still beside him.
Jack, who had been drooling over the woman in the GIF, was startled when he
saw the video playing on Clark’s phone, “Damn, how did you get this video? You
hacked into my phone? When did that happen?”
“Don’t worry, I only extracted this video.”
He didn’t look at anything else that wasn’t necessary.
“You’re a hacker, too?” Jack suddenly realized. “What’s with you Collins, how
come you all have so many skills.”
He’d been careless!
He completely didn’t realize the GIF with the woman had a virus!
“I’m not sure if the guy who got away will go back and tip them off.
Bella could be in danger.’ Clark said, worried. “You guys need to keep an eye on
her in secret.”
Of course, as her brother, he would also always be by her side, ensuring she
didn’t get hurt.
“You might think that the video looks dangerous with all the gunfire, but let me
tell you, our boss can handle this like it’s a walk in the park. You didn’t see it
before, but when dozens of guns were pointed at our boss, she managed to
escape unscathed.”
“What do you mean?” Clark seemed to understand something.
“What exactly did Bella go through before?”
“Nothing, I was just rambling.’ Jack wished he could slap himself.
Why couldn’t he keep his mouth shut?
“What’s going on? Why were there dozens of guns pointed at Bella?
Did Bella upset some gangsters or what?” Clark was really anxious and wanted
to know the reason.Chapter 864
“Clark, I beg you, pretending you didn’t hear anything!” Jack pleaded, his hands
clasped together in prayer, “Whatever you want to know, ask our boss later
when the time is right. Just don’t say it came from me now! Or I’m done for!”
Clark didn’t want to put him in a tough spot, so he simply said, “Whatever you
tell me, I swear it stays with me. I won’t breathe a word to Bella.”
“Clark, some things even Romeo doesnt know. Spare me, play dumb, I beg
you!”
If the boss found out he blabbed again, he’d surely be transferred to the
triangular zone, and then he wouldn’t be able to protect the boss all the time!
Enter title…
With all these weaklings around, he had to be the one to protect the boss
personally at critical times.
Just then, Arabella appeared, “What are you guys talking about?”
Seeing Jack clasping his hands and begging for something, Arabella was
puzzled, “What are you begging Clark for?”
“The boss is here.” Jack felt doomed and quickly made up an excuse, “Well,
Clark wanted to set me up with someone, this beautiful lady.”
He flashed a picture he had taken earlier, “I was just begging Clark for her
contact info.”
Arabella was a bit speechless. In a time like this, he was still thinking about such
things. She coldly said, “Get lost.”
“Yes, yes.” Jack breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that the boss didn’t suspect
anything.
“The comparison results are in. The blood traces in the living room, and the yard
match that of Mr. and Mrs. Earwood.”
The moment Arabella stopped talking, Clark’s attention shifted, “You mean
Carol’s parents got hurt?”
“Yes.” Arabella explained, “A villager mentioned that a few months ago, around
two or three in the morning, a group of people went to Carol’s house. Despite
the rain, they were walking around in the yard. They were probably looking for
Carol, accidentally startled her parents, and they got injured in the ensuing
argument.”
Arabella paused, then continued her analysis, “The villager said that for four or
five days after the group appeared, the Earwoods’ door never opened. Judging
by the blood traces, the incident happened in the living room and then moved to
the yard. So, I guess, during those days, the injured Mr. and Mrs. Earwood
might have been taken away by that group. We don’t know where they went and
what they did”
Based on the villager’s statement, Mr. and Mrs. Earwood returned only after four
or five days, and soon after, they went out to look for Carol.
So, their disappearance that night is the key to solving this mystery.
“Did the powder get tested?” Clark asked, his mood heavy.
Arabella just mentioned that one of the ingredients in the powder was
Aetherbloom, which was extremely toxic.
“Besides Aetherbloom, there are 16 other herbs. Each one is toxic.”
“What about when they’re combined?”
“The toxicity increases.” Arabella said casually, “One of the lab rats just died. It
took the poison and died instantly.”
There wasn’t even time to save it.
Clark’s heart clenched, “You’re saying Carol might have taken this poison.
She’s been missing for a year. Was she forced to take this lethal poison and
then dumped?
So, all these powers couldn’t find her.
Because she’s no longer in this world.
Thinking about this, Clark felt a pain in his chest that nearly suffocated him.
“Not necessarily.” Arabella analyzed, “What if she used this poison on someone
else?”
“What do you mean?” Clark didn’t understand.
“Considering how many people are looking for her, this poison might be her selfdefense mechanism. To keep it hidden, she put it in a vitamin C bottle. That
bottle looks old, and she must have used it for a long time.”
“Boss, according to your theory, Mrs. Clark would have to poison a ton of people
with this.”
Arabella gave him a look, and Jack immediately shut up.
“Carol is physically weak, it’s possible that this poison might really be for her
self-defense.’ Chapter 865
Aside from drugging, did she have any other means of protecting herself?
She was so frail, there couldn’t be.
“Not necessarily.’ Arabella overturned his assumption again, “Didn’t those four
guys inside say Carol was a traitor? If Carol was one of them, then her skills
could conceivably be on par with theirs.”
That didn’t seem to align with her being “as weak as a kitten’.
Whether she had skills or not and how good those skills were would need
further investigation.
Enter title…
“No, it can’t be.” Clark recalled his previous interactions with Carol, and there
was no indication that she was a skilled individual. She was probably afraid of
even cockroaches.
“We can only continue to investigate.” Arabella checked the time, “Clark, it’s
getting late, it’s almost eleven, let’s head home.”
It was late; their parents would be worried.
“Mom and Dad have already called me a few times, and I don’t know if they
called you.”
Clark checked his phone. Not a single call.
“Worrying about it now won’t help, let’s go.”
Seeing his sister had been busy all day, Clark didn’t want to trouble her any
more. He nodded and drove her home.
On the way, Clark heard a rumbling sound from his sister’s stomach.
He realized something, “Bella, are you hungry? Did you have dinner?”
“I had.” Arabella lied.
Her stomach rumbled again. Clark glanced at her, “Still lying to me.
Did you skip meals today to catch those guys?”
“I had lunch.”
“So you skipped dinner.” Clark felt guilty, “You silly girl, I will be worried. You
have to take care of your health first.”
“I’m not hungry.”
Just as Arabella finished speaking, her stomach rumbled in protest again.
Clark felt both distressed and amused, “What do you want to eat?
I’m also hungry. Shall we grab some late-night snacks on the way home?”
“Okay.’ Arabella thought momentarily and blurted out, “Let’s get some pastries.”
It was so late. Better avoid anything spicy.
There were other things to take care of later so it wouldn’t be good if she upset
her stomach.
“Alright, I know a place that makes amazing pastries. They specialize in latenight snacks. We can buy a bunch to take home.”
“Okay.
Reflections Villa.
Serena checked the time, and it was already half-past eleven. Why hadn’t Clark
returned yet?
There was no sign of him downstairs, she sat at her vanity, waiting impatiently.
She was eager to know where Clark and Arabella had gone! Why were they
taking so long?
It wasn’t until she heard the sound of a sports car outside the villa that she
looked out the window. Sure enough, it was Clark’s car!
Clark was finally back!
Hmph, that Arabella, monopolizing Clark until so late, was she afraid that if they
returned earlier, Clark would have time to accompany her.Chapter 866
“Sweetheart, thank goodness you’re back. Where did that Clark take you this
time?”
Louisa, sitting on the couch, quickly got up to greet Arabella as she walked in.
When she had called and messaged her earlier, she hadn’t gotten any response
for a while. Louisa was worried something had happened to her daughter.
“Clark and I just went out. I didn’t check my phone;’ Arabella explained softly.
“As long as you’re safe,’ Louisa said before turning to Clark, “Young man, look
at the time! You can’t just keep your sister out late! If you want to party, that’s
Enter title…
one thing, but a young lady should get her beauty sleep. Can’t you keep track of
time?”
“It was my idea to go out,’ Arabella defended, “It wasn’t Clark’s fault.”
Louisa turned back to Clark, “You see, your sister defends you, even after she
asked you out to bond. You better treat her right!”
Clark, carrying bags of late-night snacks, just smiled, “Got it, Mom.
I brought food, let’s eat.”
“I can’t, and I’ve been doing yoga with Romeo’s mom, trying to lose weight.”
“Then I should support my wife. You two enjoy,’ Kenneth led her upstairs,
advising, “Don’t worry too much about the kids. They’re just out having fun and
brought some food back. Let’s head upstairs.”
“I had a bad feeling. I thought something happened to them.”
Clark brought the snacks to the kitchen. The servants arranged everything onto
11 large plates.
Serena, who had been waiting upstairs for a while, came down when Clark
didn’t show up. She found them in the dining area.
Clark was just serving Arabella some tarts, mumbling, “Eat more.”
“Clark, Bella, you’re back?” Serena hid her jealousy behind a bright smile, “So
much food. can anyone join?”
“Serena? Come, join us. I brought a lot; He got up to pull a chair out for her and
got her utensils.
Serena shot a glance at Arabella. So she not only snatched Clark but also
brought these “trophies” to show off? Cunning girl!
“Serena, eat up,’ Clark served her a few tarts, then turned to Arabella, “How is
it?”
Arabella nodded, “It’s good.”
“Eat more, then,’ Clark put more on her plate. He felt a pang of sympathy when
he remembered how she had been busy all day.
“These are good too. Try them,’ He added more to her plate.
Serena’s eyes flashed with displeasure. Clark had only served her four, but he
had given Arabella seven!
“Clark, you should eat while it’s hot,’ Arabella advised.
“I’m not hungry.’ Clark felt guilty and served her some more food, including
crispy sausage. He even got her a piece of beef sausage as well, worrying she
might not be complete.
Arabella had been hungry all day, yet she had spent hours in the laboratory. If
he hadn’t heard her stomach growling, would she have gone without eating
tonight?
“Clark, this is for you,’ Arabella picked up one and put it onto Clark’s plate.
Clark felt touched but also more guilty, “Eat more, I’m not hungry.”
Mid-meal, Arabella suddenly remembered she’d forgotten to call Romeo. She
took out her phone and sent him a message.
[I’m home now. Go to sleep early. Goodnight.]
Within seconds, Romeo replied, [You’re going to sleep?]
[Yes.Chapter 867
[I see you’re enjoying your meal.]
Arabella looked up at the message, “Clark, did you tell Romeo we’re having a
midnight snack?”
“Yeah, he asked if we were home, and I said we were, having a late-night
snack.”
“And you sent him my photo?”
“Yep.” Clark showed her the picture, “Look at you all chubby from eating, so
cute.”
Enter title…
[So, you lied about going to bed just to have a midnight snack with Clark?]
Romeo texted with a sad emoji.
All Arabella could reply was, [I’ll go to bed right after I shower]
[Are you tired today?]
[Yeah, a bit.]
Serena noticed Arabella constantly typing. Oh, that attitude, as if she wanted to
make it clear that she was chatting with Romeo!
What she was showing off?
She even purposely mentioned Romeo’s name, as if she was announcing to the
world that she was chatting with Romeo!
After a while, Arabella finished her snack and stood up, “I’m full.”
Serena thought she finally had a chance to be alone with Clark. Her eyes lit up,
but before she could express her joy.
“Bella, wait.” Clark hadn’t finished eating yet, but seeing his sister getting up, he
quickly stood up too, “I’m done too. I’ll walk you upstairs.”
Arabella was a bit puzzled.
Serena didn’t expect Clark to be so clingy to Arabella and suddenly felt
unhappy!
“I forgot to ask you a question earlier.’ After leaving the dining area and making
sure no one was around, Clark whispered, “You said your skills were taught by
those old men. are they masters in their fields?”
“Yep.” Arabella nodded, not understanding why Clark suddenly asked this
question.
“So, your fighting skills were also taught by one of them?”
Arabella immediately reacted, “Did Jack tell you something?”
“No, he didn’t say anything. I hacked into his phone and saw the video of you
fighting with those guys.”
Now, it made sense to Arabella. That big mouth, he must have told Clark about
her installing surveillance at Carol’s house. Otherwise, how would Clark know
there were surveillance videos in his phone and even hack into it to see?
So, the picture of the beautiful woman that Clark sent to Jack was not to
introduce him to a girl but to a virus.
Just to hack his phone.
“Bella, when was your gang established?” Clark asked again.
Did Jack also mention the gang?
Right now, Arabella just wanted to wring his neck.
“Jack didn’t really say anything. It’s just that I saw those guys calling you boss
and they all had weapons.” Clark couldn’t help but ask, “I don’t want to pry into
your past. He just wants to know if you’re safe now. Do you need more people to
protect you?”
“No need.” Arabella smiled slightly, “Don’t worry, Clark, I’m doing just fine.”
“So, what does your gang do?”
“Well, we protect the weak and also some medicinal plants.’Chapter 868
After all, in the Triangular Zone, she owned a mountain of priceless medicinal
herbs.
The mountain was covered in rare medicinal plants that couldn’t be bought even
if they had money in the world.
“Are you serious?” Clark asked, half skeptical and half hopeful.
“Yes.” Arabella nodded earnestly, her young face full of sincerity.
Clark seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, “Did you recognize the affiliation of the
guys who attacked us tonight?”
Enter title…
Arabella shook her head, “! couldn’t tell.”
They were all deadly and ruthless, and their backgrounds were hard to discern.
Clark nodded, “I’m glad you can handle yourself. At least you can defend
yourself when things get dangerous. But you risked your life today, using
yourself as bait. You have no idea how worried I was when they pulled out their
guns. From now on, let me know if anything comes up. I may not be as skilled
as you, but I can at least arrange for more people to help you.”
Arabella knew that Clark meant well and was worried about her. So she nodded
obediently, “I understand, Clark.”
“You must be tired from today. Rest up early.’ Clark patted her head.
“You should also rest early, Clark. Don’t stay up all night on the balcony
anymore.”
Clark was touched when he heard this, and he hadn’t expected his sister to
know about his sleepless nights. “Alright, I promise you.”
After taking a shower and attending to some personal matters, Arabella finally
went to bed around one in the morning.
The next morning, as she was having breakfast, she noticed the servants
glancing at her with something like hesitation in their eyes.
It was as if something had happened that she didn’t know about.
“What happened?” Arabella asked.
“Nothing.”
“Tell me.” Arabella put down her fork and leaned back in her chair, exuding an
aura of authority.
One of the servants timidly started, “Ms. Bella, you called Clark out last night,
and this upset Serena. Serena threw a huge tantrum.”
Arabella was puzzled and raised an eyebrow, “What does my calling Clark have
to do with her?”
“Clark had promised her that he would go shopping with her. They were already
in the garage, about to get in the car when your call came. Clark then left in a
hurry.”
Arabella hadn’t expected such a coincidence. Seeing the servants”
unsettled expressions, she asked, “Did she give you guys a hard time?”
“No, she took it out on Edith. She thought Edith had tipped you off.”
“Serena smashed the flowers Edith had for you. The vase shattered.”
Arabella caught the main point, “Flowers for me?”
“Yes, Edith said she had a cold for many days that wouldn’t go away. It was your
medicine that finally cured her. So she’s been wanting to repay this kindness.
On her day off, she saw a flower shop while she was shopping and spent 30
dollars to buy you a bouquet. When she got home, she even asked us for
advice on how to arrange them. She was about to bring them to your room
when Serena stopped her.”
Arabella understood, “Where is Serena now?”
“Ms. Bella, please don’t confront Serena. She’ll know we’ve been gossiping-”
“She’s already planning to fire us.”
“Ms. Bella, please don’t go to her. We beg you.”
The servants were terrified, pleading desperately with ArabellaChapter 869
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I won’t get you guys into trouble.”
After finishing her breakfast, Arabella left the room, leaving the servants
worriedly whispering among themselves, fearing for their jobs.
Arabella first found Edith, handing her a small bottle, “Edith, you have not been
looking well lately. This will help rejuvenate you.
Take one a week.”
“Ms. Bella? Your medicine must be expensive. I can’t accept this!”
Enter title…
Edith knew Arabella was highly skilled in medicine and that anything she gave
would be high-quality.
“Just take it, don’t be shy.” Arabella placed it in her hand, didn’t mention the
cost, nor did she mention Serena. Instead, she said, “If you ever run into trouble
at home, you can come to me for help.”
“Ms. Bella.” Edith wondered if Arabella knew something.
But Arabella changed the subject, “Are mom and dad awake yet?”
“Not yet.”
“What about Clark?”
“He’s still in his room.”
Arabella nodded, “Don’t overwork yourself. If you’re not feeling well, make sure
to take a break.”
“Thank you, Ms. Bella.”
Edith was still in a daze even after Arabella had left. The other servants noticed
and hurried over.
“Edith, what did Ms. Bella give you this time?”
“Will your skin glow if you take it?”
“I always have acne. The last time I asked Ms. Bella for help, she gave me a
small bottle of effervescent tablets. After taking them a few days, my acne scars
were gone.”
“I usually feel dizzy when I stand up after squatting for a while. Ms.
Bella gave me a dozen scented tea to make tea with. I haven’t experienced any
dizziness since.”
“I didn’t know how to dress well. But seeing Ms. Bella always looking stylish and
beautiful, I asked her for advice. She taught me about color coordination and
even gifted me a few sets of QY clothes. QY! She just gave them to me!”
The servants couldn’t stop praising Arabella.
“Ms. Bella is the nicest rich young lady I’ve ever met!”
“She’s not pretentious. She’s straightforward and doesn’t beat around the bush.
Unlike some people who smile elegantly on the surface but are incredibly dark
on the inside.”
“I like Ms. Bella because it’s comfortable being around her.”
Serena, who was about to go downstairs, clenched her fists upon hearing this.
Damn that Arabella, she really knew how to win people over!
“I knew it! So that’s why some of you don’t respect Serena. You’ve all been
bought over!” Martha, helping Serena downstairs, made sure to raise her voice
as she sarcastically said, “Serena, it turned out you didn’t pay enough. That’s
why people are sabotaging you.”
“Ms. Bella didn’t buy us.”
“We went to ask Ms. Bella for advice on our own.”
“It has nothing to do with Ms. Bella.”
The servants were getting flustered.
However, Martha didn’t listen to their explanations. Instead, she said, “Listen to
yourselves, all defending her. She gave you some cheap trinkets, and you’re all
won over. No wonder you all say it’s comfortable being around her. People who
gave gifts are nice, but since Serena didn’t give any, some of you are implying
that she’s dark inside.”
The servants became even more flustered, “No, we didn’t mean that.”
“Alright, everyone, go back to work.” After Edith spoke, the servants gave her a
grateful look before hurrying off to their tasks. Chapter 870
Martha’s gaze fell upon Edith, then at the small bottle in her hand, her tone
dripping with disdain, “Such a miserly gift, Serena wouldn’t even dare to present
such a thing, yet you all treat it like a priceless treasure.”
“Yes, even if Ms. Bella gave me a blade of grass, I’d still be thrilled!
I’d also treat it like a precious gem!” Edith was deeply moved by Ms. Bella’s
gesture today, feeling more confident than ever, “If you’re not pleased, go ahead
and complain to Mrs. Collins!”
Martha’s expression darkened, visibly upset.
Enter title…
“Ms. Bella noticed that I’ve been looking pale recently and kindly gave me a
medicine bottle. Yet you can’t stand it, thinking I’ve been bribed, wanting to kick
me out of the Collins family! Go ahead and tell her. Let’s see if Mrs. Collins will
even care about your words.”
Martha hadnt expected the usually meek Edith to suddenly become so sharptongued, “So, you have someone backing you up now, feeling all high and
mighty?”
“Yes, I have Ms. Bella supporting me. What about it? Do you have a problem
with that? Take it up with her!” Edith turned to Martha again, “Over the years,
hasn’t Serena given you plenty of gifts?
You’ve accepted them for eighteen years, and I’ve only accepted two! If anyone
should be kicked out, it should be you first! What can you do other than use your
power to bully others?”
“Edith, you’re crossing the line. Despite everything, Martha was like a second
mother to me, and she’s been with me since I was a child, more like family to
me. You need to apologize to her right now!”
With Serena backing her, Martha looked even more confident, her nose in the
air as she stared down at Edith.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?”
“Now, none of you even respect me? Fine, I’m very dissatisfied with your
service. I want you to leave this house immediately. I’ll explain the situation to
my parents. Please pack up your things and leave right now!”
Upon hearing this, Edith grew even more furious, “The person who paid my
wages is Mrs. Collins. Unless they asked me to leave, no one can force me to
take a single step out of this house!”
Serena was clearly infuriated. This maid was too arrogant!
“You wretch, how dare you disrespect Serena! Debby, Daisy, why are you just
standing there, go and seize her!”
Martha rolled up her sleeves and advanced towards Edith, “Today, I’m going to
teach this insolent old woman a lesson on behalf of Serena!”
Debby and Daisy, being Martha’s allies, quickly responded and grabbed hold of
Edith’s hands. Unable to break free, Edith looked up, anger in her eyes.
“Are you all lawless now? Mrs. Collins was still there. Even if someone needs to
be taught a lesson, it certainly wouldn’t be your place to do so!”
Martha raised her hand, about to slap her.
“I’d like to see who dare to hit her.”
A cold voice echoed from behind them. Everyone turned to look and saw
Arabella returning from the garden, her face icy cold.
Debby and Daisy, frightened by Arabella’s imposing aura, quietly let go of Edith.
“Ms. Bella, you came at just the right time.’ Martha, upon seeing Arabella,
showed no fear but an air of arrogance, “This old woman has been bullying your
sister. Shouldn’t you do something?”
“Since when did it become your place to tell me what to do in my own home?”
Arabella didn’t even spare her a glance, “Get lost.”
Martha was immediately filled with indignation.
“Edith, you might go back to your work.”
As soon as Arabella finished speaking, Serena interjected, “No, sister, she can’t
leave. Today, she was rude to Martha and defied me. If we just let her go, won’t
all the servants think they can walk all over us in the future?”Chapter 871
Arabella stared into her eyes, her tone icy and mocking, “Your beloved Martha
has crossed the line more than once. I still have the video from last time. Should
I have her kicked out too?”
Serena’s face turned ashen, her mind flashing back to the time when Martha
purposely unscrewed the lid of the olive oil bottle, intending to cause Arabella to
slip, only for Arabella to call up the security footage from Overwatch.
Back then, Arabella had declared that if she ever caught them playing
underhanded tricks behind her back, she would hand over the footage to the
police, tell their parents, or upload it online.
Enter title…
Arabella had also stated: If your people try to harm me, do you really think you
can escape unscathed? Will our parents believe you or me?
Edith, who was standing nearby, finally understood why Ms. Bella had chosen to
hold onto the evidence rather than handing it over to the lady.
Ms. Bella had mentioned then that this evidence could merely prove Martha’s
malicious intentions. If Martha insisted that it was all her idea, and Serena had
nothing to do with it. Then Serena started using her lifelong bond with their
parents to leverage her innocence, or crying in front of the elderly folks at home,
or even in front of her brothers.
Then, the most that would happen was a servant getting fired!
Serena, for the most part, would not be shown the door!
At most, she’d face mild punishment.
But this piece of evidence, in Ms. Bella’s hands, was like a trump card, serving
as a warning to them. They would surely make mistakes if they got desperate
and tried to pressure Ms. Bella into deleting the footage. And when the mistakes
got too big, it would be more than just a case of getting kicked out.
Looking back now, Edith couldn’t help but admire Ms. Bella’s calm and foresight!
Just then, two young maids came to Arabella, crying.
“Ms. Bella, Ms. Bella!”
Arabella turned around, noticing their red-rimmed eyes, and couldn’t help but
ask, “What’s wrong?”
“They’ve gone too far!” Gloria pointed at Debby and Daisy, tears streaming
down her face, “They ruined all of my clothes because they have Serena and
Martha backing them up! Look!”
The clothes in her hands had been shredded to pieces. This wasn’t the first
time!
“My skincare products that I bought yesterday were thrown into the trash too! I
confronted them on WhatsApp, and they admitted it was them! They even asked
what I could do about it!” Doris showed Arabella the chat history, her face mixed
with anger and hurt.
Debby and Daisy didn’t expect these two newcomers to have the audacity to
complain to Ms. Bella in front of them and were instantly outraged!
“Now that the evidence is clear, there’s nothing else to say. This house doesn’t
need you two any longer.”
Hearing Arabella’s words, Debby couldn’t help but mimic Edith, “Ms. Bella, the
one who pays me is the lady. Unless they tell me to leave, no one can make me
step out of this house! That includes you!”
Serena and Martha were secretly delighted, glad that someone could finally
stand up to Arabella. They decided to reward Debby with an extra drumstick
later.
“Oh, fine.” Arabella pulled out her phone, dialed a number in front of them, and
turning on the speaker, “Mom, are you awake?”
“Bella dear, I just woke up. What is it you need.” Chapter 872
“I want to fire a couple of the staff.”
“Which two pests have managed to upset you?” Louisa, sensing Arabella’s ill
temper, immediately shared her lividity.
“Debby and Daisy,’ Arabella stated their names without hesitation.
“Did they dare to disrespect you? If so, I won’t let them off the hook so easily!”
Debby and Daisy, overhearing the conversation, felt a chill run down their
spines.
Enter title…
“Not exactly disrespect, just a propensity for insolence, and they tend to bully
the others.”
“That’s outrageous! I pay them a few thousand dollars a month, not to act high
and mighty, disrupting the harmony of my household!
Those two numbskulls won’t last long in this line of work!”
Angry voices echoed from the phone, along with the sound of Louisa
rummaging around her room, “Huh, where did my slippers go?”
It seemed she was about to storm downstairs, likely to confront Debby and
Daisy.
The girls panicked, instinctively wanting to flee, but they were blocked by Gloria
and Doris.
“Mom, don’t worry, I can handle this.” Arabella eyed Gloria and Doris calmly,
“Since you have no objections, I’ll proceed with the dismissal.”
“Absolutely, fire them! I’ll have a word with them later!” Louisa couldn’t find her
slippers and muttered to herself, “Bella, remember, you’re the apple of your
father’s and my eye. In this house, you always have the right to fire anyone!”
Arabella hung up the phone and turned to Debby and Daisy, “Did you hear
that?”
“We’re sorry, Ms. Bella, it was all Martha.”
Debby’s words were cut off as Martha gave her a harsh twist of the arm, “What
nonsense are you spouting?”
“Nothing, I didn’t say anything.” Debby hung her head.
“Apologize.” Arabella didn’t care who started the trouble, and they were all in it
together.
Debby and Daisy hastily apologized to her and to Edith, Gloria, and Doris as
well.
“We don’t need our salaries for this month, and we’ll give it to Gloria and Doris.
Please, Ms. Bella, plead with Madam not to blacklist us in this industry.”
“We’ll change, really. Ms. Bella!”
Arabella pulled her hand away coldly, then turned to Martha, who had no choice
but to bow her head and apologize to Arabella, Edith, Gloria, and Doris due to
the surveillance.
“Let’s dock Martha’s salary for this month as well since she’s implicated,”
Arabella said with a slight smile.
“Ms. Bella, your punishment is fair.’ Martha had to swallow her pride for the sake
of her future.
Arabella then turned to Serena, “Keep your people in check from now on.”
Serena was furious but helpless. She had overheard her mother’s words on the
phone.
Her mother had said Arabella was her precious daughter!
Arabella always has the right to fire anyone in this house!
At that moment, Louisa came downstairs in her slippers. Seeing both her
daughters, she couldn’t help but ask, “Where are Debby and Daisy?”
“They’ve just gone to pack their things,’ Arabella replied calmly.
“Are you alright?” Louisa touched Arabella’s head, showing her concern, “They
didn’t lay a hand on you, did they?”
Arabella couldn’t help but smile at the thought of those two trying to hit her.
“No.’ Arabella chuckled. Chapter 873
“That’s it then.’ Louisa snapped, her anger bubbling over. “They dare to bully my
daughter in my house! Gloria, where is Erik? Fetch him for me at once!”
“Right away.”
Upon hearing the summons, Erik hurried over. When he saw both Martha and
Serena standing off to the side, their expressions clearly disturbed, he turned to
Louisa. Her face was etched with a deep annoyance. “Madam, what seemed to
be the problem?”
“Set up a higher requirement when you are hiring in the future.
Enter title…
Don’t let just anyone in!” Louisa chided. “Bella came back home after such
hardship. Kenneth and I couldn’t bear to raise our voices at her. But these two
servants dare to show attitude in front of my daughter!”
Erik glanced at Arabella and then at the servants behind her. It couldn’t be Edith
and her group, could it?
Surely not Martha?
He looked at Martha, who shook her head slightly. Erik let out a silent sigh of
relief.
“Madam, I am unsure which two servants have upset Ms. Bella. I shall take care
of them immediately.”
“By the time you do that, the fried chicken will have gone cold! I don’t even know
how you manage this household! If that happened again, you won’t be
managing anything!”
Hearing this, Erik quickly lowered his head. “Madam, I apologize. I assure you
that will not happen again!”
“Later, you are to call a meeting. Make sure everyone knew their place. If
anyone is unhappy, they can pack their bags and leave immediately!”
“Yes, Madam.” Erik maintained his bow, surprised at the intensity of Louisa’s
anger.
“I will go and settle this. Bella, you go and have breakfast. Don’t be upset. I will
make sure they pay.”
“Mom, don’t let this upset you.”
“My sweet child, you are so wronged but still worry about me.”
Louisa’s heart ached even more at Arabella’s words.
Seeing her storm off, Martha helped Serena back to her room. Both of them
were furious.
That damned Arabella was getting more and more in the way!
“Martha, did you hear? Mom said that Arabella is her precious daughter.”
Serena balled her fists in frustration. Her mother was supposed to be fair, but it
was clear where her favoritism lay.
“That was exactly why I told you to use Clark’s card and buy more things. If the
love is gone, at least the money is still there!”
Serena finally understood Martha’s intentions. Martha was the only one who
truly cared for her in this house, more than her own mother ever did!
“Arabella is spending more and more time with the lady of the house. It’s only
natural that she would favor her. After all, she is their real daughter.”
Martha’s words felt like a knife to Serena’s heart.
“But the brothers haven’t spent much time with Arabella, Serena.
You need to seize this opportunity!”
Play the affection card and get the brothers to buy things.
“Soon, when Clark wakes up, go find him.” Martha whispered something else
into Serena’s ear.
Meanwhile.
Edith and Gloria couldn’t stop thanking Arabella. Arabella replied quietly,
“There’s no need to thank me. It’s my fault that you were treated poorly.”
“Ms. Bella, I’m not upset! Seeing Debby and Daisy leave, I feel so relieved, so
happy!” Gloria couldn’t help but break into a smile.
Doris also laughed. “This is the first time I’ve seen the lady of the house get so
angry. It shows how important Ms. Bella is to her. I’m envious of your bond with
her. I lost my mother when I was very young.”
Her expression darkened.
Gloria added, “After this incident, I don’t think Martha will dare to step out of line.
Ms. Bella, we were lucky you were here today!”Chapter 874
“Yeah, otherwise Martha would be walking around like she owns the place,’
Edith chuckled, “Ms. Bella, I can’t thank you enough.”
“Don’t mention it,’ Arabella responded as she heard someone call her.
“Bella, you’re up early today?”
The man descending the stairs was Clark. He vividly remembered seeing the
light from Bella’s room still on at 1 a.m. last night. He was surprised she was up
So early today.
Enter title…
“I just couldn’t sleep; Arabella replied, looking up at him, “Did you sleep well,
Clark?”
“I couldn’t at first, but the scent of that essential oil you gave me helped me drift
off} Clark admitted, still baffled by the experience.
It had been a while since he’d slept so soundly.
Upon hearing this, Gloria’s interest was piqued, “What kind of essential oil was
that? Sounds really useful. I want one, too!”
Arabella noticed the envy in Gloria’s eyes, “Would you like one? I can get it for
you later”
“Oh, thank you, Ms. Bella!” Gloria couldn’t contain her excitement.
“All present get one;’ Arabella added, looking at the other two ladies nearby.
Edith and Doris brightened up instantly. Did that mean they would get one, too?
“Ms. Bella, you’re so kind.”
Why was there such a huge difference between rich young ladies?
Serena had received the best education and had always been immersed in the
finest family atmosphere. Yet, why did her manners fall short?
Then there was Bella, who, despite growing up in adversity, had awe-inspiring
skills.
The gap between individuals was indeed vast.
“Have you had breakfast?” Clark asked, hooking his arm around his sister as
they walked, “Any news?”
“A bit; Arabella responded, keeping her voice low due to the presence of the
house help around.
Clark turned to the house help, “You may all go.”
“Yes, sir”
As Gloria left, she couldn’t help but comment, “Clark and Ms. Bella have such a
strong bond. Even after all these years apart, their sibling love is still”
She didn’t finish her sentence as she noticed Serena and Martha standing on
the winding staircase, causing her to lose her words.
Martha glared at her fiercely as if she wished to mince her.
Gloria hurriedly left, cursing her bad luck for running into them again.
With Doris and Edith gone, only Serena and Martha remained on the staircase,
both wearing grim expressions.
“These blind fools, thinking they’re something special, daring to gossip behind
our backs.”
Serena’s mind echoed Gloria’s words. The sight of Clark cozying up with
Arabella, whispering to her, caused Serena’s hand to clench into a fist.
How did Arabella manage to do this?
With the dining area cleared by Clark, Arabella finally spoke, “My people
checked the flight records to Iridia over the past year.
There’s no exit record for Carol.”
“So, Carol could still be in the country?” Clark’s excitement was palpable.
“There are three possibilities. She’s still here; she went to Iridia, but her exit
record was erased, or she went to another country.”
If she changed her name midway, that could complicate things further.
Given the extensive timeframe, finding her would be like finding a needle in a
haystack.Chapter 875
The light in Clark’s eyes dimmed instantly. Yeah, if she chose to hide or if she
was being held against her will.
Clark couldn’t bear to continue that line of thought.
“However, there is indeed a record of her parents leaving the country about two
or three months ago.”
Upon hearing Arabella’s words, Clark immediately asked, “Where did they go?”
“Lidaria.”
Enter title…
Upon hearing this, Clark was uncertain whether to worry or panic, “If Carol isn’t
in Lidaria, then their trip is in vain.”
Not to mention, they had never left their small town for most of their lives. Now
they were in a foreign country, far away, and completely unfamiliar.
“I have asked people to check their whereabouts. I believe there will be news
soon.” Arabella saw that Clark was in a bad mood and whispered, “This matter
can’t be rushed. There are too many situations involved. You should eat and
drink now, and save more energy.”
Upon hearing his sister’s comforting words, Clark couldn’t help but feel a warmth
in his heart. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever see Carol again.
But seeing his sister this understanding and adorable, his heart still warmed up,
feeling all fuzzy.
Having a sister felt so good.
Why hadn’t he felt this with Serena before?
“Don’t run yourself ragged; eat something first.”
Clark never thought that his anchor would be his sister now.
Looking at her calm and wise face, it felt as if she could hold up the sky if it were
to fall.
It was oddly reassuring.
Arabella even picked up his fork and served him some dishes.
After Clark had eaten, Arabella whispered, “I’m going to visit Villa Cascada”
There were still four unidentified people locked up there.
Just as Clark was about to say he’d accompany her, a voice rang out.
“Clark!”
Serena ran over. Seeing Arabella, she greeted her with a sweet smile as if
nothing had happened that morning.
“Clark, I need to talk to you!”
Arabella glanced at Clark, “I’ll be going first.”
“Hold on: Clark really wanted to go with her, but Serena quickly grabbed his
arm, asking with a grin, “Clark, I’ve been waiting for you all morning! I have
something to tell you.”
Seeing Arabella’s retreating figure, Clark could only say, “What was that? Tell
me.”
“I’ve been a bit busy these past few days, haven’t had time to be with you.”
Clark said guiltily. Then, turning to the girl beside him, he suddenly remembered
something, “Oh right, did you go shopping last night?”
Serena had been beating around the bush, wondering how to start the
conversation, but Clark took the initiative to ask!
She was secretly delighted but kept a poker face, “Yes, Martha went with me.”
“I had something urgent last night. Didn’t mean to stand you up.”
Clark explained. Then, turning to his sister, he asked caringly, “Did you find
something you liked?”
“Yes!” Serena said happily, “There are so many new arrivals this season.
They’re so pretty, I couldn’t resist and go a little overboard.”
She playfully stuck her tongue out as she said this, showing off her mischievous
side. Chapter 876
Clark was quick to ask, “How much did you spend? I’ll transfer the money to
you.”
“No need for that, Clark! You work so hard, I couldn’t possibly spend your
money, I have my own,’ Serena tried her best to come off as understanding.
But Clark, being the caring brother he was, insisted, “I promised to reimburse
you. How much did you spend? Don’t worry, just tell me.”
Serena playfully grinned, “I’m not telling you.”
Enter title…
“You’re still a student, and I’m already earning money. I should have been the
one to take you shopping last night, but something came up.” Clark felt guilty
about bailing on his sister the previous night, “If you don’t tell me. I’ll ask
Martha.”
“No, don’t ask her!”
Serena quickly tightened her grip on Clark’s arm.
“Clark, you really don’t need to pay. I’m not here to get reimbursed. I just wanted
to tell you that I’ve already bought everyone’s Christmas presents, and you’ll be
thrilled with yours! But I can’t disclose anything now. I’m here to tell you that you
don’t need to get me a gift.”
“Why not?” Clark asked, puzzled.
“Because over the years, you’ve bought me so many things. Maybe you can buy
more for Bella now.”
Seeing the innocent sparkle in her eyes, Clark softened, “That’s impossible. I
couldn’t leave out either of you. You’re both my sisters.”
Just then, Martha was passing through the garden. Clark called out to her,
“Martha, come over here.”
Martha looked utterly confused.
“Last night you went shopping with Serena. How much did she spend?”
Serena hurriedly signaled Martha with her eyes not to say anything.
Clark noticed Serena’s gesture and was touched by her consideration.
“Serena, you bought so much stuff for the Madam, your brother, and Miss Bella.
I reckon there’s not much left in your account.
Since Clark asked, should I tell him?” Martha’s tone was cautious, as if seeking
Serena’s approval.
Serena anxiously signaled Martha again with her eyes not to say anything.
Clark pressed on, “Don’t worry, just tell me. How much did she spend?”
“Serena, don’t be mad at me. Since Clark asked. It was 2.6 million.
Martha finally blurted out.
“Martha!” Serena immediately let go of Clark’s arm, “Why did you tell him?
Didn’t you promise to keep it a secret last night?”
Martha sympathetically said, “Clark won’t blame you. You didn’t waste money.
Most of the stuff you bought was for them. You didn’t buy much for yourself.
Martha was lying, though, as Serena had bought 90% of the things for herself.
“But you shouldn’t have told him. Don’t you realize Clark will reimburse me.”
Serena was still anxious.
Martha was surprised, “What? He’s reimbursing you.”
Clark pulled out his phone, logged into his mobile bank, and transferred $3
million to Serena’s account.
“You’ve done enough, buying so much for the family. Buy something for yourself
with the rest; Clark gently suggested.
Upon hearing a notification on her phone, Serena saw an incoming transfer of
$3 million and immediately panicked, “Clark, why did you transfer so much to
me? I don’t want it!Chapter 877
“I can afford it. Just take it without worry.’ Clark patted her head, his voice even
softer. “I owe you an apology, Serena. Something came up last night, and I had
to leave hastily. I didn’t mean to stand you up. You’ve got to understand, and I
never intended to leave you behind to go out with Bella.”
“Clark, it’s not a big deal! I’m sure you and Bella had something important to
take care of. I’m 18, not a clueless 8-year-old! You’re making it sound like I’m
petty.”
“Of course not. My sister is the most understanding. You bought so many gifts
for the family in one go. How does that make you petty?” Clark smiled warmly,
Enter title…
then asked, “Is your vacation over?
Are you going back to school?”
“Yes, this afternoon.”
In fact, Serena was feeling a bit sad.
She didn’t want to leave her home and her family.
But she wasn’t like Arabella, the perfect student who could skip school and
wander around.
She feared that the bond she had painstakingly built with her family over the
past few days would fade over time.
“I’ve got some other things to take care of in the next few days, Serena. Once
I’m done, I’ll take you and Bella out. You can think about where you’d like to go
and give me some suggestions.” Clark said gently.
“Okay.”
The thought of Clark taking her out made her heart flutter with joy!
“Clark, I have to go back to school this afternoon. Honestly, I’m going to miss
you. Once I leave, it will be a few days before I can come home.”
She held onto Clark like a little girl, holding him tight.
The light in Clark’s eyes softened even more. “No matter when you come back,
I’ll always be here. We have plenty of time together. No need to rush.”
Clark looked at the girl in front of him and swore, “Whenever I’m free, I’ll be
there for you wherever you want to go.”
“Clark, you’re the best.” Serena beamed a sugar-sweet smile.
“Martha, when you pack Serena’s bags later, ensure you include plenty of
snacks. Our Serena’s quite the foodie.”
“That’s not true!” Serena pouted.
After their walk, Serena returned to her room, and Martha found an excuse to
join her.
“Martha, do you think it’s wrong of me to feel this way? Clark clearly sees me as
his sister, but I.”
Serena didn’t finish her sentence before Martha cut her off.
“He might see you as a sister now, but that may change in the future!”
Martha’s words were like a dagger piercing through the warm bubble that had
just formed in Serena’s heart.
“Didn’t I tell you? As time goes on, they’ll grow closer to Arabella, and their bond
will strengthen. But you’ll feel more and more like an outsider. You saw what
happened today, and even the servants dont respect you!”
Serena felt a twinge of pain. “But I still feel bad about deceiving Clark. I only
spent $1.3 million, but you said it was $2.6 million.”
That was double the amount!
“Clark’s not short of money. You saw how he gave you $3 million without batting
an eye. You can buy so many things with that much in your account!”
The best houses in Summerfield cost about $20,000 per square foot. With $3
million, she could buy a large house. It might not be as grand as the Reflections
Villa, but it would be her own property under her own nameChapter 878
“If every brother gifted you three million bucks every now and then, along with
the fortune from the old lady, how many houses you reckon you could buy in a
year? Who needs love when you can have property?”
Serena looked down, remaining silent.
“Serena, next thing we should do.’ Martha whispered in Serena’s ear, plotting
something.
Meanwhile.
Enter title…
Arabella arrived at Villa Cascada, where Jack reported, “Boss, those guys from
last night woke up, but they’re not spilling a word.
Tough nuts to crack.”
“No worries, no rush. I need to visit the lab first.”
Watching her leave, Jack thought, how cool she looked when she’s in business
mode!
Arabella got back to analyzing the powder from yesterday, feeling like she’d
missed something. As she was busy, her phone vibrated.
It was a call from Crystal Temple.
“Crystal?” Arabella paused, puzzled.
“Arabella dear, where are you? I’m at Reflections Villa!” Crystal’s voice came
over the phone. “The servants said you left early this morning. Are you out
having fun? Can I join you?”
“I’m out with a friend”
“Oh, alright. When will you be back?”
“Probably not anytime soon.
“Clark is also not at home. Can you finish your work by lunchtime?
We could have lunch together. I heard Summerfield has this beautiful cave
restaurant that everyone’s raving about.”
Crystal wanted to bond with her future sister-in-law, but also because she found
Arabella’s cold demeanor comfortable.
However, Arabella politely declined the invitation after realizing Clark’s
intentions, saying, “Maybe not at lunch. I’ll treat you another day.”
“Oh, I can’t let you pay! Let’s plan another day to check out that restaurant, and I
won’t bother you and your friend anymore.”
Crystal chatted a bit more before hanging up.
Looking at the beautiful garden of Reflections Villa, Crystal felt a bit bored since
Mr. Collins and Mrs. Collins were not at home.
At that moment, Serena called out softly, “Crystal?”
“Serena dear, Crystal greeted her with a friendly smile.
“Are you here for Clark? He’s out and there’s no one else at home.
Would you like to go out for a bit, maybe grab lunch?”
Serena thought that it would be good to bond with Crystal in case she became
her future sister-in-law.
Having one more friend was always better than having one more enemy.
But Crystal laughed, “Maybe another day. I just remembered I have something
to take care of. I’ll be going now.”
Serena felt awkward but still managed to smile, “Alright, we’ll plan for another
day.”
After Crystal left, Martha couldn’t help but comment, “She clearly doesn’t want to
bond with you. She was all over Arabella earlier and even asked her out for
lunch. But the moment you mention it, she suddenly has something to do. Who
is she fooling?”
Serena didn’t expect Crystal to be so calculating, only wanting to bond with
Arabella.
“After all, you’re just an adopted daughter.’ Martha added fuel to the fire,
“Serena, do you see the difference now?”
The biological child was always favored.
An adopted child was still an outsider in this family!
Back at Villa Cascada, Arabella’s experiment was still not completed. Hearing
that Clark had arrived, she turned to see a tall figure standing in the doorway.Chapter 879 “Clark, you’re here?”
This was Clark’s first time seeing his sister, Arabella, dressed in a lab coat, “I’m
not interrupting anything, am 1?”
“No, Arabella motioned to a chair close by with her eyes. “Sit for a while, and I’m
almost done.”
Stepping in, Clark surveyed the lab. It was filled with advanced medical
equipment, some of which he had been hoping to get hold of but couldn’t find
anywhere.
He hadn’t expected his sister to have such a vast collection.
Enter title…
Just this one lab, he guessed, must have cost at least a million in dollars.
He had heard from Jack earlier that this entire floor housed 11 labs.
Sitting down, Clark quietly watched his sister, her face concentrated. She looked
radiant under the sunlight as if a painting had been brought to life.
He couldn’t resist taking out his phone for a picture, but he didnt share it with his
brothers out of respect for Arabella’s privacy in her lab.
Just then, there was a knock on the door, “Boss, the results from phase three of
the P-project are ready.”
The person who entered, also dressed in a lab coat, paused when she saw
Clark sitting there.
Why was there a man in the boss’s lab?
Could he be the boss’s boyfriend?
“Yes.”
Before leaving, he took another look at Clark. He was so handsome, and the
boss sure had good taste.
Half an hour later, Arabella’s face looked rather grim.
Clark couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong?”
“Clark, we’ve made an unsettling discovery.’ Arabella stared at the data, her
voice serious, “Our previous hypothesis might be wrong.”
Clark’s heart clenched, “Which hypothesis?”
“We thought that the powder we found in Carol’s vitamin C bottle was a potent
poison, possibly used by someone to harm Carol, or perhaps used by Carol
herself for self-protection. But now, I’ve “That’s a possibility.”
If that’s the case, she must have suffered so much for the past year.
Clark’s heart sank as if it had fallen into an icy cave. No, it couldn’t be true. His
Carol was too kind-hearted to endure such agony.
“Those people called her a traitor, right? Could this be a way to punish her?”
Clark hadn’t thought about this possibility, but hearing Arabella’s words, it
seemed highly likely.
“Bella, I need to find her.’ Clark was desperate, “I need to find her soon.”
Clark finally understood why Arabella looked so grim, “You’re suggesting that
Carol might have been poisoned, and without an antidote, she had to use this
deadly poison to neutralize the poison in her system?”
“That’s a possibility.”
If that’s the case, she must have suffered so much for the past year.
Clark’s heart sank as if it had fallen into an icy cave. No, it couldn’t be true. His
Carol was too kind-hearted to endure such agony.
“Those people called her a traitor, right? Could this be a way to punish her?”
Clark hadn’t thought about this possibility, but hearing Arabella’s words, it
seemed highly likely.
“Bella, I need to find her.’ Clark was desperate, “I need to find her soon.’Chapter 880
“I know, it’s just a suspicion of mine. Don’t worry just yet; Arabella genily said,
“I’ve already sent people to look for her. We haven’t found her yet, but we could
try contacting her parents first.”
Perhaps her parents knew what was going on.
“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s head to Lidaria now.”
Clark was genuinely anxious to find the girl. The thought of Carol possibly being
poisoned, relying on a different poison to delay its effects, made his heart ache
as if he were suffocating.
Enter title…
Just then, Jack knocked on the door, “Boss, there’s news. Mr. and Mrs.
Earwood have run out of money. They’re teaching foreign language to a family
in Lidaria. I’ve sent the address to your phone.”
“Good, Arabella calmly ordered, “Prepare the private jet. Clark and I are going
over.”
Clark was surprised, “You have a private jet?”
Upon hearing this, Jack interjected, “Boss, you can’t leave the country! Have
you forgotten about those factions from before?”
Arabella’s stern gaze silenced him, and Jack quickly changed his approach, “I
think it’s best for you to stay within the country.
There’s a lot that needs your attention.”
Clark sensed something was off, “What do you mean by ‘those factions’? Why
can’t Bella leave the country? Is she in danger if she does?”
Jack was caught off guard, and after a pause, he bluffed, “What I meant was,
remember when the boss went to Carol’s house and some people got away?
What if they bring reinforcements and set a trap for the boss in Lidaria? The
boss doesn’t have any support there, and it’s too dangerous.”
“Shut up.” Arabella was annoyed by his rambling.
“Boss.”
Arabella raised her stern gaze again, and Jack had no choice but to silently
retreat.
“Bella, send me the address. I can go alone,’ Clark was aware of the danger,
“You should stay safe here. If anything happens to you, I will never forgive
myself”
“Jack is just a worrier. Ignore him. Let’s go back to Reflections Villa and pack
some light luggage. We might be gone for a couple of days.”
Despite having a change of clothes on her private jet, Clark didn’t.
“Bella, listen to me,’ Clark was truly reluctant to let her take this risk, especially
since he had finally found such a caring sister.
“Clark, there’s no room for negotiation in this.”
Arabella thought to herself that she could protect Clark if she went with him.
If Clark went alone, that’s when the real danger would arise.
She would have to rescue him if he was captured, which would be even more
troublesome.
Seeing his sister’s resolution, Clark hesitated, “Bella.”
“Let’s go back to Reflections Villa first’ Arabella didn’t want to discuss it any
further.
Seeing his sister’s stubborn face, Clark finally relented, “Promise me, Bella. If
there’s any danger and I tell you to run, you have to listen.”
“Alright.”
Even if she had to run, she would take Clark with her.
“No going back on your word; Clark added.
“Of course, no going back.”
On their way back to Reflections Villa, Clark received a few WhatsApp
messages. It was Serena.
[Clark, I’ve decided. Let’s head to Iridia this weekend. We can check in at the
famous scenic spots and visit Disneyland.]
Pretending to be understanding, Serena added, [Bella probably didn’t have
many opportunities to go to places like that growing up. It could leave her with
some nice memories.]