Chapter 821 Divorce

Chapter 821 Divorce

Paul gave Preston a knowing look. "We know each other."

Arabella was surprised, then delighted. "That's great."

Preston's heart tightened when he heard Paul's words, worried that Paul might say something reckless in front of Arabella.

Paul had said reckless things in front of Christina, which was why she distanced herself from him.

Seeing Preston's nervousness, Paul felt quite pleased.

He held Christina's hand and said, "Arabella, I'm going over there to say hello. I'll join you later to cut the cake."

Arabella nodded. "OK."

Paul walked away with Christina, and Preston breathed a sigh of relief.

Preston asked, "Arabella, how do you know him?"

Arabella thought Preston was just curious. "He's really nice. When I was studying in Country M, I got into some trouble and was forced to drink. He stepped in and helped me out."

At Arabella's birthday party, more than half of the guests were familiar with Paul, and all of them had powerful family backgrounds.

Paul introduced his friends to Christina and also introduced Christina to them.

With each introduction, Paul whispered a few words in Christina's ear. "Tom's family is in the oil business. He's very outgoing and not a bad person."

"Zach's family owns mines. He's very capable but has a ruthless side despite his cheerful appearance."

Christina's head was spinning from all the information.

She wasn't good at socializing, so she just smiled whenever Paul introduced someone. Fortunately, these people were all very familiar with Paul and didn't trouble her.

Paul had a few drinks with them, and when someone wanted to drink with Christina, Paul declined on her behalf.

Although Christina could drink, she could only drink a lot in front of him; no one else should know she could drink.

Christina was pleased by this.

When it was time to cut the cake, everyone gathered around to sing a birthday song to Arabella.

Arabella happily blew out the candles, and the lights in the banquet hall were turned on.

Preston somehow had a bouquet of roses in his hand.

Arabella's eyes widened in surprise.

Preston, looking a bit shy, stood in front of Arabella, who was shorter than him.

"Arabella, I..." He nervously swallowed.

Arabella felt a hint of anticipation.

Preston continued, "I like you. I'm sorry for confessing on your birthday, but I really like you."

Someone in the crowd started to cheer.

Arabella shyly lowered her head.

Preston continued, "Will you be my girlfriend?"

He used the most straightforward approach, without any fancy words, which made it seem more sincere.

Just as Arabella was about to nod amidst the cheering, an untimely voice interrupted.

"Arabella, you can't say yes to him," Paul said.

Christina looked at Paul beside her in confusion.

Paul raised his voice. "He's a hypocrite. Being with him will only lead to you being used."

Preston's heart had been tense all along. He tightened his grip on the bouquet, wishing he could punch Paul right then and there.

Arabella also looked at him in confusion. "Why?"

Since tonight's party was for young people, Arabella's parents had decided not to attend to let the young people have more fun.

Paul showed a bit of regret. "I'm sorry, Arabella."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a commotion at the entrance, and several police officers rushed in. They quickly restrained Preston.

Arabella hurriedly asked what was going on.

One police officer said, "We suspect him of being involved in a robbery case. We need to take him back for investigation."

Without giving anyone a chance to react, the police forcibly took Preston away.

Preston didn't even have a chance to explain, and the bouquet of roses fell to the ground.

Arabella asked, "Paul, why?"

Paul replied, "I'm sorry, Arabella. I'm doing this for your own good. Come with me to the police station, and you'll understand."

Arabella's eyes reddened. She had a good impression of Preston. When they first met, she was being harassed by some thugs, and Preston had driven them away.

After a few more encounters, she grew fond of Preston, who seemed like a gentle man.

Arabella had been well-protected by her family and had never dated while studying in Country M. Now that she had finally met someone she liked, she needed to find out what was going on.

Arabella went to the police station with Paul. Several close friends, worried about her, accompanied her.

After learning the details, Arabella's face turned pale.

"So it was all his doing." Arabella sat in disbelief.

Paul comforted her, "It's not too late to find out now. Stay away from scum like him in the future."

Arabella nodded and left with her friends.

Christina was also a bit shocked.

It turned out that the time she was robbed and the second time she was scammed on the road were all orchestrated by Preston.

Paul patted her head. "Don't be surprised. I don't know how many times he's tried to kill me. Luckily, he didn't succeed in harming you."

Christina shivered and hugged Paul's strong waist. "Let's go."

"Okay," Paul replied.

Joseph soon got the news and rushed over, but he couldn't get Preston out.

Preston was involved in more than one incident. Although the investigation was ongoing, those already caught had confessed that he was the mastermind, so the police had to detain him.

After understanding the situation, Joseph immediately called Paul.

Paul and Christina had just returned to the villa. Seeing Joseph's call, Paul ignored it.

It wasn't until the third call that Paul leisurely answered.

Joseph shouted, "Bastard, get your brother out!"

"My brother? Is my mom pregnant?" Paul asked, feigning confusion.

Joseph felt a wave of dizziness from anger. "Preston, get him out. He's your brother."

"My mom's not pregnant. How could I have a brother?" Paul questioned.

"You! I warn you, if you don't drop the charges, I'll..." Joseph said.

"Divorce my mom." Paul interrupted Joseph.

Joseph fumed, "Bastard! You ungrateful bastard. How could you ask me to divorce your mom? No one in the world has a son like you."

"Well, now you do. I'm a great son. Just say whether you agree or not."

Joseph hung up the phone.

Paul sneered, while Christina munched on an apple. She wasn't surprised at all by Paul's suggestion for his parents to divorce.

Joseph and Ashley's marriage had long been a sham. In her view, it would be better if they divorced so Ashley could live a more comfortable life.

Paul turned his head and, looking aggrieved, leaned towards Christina. "Honey, give me a hug. I'm about to become a fatherless child."

Christina remained silent.

Arabella, having learned the truth, blocked Preston's contact information. To avoid further entanglement, she packed her bags and went to Country M.

Without Paul dropping the charges, Preston couldn't get out.

The news of Preston's arrest was spread by some with ulterior motives, causing the Thomas Group's stock price to plummet for two consecutive days. Investors were selling off, believing the Thomas Group wouldn't recover anytime soon.

In the end, Joseph had no choice but to agree to Paul's demands.