Chapter 231 I Love You

Chapter 231 I Love You



"Excellent. Please, let us officially welcome Ms. Lockwood to the board."

"Welcome, welcome."

Another round of applause broke out around me, and everyone's eyes fell on me—some curious, some skeptical.

Meeting their gazes, I said calmly, "Thank you all for your warm reception. Moving forward, we're all family. I'll work tirelessly alongside all of you to push the company to unprecedented new heights."

"Good! With Ms. Lockwood's words, our company success is guaranteed."


Knox chimed in beside me, and after his words, someone echoed, "Right, right, the company will definitely get better and better."

I thought I'd face difficulties at today's meeting, but surprisingly, the entire proceeding had been suspiciously frictionless. No one gave me a hard time during the meeting. After Xavier formally adjourned the meeting, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But just as I was about to leave, Xavier and his people stopped me.

"This is your first time coming to the company as a shareholder, right? To demonstrate our utmost respect, I've arranged a banquet. Please join us in the dining room."

Seeing his cunning smile, I felt uneasy. "Mr. Pemberton, you're too generous. There's no need for dinner."

Before I could finish, Xavier interrupted me. He deliberately put on a stern face and said, "Is Helena looking down on the Pemberton Group, or looking down on your fellow shareholders?"

As he finished speaking, many shareholders walked out of the conference room together. Some waved and said, "Ms. Lockwood, come on, let's have dinner together."

"Yeah, yeah, we're all family now. Let's get to know each other better."

Xavier looked at this scene and cunningly turned his gaze to my face. "So, will Helena accept the invitation?"

It seemed I had no choice but to go today. Seeing this, my heart went cold. Whatever trap Xavier had set, I had to walk into it with my eyes wide open.

With this thought, I put on a smile and said, "Alright, since Mr. Pemberton has so kindly invited me, I would be honored to attend."


Seeing me agree, Xavier nodded with satisfaction and gestured, "Helena, please."

I was surrounded by a group of people and pushed into the elevator. Before I could even move, someone pressed the button for the underground parking garage.

"Helena, ride in my car."

Knox eagerly opened the car door. I looked around—York and Owen hadn't been able to follow down.

Noting my hesitation, Knox grinned and said, "Helena, get in the car."

I looked at him coldly and said, "Where is my security detail?"

At my question, Knox said, "You mean the two people you brought? I've already had someone tell them the restaurant location. They'll be following behind us soon."

I didn't believe his lies. I took out my phone from my bag to call York, but the moment I took it out, I found my screen displaying zero bars.
Seeing my action, Knox quickly explained, "This is an underground parking garage. It's normal to have no signal. You'll get a signal the second we hit the street."


Not seeing Owen, I felt uneasy. I didn't dare get into Knox's car easily.

I was about to turn back and take the elevator up, but Xavier and several shareholders blocked my way.

"Helena, why haven't you gotten in the car yet?"

Xavier looked at Knox and said, "Knox, don't neglect Helena."

"I won't, Dad."

Knox said to me, "Helena, please get in the car."

Forced to this point, I had no choice but to get into Knox's car. I prayed Knox wouldn't be crazy enough to try something in the car.

If he really dared to make a move...

I touched the knife in my bag. If he dared to try anything, I'd make sure he regretted it!

Knox sat down beside me. The moment the car started moving, Knox let out a long breath and smiled. "How long has it been since we sat together like this?"

Seeing his disgusting, undisguised expression, my face darkened. "Knox, you orchestrated this entire charade, didn't you?"

"On purpose what?"

Knox said with a smirk, "That's your problem—you always think the worst of people."

He spread his hands. "Look, I haven't done anything. I just wanted to take you to dinner. Don't be nervous. We were lovers once, after all. I'm not going to hurt you."


It was precisely because I'd been with Knox before that I knew exactly how deceitful and ruthless he could be.
I looked down without saying more, but secretly put my hand in my bag and dialed Owen's number.

The moment the line clicked open, I quickly took out my phone and said, "I'm in Knox's car. Where are you?"

"Ms. Lockwood, we're directly behind you. Don't worry."

Hearing Owen's voice, I couldn't help but look back. Sure enough, I spotted a car following at a distance. Seeing this, I felt relieved.

Knox also turned to look and chuckled. "Feel safer now?"

I said expressionlessly, "When dealing with someone like you, it's always good to take extra precautions."

"That's a bit insulting."

Knox turned to look at me, unconvinced. "When you were with me, did I ever force myself on you? Even when we were dating, I never forced a kiss on you, did I?"
As Knox said this, I noticed even the driver in front was clearly eavesdropping
I glared at him angrily. "Knox, what are you talking about? Don't forget you're about to get married!"

"Yes, I must have been out of my damn mind to agree to your terms and marry Natasha!"

Seeing his angry expression, I felt uneasy. Was he thinking of backing out at the last minute?

With this thought, I said casually, "Marrying Natasha has always been your wish. Don't forget how madly in love you two were back then."

"I was blinded back then. That's why I got together with Natasha in confusion. But I never loved her!"

Seeing him speak so righteously, I said coldly, "How can you be with someone you don't love? What's the point of saying this now, Knox?"

My words made Knox anxious. "Helena, I'm trying to tell you that what I felt for Natasha might nothing but temporary lust, but I'm very clear that wasn't love. In my heart, I've always loved you!"

Knox's words really disgusted me.

How could he say such things so brazenly?

I said seriously, "Knox, if you keep talking like this, I'm getting out of the car!"

"No, don't."

Knox quickly stopped me. "Helena, I know you're angry with me. What happened before was my fault. I was blinded by lust. It's all my fault. Can you ever forgive me?"

"I don't really want to marry Natasha. As long as you agree to marry me, I'll use all the Pemberton family's shares as a marriage proposal gift and marry you. How about it?"