Chapter 50: Proclaiming Sovereignty?
Knox quickly brought me to Calliope's estate.
The security guards checked us at the entrance and soon let us through.
The car stopped near an artificial rock formation. After getting out, I saw a waterfall cascading down the rocks, with flowers blooming everywhere.
In the distance, a castle appeared before my eyes like something out of a dream. Around the castle, small groups of people wandered about, chatting in small groups.
Knox extended his arm toward me. I understood and stepped forward to take it, and we slowly walked toward the castle together.
We'd barely taken a few steps when a woman suddenly rushed out from the side.
The woman called out to Knox, "Mr. Pemberton."
I looked closely—it was Lucy, the secretary Knox had said couldn't attend the party.
Knox frowned when he saw her. "Why are you here?"
Lucy looked at Knox with a resentful expression but didn't answer his question. Instead, she turned her gaze to me.
"This must be Ms. Lockwood. Thank you so much for accompanying Mr. Pemberton today. I originally had something to do and couldn't come, but I finished up early, so I came after all. Ms. Lockwood, I hope I'm not interrupting."
Her attitude seemed humble, but her intense stare still betrayed her ambition.
What was this about—marking her territory?
Too bad Lucy didn't know she was just one of Knox's many women.
How pathetic.
I smiled faintly and turned to Knox. "Knox, since someone's here to keep you company, I'll head back now."
With that, I started to turn away.
Just as I was turning, Knox grabbed my arm tightly.
"Helena, didn't we agree? You're supposed to be with me today. How can you leave so quickly?"
I turned to look at Lucy and said unhurriedly, "But Lucy rushed over after finishing her work. It wouldn't be right to just send her away."
"She can come if she wants—what's that got to do with me!"
Knox's words were merciless, and Lucy's face instantly paled.
She quickly tried to explain, "Mr. Pemberton, I've always been the one to accompany you to parties. Ms. Lockwood isn't familiar with these events. So perhaps...?"
"Shut up. What are you trying to say? Are you questioning my fiancée?"
This was the first time I'd seen Knox defend me. I couldn't quite figure out what he was up to.
Lucy's face grew even paler at his words. She quickly backtracked, "Mr. Pemberton, that's not what I meant."
"I don't care what you meant. I want you to leave right now and not let me see you again. Understand?"
Knox's words carried a threatening tone. Lucy looked miserable and finally fled in embarrassment.
After she left, Knox squeezed my hand. "Helena, this is my fault. I didn't know Lucy would follow."
I sneered inwardly. If you hadn't spoiled her, would a mere secretary dare challenge me?
But fortunately, this little romantic charade wouldn't last much longer.
I pretended to be gracious. "It's fine. Every company has one or two employees who overstep boundaries. I know you're just too soft-hearted."
Knox's face lit up with a smile at my words. "My Helena really understands me. Don't worry, I'll fire Lucy as soon as I get back."
"That's not necessary. She meant well."
Knox looked even more pleased at my response.
"Helena, let's go in."
I nodded. "Sure."
Taking his arm, we walked into the castle together.
The castle interior was lavishly decorated. Elegant violin music floated through the air, and groups of attractive men and women gathered in small clusters, chatting quietly.
When we entered, a middle-aged woman in an elaborate gown appeared before us. "Hello, Mr. Pemberton."
Knox bowed slightly and introduced me to the woman. "Calliope, this is my fiancée, Helena."
"Hello, Helena."
Calliope extended her hand, but I still caught a hint of scrutiny in her gaze.
I shook it briefly and let go.
"Since you're here, make yourself at home. Let Knox show you around."
Her words immediately raised my suspicions. It seemed Knox and this Calliope were quite familiar with each other.
I nodded calmly. "Alright."
"Well then, Knox, take good care of Ms. Lockwood. I need to attend to other things."
"Please, Calliope, go ahead."
Calliope nodded at me and quickly left.
"Helena, feel free to look around. I see some acquaintances—I'll go say hello."
Knox patted the back of my hand and left directly.
Watching his eager departure, I frowned. Though I hadn't figured out what scheme Knox was plotting, there was no rush. Since I was here, I'd just wait and see.
I had a server bring me a cocktail and sipped it slowly.
I'd barely sat down when two women approached.
A woman in a white dress said, "Isn't this Mr. Pemberton's companion? Juno, look—Knox has changed partners again. It's not Lucy anymore?"
The one called Juno wore a red dress and glanced at me with disgust. "Knox really has no standards. He brings just anyone to these parties now. How distasteful."
She looked me over critically. "Someone like you thinks you can accompany Knox? Seriously, have you seen yourself?"
These two women's back-and-forth nearly left me speechless. What were they doing—had they set their sights on that jerk Knox?
I had no idea Knox was so popular.
I looked at the two women coldly. "I didn't want to come either. Knox begged me to. If you ladies really want to defend his honor, you can go tell Knox yourselves."
"You shameless woman!"
The hot-tempered Juno raised her hand to slap me.
The woman in white quickly stopped her. "Juno, Joseph is coming soon. He's an important guest your mother invited. If you disturb him, your mother will be furious."
With the white-dressed woman's words, I finally understood why Knox had brought me today.
It was because of Joseph. So Knox still hadn't given up.
But this woman was Calliope's daughter. What terrible taste—had she really fallen for Knox?
I instantly understood. No wonder Calliope had looked at me that way earlier.
At the white-dressed woman's words, Juno immediately calmed down.
She turned to her. "What's your plan?"
"There are plenty of ways to deal with shameless women like her."
The woman in white spoke with a malicious look, picking up a glass of wine and walking toward me.