Chapter 58 I Only Believe You

Vera grabbed the phone, her voice shaking, "Arnold! I need your help!"

Hearing Arnold's name made Bert snap. He slapped the phone out of Vera's hand. "Seriously? You got a thing for Arnold now?"

Vera shot back, "Just wait till Arnold gets here. You'll see."

Bert's eyes showed a flicker of fear, but he quickly masked it. "I'll hide you so he can't find you!"

Vera screamed, "What? Are you nuts, Bert? Let me go!"

She sneered, "You gonna tell me you've fallen for me now?"

Vera thought Bert was losing it.

Bert wanted to argue, but the words stuck in his throat. He knew he couldn't be in love with Vera. How could he fall for someone like her? But his actions were confusing.

Why did it bug him so much to see Vera and Arnold together?

The memories of their time together replayed in Bert's mind like a slideshow. He didn't entirely hate Vera; in fact, he found himself thinking how silly she was for burning her fingers on the freshly baked cookies. Yet, when he caught a glimpse of her beautiful amber eyes, sparkling like the sunset, he couldn't help but remember the moment she had smiled at him, illuminating everything around her.

He didn't used to hate Vera like this; but when did it change?

Lost in thought, a black Audi blocked his way, followed by more cars...

Bert's car was surrounded in an instant.

Men in black uniforms, well-trained, stepped out of the cars, and Bert calmed down.

They were Arnold's men.

It hit him how absurd his actions were - he had actually kidnapped Vera?

What surprised him was Arnold's willingness to protect Vera even after all this.

The middle car, a Cadillac, pulled up, and Arnold emerged. Dressed in a black suit, his tall frame stood out: long legs, a strong waist, broad shoulders, and finally, a perfectly chiseled face.

Arnold walked to the car and rapped on the window. "Step out."

Bert wanted to resist, but fear took over, his hands trembling as he opened the car door. Arnold grabbed his collar, yanked him out, threw him to the ground, and delivered a hard kick to his stomach, leaving Bert curled up in pain.

"You were warned, weren't you?" Arnold's voice was cold and deep, sending shivers down Bert's spine. Despite this, he gritted his teeth, refusing to admit his error.

Arnold's patience wore thin. "Take him back and inform his father."

The guards hauled Bert away, while Arnold moved to the other side, opened the door, and found Vera, her eyes red and teary. His heart ached at the sight.

Scooping her into his arms, his tone involuntarily softened, "Did I scare you?"

Vera clung to his neck, hiding her face in his collar, silent. Arnold could hear her stifled sobs.

He carried her to the car, maintaining silence throughout the journey, never releasing her hand.

As the quiet lingered, Arnold inquired, "Finished crying?"

"Not yet," Vera replied nasally, still avoiding his gaze.

She felt embarrassed, crying in Arnold's arms and dampening his tailored shirt.

"Keep crying then," Arnold said gently.

His tone carried a sense of helplessness, even causing the driver to steal a glance in the rearview mirror. Arnold had never sounded so tender; his stern demeanor was intimidating enough.

Now, he was displaying a rare indulgence.

Arnold signaled for the driver to pull over, leaving just Vera and himself in the car. Sensing the halt, the ensuing silence, Vera cautiously lifted her gaze, meeting Arnold's eyes by chance.

Instinctively, Vera wanted to look away, but Arnold wiped the tears from her eyes with his fingertips. "Your eyes are so red. You looked as scared as a rabbit earlier."

Vera said, "Even rabbits can bite."

"Are you going to bite me?" he teased with a light chuckle.

The laughter resonated deep and alluring in the confined space of the car. Vera suddenly realized their close proximity; she was seated on Arnold's lap. Yet, she didn't feel inclined to move.

Recalling how Arnold had stood like a deity in the sunlight earlier, Vera's heart raced. Perhaps she could confide in Arnold.

"Have you seen all the gossip online?" she asked, feeling anxious.

Arnold nodded. "I've seen it."

Vera's heart skipped a beat.

But then Arnold added, "I only believe you."