Chapter208 Clifton's Protection
On the sofa, Arthur felt a chill run through him under Clifton's emotionless gaze, his back straightening instinctively.
He could clearly sense that Clifton wasn't joking.
The oppressive aura of authority radiating from Clifton made him immediately drop all his casual arrogance.
The contempt and mockery on Arthur's face gradually faded, though deep scrutiny remained in his eyes.
He took a deep breath and forced out a stiff smile, his tone softening. "Got it, Clifton. I was just joking with your wife. Don't take it seriously."
Then he turned his gaze to Miranda, his expression complicated as he perfunctorily uttered two words. "Sorry."
Miranda simply nodded faintly, not even bothering to give him another glance.
She knew perfectly well his apology held no sincerity. He was only backing down under Clifton's pressure, finding himself a way out.
Who knew what he was cursing at her in his mind.
Since his hostility toward her was so obvious, there was no need for her to smile and cater to someone who clearly looked down on her.
On the sofa, Isabella watched anxiously and secretly tugged at Arthur's sleeve.
Arthur's eyes darkened as he changed the subject.
He looked at Clifton, his tone returning to its usual familiarity. "You're either at the company or at home all day. You're practically growing mold. How about we head up to the mountains in the suburbs tomorrow? Your legs could use some sunshine. Might help them heal faster."
He paused, then continued, "I've called some friends for this trip. We can all get together, make it lively."
Clifton's gaze swept across his face before he answered indifferently. "Fine. You arrange it."
With that, he turned his wheelchair toward Miranda. "Let's go upstairs."
Miranda followed Clifton up to the second floor.
Once back in the room with the door closed, Clifton stood up.
The man walked toward Miranda, a trace of apology in his eyes. "Arthur's always had a nasty temperament. If he bullied you, just tell me."
Seeing the man's sincere expression, much of Miranda's irritation from Arthur's behavior dissipated.
She curved her lips into a smile, her eyes crinkling. "No, he couldn't out-argue me downstairs just now."
She blinked playfully, adding, "Besides, he's a grown man. He can't exactly get physical with me."
Watching that cunning, confident smile on her face, Clifton couldn't help but curve his own lips slightly, the coldness in his eyes replaced by gentle warmth.
"Good that you weren't bullied."
He paused. "You rest first. I have some things to handle in the study."
Miranda nodded, watching as Clifton sat back in his wheelchair and left.
She opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.
She was actually somewhat worried about Clifton regarding Harrison's situation.
But if she told him, would Clifton think she'd been entangled with Harrison all along?
With this thought, irritation rose in Miranda's heart, along with growing disgust toward Harrison.
The man in her memories was gradually becoming someone she detested.
In the study.
Clifton picked up his phone and called his subordinate.
"Did you find out?"
His team member's voice immediately came through. "Captain, we found him! It was Harrison from Whitmore Group who hired those men. We interrogated them. They said Harrison told them to make trouble for you."
"Captain, Harrison is sister-in-law's ex-husband. I heard his girlfriend was sent to prison by sister-in-law. Could he be trying to get revenge for that, or is Harrison actually trying to win sister-in-law back?"
These words made Clifton's eyes narrow dangerously.
Harrison.
His mind involuntarily flashed to the two videos Arthur had sent that afternoon.
A violent aura rose from the depths of Clifton's heart, the pressure around him dropping to freezing.
"Understood."
He hung up coldly, then dialed another number—his assistant Mia.
As soon as the call connected, he issued his order directly. "Make trouble for Whitmore Group. Size doesn't matter. Just make it troublesome."
If Harrison dared to have designs on his woman, he'd better be prepared for the consequences.
The next morning, when Miranda woke, she learned she was also included in today's outing.
Though she didn't particularly like Arthur, Clifton mentioned there would be other friends.
As Clifton's wife, she had to consider his position, so she had to go today.
In the walk-in closet, she pulled out athletic wear from the corner.
The sleek light gray athletic outfit hugged her figure perfectly. Her usually loose hair was efficiently pulled into a high ponytail that swung energetically in the air.
Gone was her usual cool aloofness, replaced by a spirited, heroic air. She looked like a rose glistening with morning dew—breathtakingly beautiful with a unique charm.
Arthur, sitting in the downstairs living room, felt his heart skip a beat when he saw her descend, an inexplicable flutter stirring within.
But the moment this thought surfaced, his expression darkened.
He cursed himself inwardly for being blind!
A divorced woman who kept entangling with her ex-husband—what kind of decent person could she be? Had he actually just thought she was beautiful? He must be crazy!
When Clifton saw Miranda come down, a flash of amazement crossed his deep eyes, though it quickly returned to calm.
He nodded slightly at her, his words brief. "Let's go."
Two elongated black Lincolns slowly pulled out of the Prescott estate, heading toward the suburbs.
Clifton, Miranda, Arthur, Isabella, and Celeste sat in the first car.
The second car carried several of Arthur's friends, all well-connected children from wealthy families.
Throughout the ride, there was barely any conversation in the spacious cabin.
Celeste and Isabella occasionally exchanged glances, silently communicating through their phones.
Only Arthur's gaze kept sweeping over Miranda, his eyes full of wariness and scrutiny.
The atmosphere in the entire cabin was oppressively stifling.