Chapter 76: Choose an Obedient and Well-behaved Partner
Lucas's appearance was unexpected, but Edgar and I had pretty much finished our conversation anyway.
After Edgar left, I was alone, facing Lucas. Although the pressure inside me doubled, I absolutely wouldn't show it.
I calmly continued drinking my coffee and enjoying the view. Whatever Lucas said, I gave him curt, dismissive answers.
I didn't completely ignore him, and my attitude was even quite peaceful. I turned myself into an emotionless stone, not giving Lucas any opening to get to me.
When Lucas finally left, he looked somewhat defeated.
I went back home. Now I live in a villa next to my brothers'. I rarely go to the house where Lucas and I used to live together. The Caldwell family still lives there, but they follow my previous wishes and never let Lucas stay overnight.
My three brothers always come to my place for dinner if they don't have social engagements. Not long after I got home, Gale arrived.
"Gale, you knew all along that Edgar wanted to become police chief, didn't you? You could have just told me directly. I actually thought you really wanted me to go on a blind date with him."
I figured Gale must have been messing with me before, but I didn't catch that it was a joke and ended up scaring Gale with threats about all the rich young ladies in the city.
Gale was silent for a few seconds. "I really did want you to go on a blind date with him."
I blinked at Gale, stunned.
"I investigated him thoroughly. He's good-looking, should be your type, cheerful personality, not arrogant and cold like Lucas." When mentioning Lucas, Gale's expression became somewhat unnatural. "Edgar is willing to become our force in the police system. I had him approach you—if he could convince you, I wouldn't object."
I frowned. "A future police chief is definitely worth investing in, but I still don't know his capabilities, how far he can go. The risk is too high. Gale, it's rare to see you think so highly of someone. Is he trustworthy? His father is the Thornfield family's lackey."
"I know. Edgar has two other brothers. Originally, all three brothers would have been assigned to start as junior officers in the Thornfield family's territory." Gale explained. "Edgar might have been assigned near the Gambino family's sphere of influence, but he never liked the life path his father planned for him since childhood."
"After high school, he applied to the police academy, then joined the military. After discharge, he was randomly assigned to Starstream City. Being able to become the youngest sheriff—besides having good abilities, he also had good luck." Gale patted my head. "I understand your concerns. I wouldn't let a dangerous person get close to you."
I patted Gale's hand on my head. Of course, I trust that Gale wouldn't harm me.
"How did you feel when you met him today?" Gale asked.
I thought about it and said, "Then let him submit proof of his loyalty. We need to see his capabilities before considering whether to cultivate him."
"I'm not asking about your work feelings." Gale sounded somewhat helpless. "Do you have any feelings for him?"
I couldn't help but frown. "No."
"Alright, you can spend more time getting to know him."
Gale's words were cut off by Brian.
Brian stood in the entrance, wearing a slipper on one foot and a leather shoe on the other. He seemed to have been listening to my conversation with Gale for a while.
"Gale, didn't you hear? Bella doesn't likeEdgar. Why are you forcing Bella to spend time with him?" Brian rarely lost his temper with Gale. "Is a police chief worth trading Bella's marriage for?"
Gale's face darkened. I quickly stopped Brian. "Brian, you misunderstood."
"Whether I misunderstood or not, let Gale explain clearly." Brian glared at Gale angrily. "Gale, what exactly are you trying to do?"
"I want to choose an obedient, easily controlled partner for Bella," Gale said in a low voice.
So that's what Gale had in mind!
If Edgar's career path was tightly linked to my marriage and the family, he wouldn't dare betray me or make me the slightest bit unhappy.
I could understand that Gale had this idea because Lucas was too domineering, but Brian couldn't accept it.
"Can love bought with benefits ever be genuine? You might as well buy a few obedient male escorts for Bella."
I shook my head repeatedly, indicating I didn't want that.
Gale frowned tightly. "Brian, listen to what you're saying!"
Brian crossed his arms. "That's what I should be asking you! How is your self-righteous way of thinking you're doing good for Bella any different from those stubborn old people with rotten thoughts in big families?"
Gale said, "I'm not forcing Bella. I'm just suggesting she try getting along with Edgar."
Brian replied, "But your whole approach is fundamentally wrong!"
I squeezed between them. "Stop fighting, let's have dinner first!"
Gale and Brian simultaneously pointed toward the dining room, smiling at me. "You eat first, eat more, tell the chef whatever you want."
I tried to mediate, but ended up being sent to the dining room.
After Marcus came back, Gale and Brian's argument turned into a three-way battle.
I simply kicked them all out, gave each of them a dinner to take with them, made them go back to their own villas, ordered them to calm down, and threatened that if they kept fighting, I would go on a hunger strike!
The next day was the day of Harold's final pre-surgery examination.
Standing in front of the elevator, I yawned.
"You're tired?" Lucas's voice came from behind me.
My open mouth immediately closed.
Before the divorce, I often wouldn't see Lucas for days. After the divorce, Lucas kept appearing before my eyes!
Last night I dreamed all night long—I dreamed that my brothers were competing with each other, vying to send me men, all different styles and types. If I didn't accept them, they would fight.
In the dream, I lived a life being served by a group of men. I watched them compete for my favor and gradually found it entertaining, but just as I was flirting with them, Lucas suddenly appeared and shot them dead one by one, killing them all.
Then Lucas pinned me on the couch. His fierce expression suddenly became aggrieved, as if a big bad wolf had turned into a puppy. He looked pitiful while kissing me and saying, "You can only love me, no other men allowed!"
Lucas walked to my side and asked, "Didn't sleep well last night?"
Seeing his face made me think of last night's dream. I quickly looked away and said coldly, "It was okay."
The elevator door opened. Lucas walked in first. I stood there, somewhat hesitant.
Lucas put one hand in his pocket and let out a barely audible cold laugh. "Taking separate elevators?"
He seemed fed up with my coldness and had lost his patience.
I nodded. "You go up first. I'll take the next one."
Lucas didn't say anything. His eyes were filled with distance and indifference.
But just as the elevator door was about to close, Alfred suddenly rushed out to block Adrian and Cole, and at the same time, Lucas reached out and pulled me into the elevator.
I was completely unprepared and fell into his arms!