Chapter 117 I Do Not Agree to Dissolve the Engagement
I said, "Okay, then come early. I still need to prepare some gifts."
"No need."
Atlas refused flatly, "Just you visiting them is already showing them tremendous respect."
Although Atlas had quite a bit of resentment toward his family, showing up empty-handed still didn't seem very polite to me.
I thought for a moment and said, "How about this - I'll buy some health supplements. If they don't want them, we can use them ourselves."
"But..."
Seeing he was about to object again, I cut him off, "Alright, it's fine. You don't need to feel bad for me or worry about what I'm buying. When I give gifts, they'll return the favor later. And if anyone gives me a hard time, you'll be there, right?"
Hearing this, Atlas finally said, "Helena, thank you. But don't worry, I won't let anyone bully you, not even my own family."
I lowered my voice and said softly, "I know, and I trust you. So don't be afraid - I'll always be by your side."
Atlas on the other end of the line was silent for a long time before saying, "Helena, thank you. Thank you for choosing me. I promise I'll always protect you."
I murmured in agreement, "Alright then, I'll hang up now. See you tonight."
"Okay, see you tonight."
After his deep voice faded, the call ended.
I put away my phone, collected myself, and drove to the office.
Due to the impact of the wedding incident, the company had received far fewer orders lately. Plus, with the scandal involving Natasha and Knox getting out, it had quite a negative effect on the company.
The sales department was under tremendous pressure, and Lyndon, who already had thinning hair, had lost even more from the stress.
The entire morning, the sales team was in meetings, going through each group's current clients one by one for analysis.
After the analysis, I assigned new sales targets. By the time the meeting ended, it was already past lunchtime.
I had just sat down to rest when I heard York shouting again.
"Helena, Knox is making a scene downstairs."
Knox again. My anger flared up instantly.
"He actually dares to come here!"
Seeing I was about to rush downstairs, York quickly tried to stop me, "I already had security throw him out. Helena, you shouldn't go down there."
I shook my head. Knox came to see me - if I didn't show up, he definitely wouldn't give up.
"Let's go, let's go see."
Seeing my insistence, York had no choice but to take me to the elevator.
As soon as we reached the first floor, I heard a commotion.
"I'm not leaving. I need to see Helena. If I don't see her today, I'm not going anywhere."
Several security guards were surrounding Knox, telling him to leave, but he was shouting at the top of his lungs, looking determined not to budge.
Seeing this scene, I strode over.
"Knox."
The guards let go of Knox and greeted me, "Ms. Lockwood."
Seeing it was me, Knox's emotions instantly got even more worked up.
"Helena, I really know I was wrong. Please forgive me, okay?"
Knox was actually crying.
But I knew clearly in my heart - there was only one reason that could make him do this: money.
After the wedding was called off and Knox and Xavier were arrested for investigation, the Pemberton Group's stock price had plummeted. To save the company would require throwing huge amounts of money at it.
Over the years, the Pemberton family had suffered consecutive investment failures - otherwise they wouldn't have set their sights on taking over my family's assets.
That one billion-dollar loan was no small amount. If they had to pay it back, the Pemberton family would have a hard time, even if they didn't go bankrupt.
"Knox, I've made myself very clear. Please go back."
Seeing my cold attitude, Knox's pent-up anger suddenly flared.
"Helena, I never thought you were this kind of person. You're watching the Pemberton family under attack from all directions and deliberately kicking us while we're down, right?"
"Fine, since you're heartless, don't blame me for being ruthless. I'll tell you straight - the Pemberton family is not paying back that money. If you've got what it takes, send me to prison."
He finally revealed his true purpose.
I sneered, "So you like prison food? In that case, I'll make sure you get your fill!"
Hearing this, Knox panicked instantly. He quickly suppressed his anger and forced out a smile, "Helena, I was just locked up too long and talking nonsense. Please don't take it seriously."
"I've been pushing the finance department to pay back the money. Helena, for the sake of our past relationship, please don't be angry, okay?"
Looking at his hand on my arm, I felt a wave of disgust rise up.
"What are you doing? If you have something to say, say it properly. Why are you getting handsy? We're all watching here."
As York spoke, he pulled Knox's hand off my arm.
Knox had never been treated this way. He glared at York and said, "Are you tired of living? I'm talking to my fiancée - what gives you the right to butt in!"
Seeing him getting more and more ridiculous, I frowned.
"Knox, do you have amnesia? I told you it's over between us. I'm not your fiancée."
Seeing me say this, Knox flew into a rage.
"As long as I don't agree to break off the engagement, you can only be my fiancée!"
"Is that so, Mr. Pemberton? You sure talk big!"
A calm voice came from the company entrance. Everyone and I looked up to see Atlas had arrived.
The moment I saw him, York beside me instantly breathed a sigh of relief and rushed over, "Mr. Lancaster, someone's harassing Helena, and we can't get rid of him."
Atlas nodded slightly, "Alright, I understand."
Then he stepped in front of me.
Knox frowned and glared at him, "Atlas, this has nothing to do with you. Stop meddling!"
"Nothing to do with me?"
Atlas let out a cold laugh and pulled me into his arms, "Last night, in front of everyone, Helena became my girlfriend. And you're saying this has nothing to do with me?"
"What!"
Knox stared in disbelief, his eyes darting back and forth between Atlas and me.
Suddenly, he roared, "No, that's impossible! It can't be true!"
"What about this then?"
Atlas, wanting to provoke him, lowered his head and kissed me firmly on the lips.
This was the first time Atlas and I had kissed in public. His breath fell on my lips, and my face instantly turned bright red.
As our lips met, cheers erupted around us.
I pounded on Atlas's shoulder, and only then did he reluctantly lift his head.
Looking back at Knox with mocking eyes, he said, "Now do you believe it?"
"No, no, it's not like this. Why is this happening?"
Knox grabbed at the hair on his head, shouting hoarsely, "Helena, you unfaithful woman! Why are you fooling around with another man behind my back?"