Chapter 137: Attending the Engagement Banquet Together
Helena's POV
I wasn't surprised when I heard that Natasha was getting engaged to Knox.
But Maria was indignant. "The John family is really something. They'll marry anyone, and they don't even mind that Knox is unfaithful!"
Seeing Maria's angry expression, I quickly tried to comfort her. "Mom, don't be angry. Marriage is a personal choice. Maybe Natasha truly loves Knox."
"Yes, yes, they're not just in love, they're perfect for each other. Those two better stay tied together for life!"
Maria got more and more worked up and grabbed her phone. "I'm calling your father right now to tell him to come home."
I quickly stopped her with a smile. "Mom, what are you doing? Are you going to have Dad stop the engagement party?"
"Of course not. Not only won't I stop it, I'm going to dress your father up nicely and we'll go make a big appearance. I want to see if Natasha and Knox can actually last!"
After receiving Maria's call, Henry came home quickly.
"Honey, perfect timing. Take Helena and me to the mall. We need to get some proper outfits."
Henry frowned in confusion. "What for?"
"For Natasha's engagement party, of course."
Maria grabbed Henry's arm and headed toward the car.
"That's not necessary. We don't need to make such a big deal of it."
Henry tried to decline with a smile, but Maria refused. "They want to laugh at us. We can't just let them act so smug!"
Without giving him a chance to argue, Maria pulled Henry into the car.
Once in the car, Maria instructed the driver, "To the mall."
The driver responded, "Yes, ma'am."
We soon arrived at the mall. Maria went straight to the boutique and picked out an outfit for herself and Henry.
When it was my turn, she carefully selected several options but couldn't decide which one to buy.
"I think they all look great. The purple one is elegant, the white one is classic and beautiful, but the blue one is nice too. Which one should I choose?"
Watching Maria hesitate, I found it amusing.
"Mom, it's not my engagement. Just pick any one. If it doesn't work out, I'll just wear a suit."
"That won't do!"
Maria insisted, "I want you to outshine everyone there, so those people can see that you dumped Knox."
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at her words.
"Mom, why do you care so much about this? I have my own boyfriend now. What happened with Knox is in the past. If Atlas hears you say this, he'll be upset."
"Right, how could I forget about Atlas?"
Maria quickly took out her phone and called to order a suit.
"What's the customer's size?"
Hearing the salesperson's question on the phone, Maria looked confused and turned to me. "What's Atlas's height and size?"
Before I could answer, she shook her head. "Never mind, forget it."
She spoke into the phone to the salesperson: "Send the clothes to the Lancaster Group, for Atlas. Tell him it's from Ms. Lockwood. If it doesn't fit, exchange it for him."
"Yes, ma'am."
After she hung up, I couldn't help but ask, "Mom, you're not planning to have Atlas attend tomorrow's engagement party too, are you?"
Maria said matter-of-factly, "Why not? You two have already met each other's parents, and everyone approves. You're a couple with our blessing, so of course he should attend."
I didn't quite agree. "But it's Natasha's engagement. If we go like this, it'll seem like we're stealing the spotlight."
"You're absolutely right."
Maria said with a grin, "That's exactly what I want you to do—steal the spotlight. One's a cheater, the other's a homewrecker who seduced your boyfriend. What's so great about their engagement party? You and Atlas are the most stunning couple."
"Tomorrow, take Atlas with you and make them all jealous!"
Today I discovered that when Maria gets serious, she's really like a child.
I said helplessly, "Mom, will this really work?"
"Why wouldn't it? Just listen to me."
After saying that, she pointed to the clothes and told the staff, "Pack all three of these. We'll take them home and decide later."
"Yes, ma'am."
The staff packed the clothes and loaded them into the car. Maria pulled me out of the store, and Henry had just finished his phone call.
Seeing us, he asked, "Can we go back now?"
"Of course. Look at you, always on the phone when you go out. I ask you to come shopping for clothes and you're on one call after another."
Seeing Maria's dissatisfied complaint, Henry put his arm around her shoulder with an apologetic smile. "You know how much work there is at the company."
"Fine. To make it up to you, how about I take you both to dinner?"
"That's more like it!"
Maria smiled with satisfaction and looked at me. "Helena, what do you want to eat?"
I quickly replied, "I'm fine with anything. Mom spent so much today, so you should choose."
"Alright, let's go for steak then."
After Maria decided on the restaurant, Henry drove us there himself.
"Alright, ladies, we've arrived at the restaurant. Please get out."
Henry opened the car door himself and helped Maria out.
Maria had been smiling the whole way. Watching the two of them being so affectionate, I couldn't help but smile too. I hoped Henry and Maria could stay this loving forever.
As soon as we entered the restaurant, my phone rang. It was Atlas calling.
Maria saw the caller ID and said, "Tell Atlas to come to the house tomorrow morning. We'll all go to the hotel for the party together."
"You really want him to go?"
I was still hesitant.
It wasn't that I was worried about Knox and Natasha—I just didn't want to be so high-profile.
"Yes, just listen to me."
Seeing Maria insist, I could only nod in agreement.
"Alright then, I'll tell Atlas."
I answered the phone, and Atlas's excited voice came through. "Helena, did you send me that suit?"
I glanced at Maria, who winked at me. I smiled and replied, "Yes. How is it? Does it fit?"
"It's great, thank you. But why did you suddenly think of buying me clothes?"
Hearing his question, I explained, "Well, Natasha and Knox are getting engaged tomorrow. My parents want you to come with me."
"Sure! Don't worry, I'll come pick you all up early tomorrow morning."
Hearing his happy voice, I felt like he was up to something.
"Just come on time. No need to come early—we don't want it to look like we can't wait to attend the engagement party."
"That's not right. I'm not eager to attend the engagement party—I'm eager to watch the drama unfold."
Atlas laughed heartily. "Don't worry, I'll dress up properly and come early tomorrow."