Chapter 186 I Want to Give You a Gift
I cherish every day with my parents by my side. Being able to stay with them forever in this life is my greatest happiness.
After talking with Maria for a while, I decided to pick up Henry and go out for dinner together.
"Your dad will be so surprised."
Maria changed her clothes and walked arm-in-arm with me toward the car, saying as we walked, "I think the last time the three of us went out to eat was a month ago. Time really flies."
"That's why I thought we should go eat together and surprise Dad."
As I spoke, I opened the car door and helped Maria in, then got into the driver's seat and said, "Let's go!"
After picking up Henry from downstairs at his office, I took them to a seaside restaurant.
Since my rebirth, I'd always avoided places related to the ocean, but after breaking off my engagement with Knox, my resistance had gradually faded quite a bit.
The restaurant had an underwater theme, with coral and seashells, and even a replica of a large shark.
Listening to the gentle music playing around us, my mood instantly improved.
"Dad, Mom, take a look at what you'd like to eat."
I handed them the menu.
Henry gestured for Maria to order. Maria smiled and glanced at it, saying, "Let Helena arrange it. Your dad and I are fine with anything."
"Okay, I'm ordering then."
I picked up the menu and started flipping through it. After just a few pages, I heard a surprised voice behind me say, "Mr. Lockwood, what a coincidence!"
I turned around to see it was Xavier.
How unlucky—why did I keep running into the Pemberton family everywhere?
Seeing him walking toward us, Henry had no choice but to stand up and say, "What a coincidence, Mr. Pemberton."
"Yes, I saw you from far away and thought I was seeing things."
Xavier enthusiastically extended his hand to Henry, saying, "You're having a family dinner."
Henry looked at me affectionately and said, "Yes, Helena wanted to go out to eat, and I was just thinking about trying something different."
"That's nice."
Xavier released Henry's hand and smiled at me, "Helena, I haven't seen you in ages. When you have time, remember to come by the office and chat with me."
What a businessman—so shameless, able to say such things without any hesitation.
"Mr. Pemberton, hello."
I wore a slight smile as I politely declined his suggestion, "I wouldn't dare go to your company. Everyone knows Knox and Natasha are engaged now. If I went, it would surely cause Natasha to misunderstand."
"Besides, aren't Natasha and Knox getting married soon? I definitely can't go at a time like this."
As soon as I said this, Xavier froze. "Getting married? Who said that?"
"Isn't it true?"
I pretended to be surprised and covered my mouth, "This news came from Natasha herself. It can't be false, can it?"
Xavier's expression immediately turned very unpleasant. He forced a smile and said, "I suppose that's the case. I must have remembered wrong."
After saying this, he nodded to Henry, "I won't disturb you then."
He left in a hurry.
After he left, Maria said in confusion, "What was that about? It seems he didn't know about Knox getting married?"
"Who knows."
I pretended not to know anything and lowered my head, returning my attention to the menu in my hands.
But I knew clearly that the news of Natasha's upcoming marriage had come from my mouth. As for what happens next, that's up to Natasha herself.
Soon after we finished eating, I took Maria and Henry for massages before heading home.
As soon as I got home, Atlas called again.
"Helena, are you asleep yet?"
"Not yet. What's up?"
It was noisy on the other end. I couldn't hear very clearly, but I could tell Atlas had been drinking.
"Nothing, I just miss you a bit."
After Atlas finished speaking, before I could respond, he explained on his own, "I went on a business trip at noon today. I'm at a party in Evermore right now. I met some old business friends and had some drinks, but I was worried about you, so I'm calling."
I was a bit surprised, "So when I called you today, you were already in Evermore?"
"Yes."
Atlas chuckled softly, "Otherwise I would definitely be by your side."
Then he continued, "Tomorrow I'm going to an auction. Helena, about the Lancaster family bullying you—I'm going to use the Lancaster family's money to compensate you."
"You don't have to, Atlas."
If the Lancaster family found out Atlas was spending money on me, wouldn't they be even angrier?
"It's fine. I just want to be good to you. Helena, don't try to talk me out of it. No one can stop me from being good to you!"
Atlas said, "Don't refuse me. I keep thinking you might meet someone better, but right now you've met me, and that's my honor. If this causes you harm, that's my fault."
I knew Atlas's words came from the heart, and I'd never doubted his sincerity toward me.
Thinking of this, I stopped refusing, "Okay then. Since you're giving me a gift, I want the best—something worthy of me."
"Yes, ma'am. Helena, I will definitely complete this mission."
Atlas on the other end laughed somewhat recklessly. I frowned—he was drunk.
"Who did you bring with you?"
Hearing me ask about his companions, Atlas became even happier, "Helena, are you checking up on me?"
I said deliberately, "Yes. Don't you want to tell me? If you don't want to, forget it."
"Of course I do!"
Atlas's voice suddenly rose, "Benjamin, come here for a moment."
Soon I heard a young man's voice say, "Mr. Lancaster, you called me?"
"Yes, report to Ms. Lockwood who came with me today."
Benjamin Carrington seemed to pause for a moment but quickly responded, "Ms. Lockwood, hello. Only I accompanied Mr. Lancaster on this business trip. Don't worry, I'll take good care of Mr. Lancaster."
Hearing this, I felt a bit embarrassed, "I think Atlas has had quite a bit to drink. Take him back to rest early."
"Ms. Lockwood, don't worry. I'll take Mr. Lancaster away right now."
After Benjamin finished speaking, he said to Atlas, "Mr. Lancaster, Ms. Lockwood wants you to go back. Let me take you now."
Benjamin was really clever, using my words as his orders.
But Atlas was obedient too, saying into the phone, "I'm going back with Benjamin now. Don't worry."
"Okay, be careful. Send me a message when you get to your place."
"Okay."
Atlas hung up the phone.