Chapter 19 The Storm Begins
"Mrs. Pemberton has a point, but trying on wedding dresses is exhausting. Why would I put myself through that when someone can help me?"
I replied coolly.
Hearing my rejection, Arabella's face darkened. She wanted to say more, but Knox quickly interrupted her.
"Mom, this is my arrangement. I care about Helena and don't want her to get tired."
"Knox really knows how to care for people."
After hearing Knox's words, Arabella reluctantly dropped it.
Arabella had always been domineering and arrogant at home. In my past life, after I married into the Pemberton family, I was constantly controlled by her. In this life, she still wants to use her elder status to suppress me? No way.
The model soon came out wearing the dress. It was truly custom-made—the fabric, thin as cicada wings, fit perfectly against her skin, highlighting the most beautiful curves of her body.
Once on, the model in the mirror looked absolutely stunning, impossible to look away from.
A staff member nearby gasped. "Ms. Lockwood, this wedding dress is gorgeous. If you put on makeup and wore it yourself, who knows how beautiful you'd look."
I believed what they said, but it was a shame the designer's work wouldn't end up on me.
"Helena, this wedding dress would look beautiful on you."
Knox's eyes were glued to me. I frowned slightly, hiding my disgust.
"You chose well. Thank you for your effort."
"Helena, why are you being so formal with me?"
Knox said, pointing at the dress. "See if there's anything that needs altering?"
I shook my head. "No need, it's fine."
Since I wasn't going to wear it anyway, why bothered with alterations?
Seeing me say this, Knox nodded. "Alright, pack it up then."
After the dress was put away, Knox said. "I've already booked a restaurant. Helena, let me take you and Mrs. Lockwood to dinner."
I nodded in agreement. "Okay."
At the dinner table, when we were almost done eating, Arabella suddenly asked. "Helena, I heard that yesterday at the horse track, someone gave you a horse?"
Arabella's words made Maria ask too. "Really? Helena, is this true?"
I glanced at Knox, knowing he must have told Arabella about this, but why bring it up now?
Not understanding Arabella's intention, I said calmly. "Yes, Mr. Lancaster bought Top Horse and gave it to me."
"Helena, you might not know much about this Atlas. His reputation among the wealthy isn't very good."
Arabella put down her utensils and continued. "After Atlas's mother died, he had a falling out with the Lancaster family and moved out of The Lancaster Manor. Later, the family head had to personally intervene to bring Atlas back."
"But after returning, Atlas completely fell apart—playboy, arrogant, and hasn't shown much capability since joining the Lancaster Group."
"I've heard his younger brother is very favored by the family. There are rumors that the Lancaster family will let his brother take over. When that happens, this Atlas won't have anything left."
Arabella smiled at me. "That Atlas has a messy private life and loves to pursue young girls like you. Helena, we need to keep our distance from him."
"As for the horse he gave you, just give it to Knox, so no ugly rumors start spreading."
After Arabella finished, the room fell silent.
Everyone looked at me, waiting for my answer.
I sneered inwardly. After all that talk, she just wants the horse. Too bad—I never planned to give it away from the start.
"Mrs. Pemberton is overthinking. How could I accept something from someone for no reason? Knox said he would pay Atlas back for Top Horse."
Then I turned to Knox. "Knox, why didn't you tell Mrs. Pemberton about paying Atlas back?"
Knox's face looked terrible. He probably didn't expect that bringing Arabella into this wouldn't make me give up the horse, but would backfire on him instead.
"Yes."
"Knox, that's sixty million dollars! How could you just agree?"
Seeing Knox nod, Arabella was somewhat frantic.
"It's only sixty million dollars. If Knox is short on funds, we can pay for Helena." Maria's voice came calmly.
"Maria, you misunderstand. How could we let you pay? It's right that Knox pays for things for Helena. I'm just thinking about that awful Atlas—giving the horse to Helena with bad intentions."
"With so many people at the racetrack, giving it to Helena so openly—isn't this ruining our Helena's reputation?"
Seeing Arabella getting more excessive, Maria finally couldn't take it anymore. "Knox, weren't you there too? Why didn't you stop Atlas?"
Maria's words made the atmosphere awkward.
Knox frowned at Arabella before speaking. "It's my fault. Mrs. Lockwood, don't worry, I'll handle it."
"Helena is going to be part of your Pemberton family. If any bad rumors spread, that's the husband's failure. Knox, do you understand?"
This was the first time I'd seen Maria so serious.
Watching Knox and Arabella unable to speak after being scolded by Maria, I felt extremely satisfied.
On the way back, Maria asked worriedly. "What was Mrs. Pemberton's problem today? Why did she keep bringing up that horse?"
"And that Atlas—are you two close? Why would he give you a horse?"
"I'm not close with Mr. Lancaster."
As I said this, my face felt hot.
I didn't want Maria to worry, so I had to keep lying.
"As for Knox's mother constantly bringing up the horse, it's probably because the purchase price was too high, so she can't let it go."
Arabella kept mentioning the horse because Joseph was about to arrive in Starwave City. The more urgent she was, the less likely I'd give her the horse.
Hearing this, Maria sighed. "Knox is good, but Arabella..."
She shook her head. "Forget it, let's not talk about them. When we get back, I'll transfer you the money, and you can personally pay Mr. Lancaster back."
"Alright."
I'd return the money to Atlas myself, so Knox wouldn't have any ideas about Top Horse later.
As soon as the car stopped, I saw several extra cars in the courtyard.
Peter came forward. "John's family is here. They're in the room talking with Henry."
So John's family came. What are they doing here at this time?
Before I could figure it out, I heard footsteps. John's family came out.
"Helena's back."
Willow saw me and greeted me first.
"I heard you went to try on wedding dresses today. How was it?"
Seeing her face full of smiles, I suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Aunt Willow, what brings you here?"
Willow raised her hand to smooth her hair, looking extremely pleased. "Naturally for my good-for-nothing nephew. But fortunately your father agreed, and tomorrow Caleb can start working at the company."