Chapter 237: Provocation at the Wedding Ceremony

Chapter 237: Provocation at the Wedding Ceremony

After the ceremony ended, guests stood up and applauded one after another. The sound of blessings filled the lawn. Natasha held Knox's hand with a standard smile on her face, but her eyes unconsciously swept toward where Atlas and I were standing.

Knox seemed distracted the whole time, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the ring on his ring finger. His gaze kept falling on me, only to be calmly blocked by Atlas each time. After several attempts, Knox's expression grew increasingly gloomy, but with so many guests around, he could only suppress the hostility in his heart.

"Congratulations, Mr. Pemberton, Mrs. Pemberton. Happy wedding," Atlas said, standing up while holding my hand, his tone flat.

Before Knox could speak, Natasha jumped in first, her face wearing a gentle smile. She reached out to take Knox's arm, her tone carrying a deliberate hint of showing off. "Thank you, Mr. Lancaster. We also wish you and Helena an early marriage. When that happens, we'll definitely come to congratulate you in person."

She deliberately emphasized "early marriage," as if hinting at something or being provocative, as though she was certain Atlas and I wouldn't make it to the end.

I raised my eyebrows slightly and didn't respond, just tightened my grip on Atlas's arm, using actions to answer her probing.

Atlas looked down at me, his eyes full of affection, then turned to Natasha. His tone remained flat but carried an undeniable coldness. "Thanks for the kind words. As for Helena and me, we don't need your concern. But you two, since you're newlyweds, you should focus more on each other."

This remark was a subtle jab at Knox for not having his heart with Natasha. Natasha's smile froze for a moment before she replied, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Lancaster."

John walked over, his face showing mixed emotions. He looked at Atlas with both wariness and deliberate flattery. "Mr. Lancaster, your presence here truly honors us."

He obviously knew about the Pemberton family were being pressured by suppliers and banks, and guessed it was Atlas's doing. Now facing Atlas, his tone carried an extra caution.

Atlas nodded slightly, neither humble nor arrogant. "You're too kind, Mr. Lockwood."

At that moment, Maria came over with Henry, holding two glasses of champagne, smiling as she said to Atlas, "Atlas, those guests were just praising you non-stop."

Clearly, Maria was in a good mood.

Atlas nodded slightly. "You flatter me, Mrs. Lockwood."

Seeing everyone circling around Atlas, Natasha felt unwilling. She huffed softly and said, "Dad, the guests over there are waiting for us to toast them. Let's go."

"Alright."

Only then did John seem to snap back to attention and hurried off with Natasha and Knox.

As soon as they left, Ivan came over.

"Helena, Mr. Lancaster, I brought you some desserts. Try them, they were specially prepared."

He held the dessert plate in front of us, and just as it was about to touch Atlas's hand, the plate fell to the ground. The cake scattered everywhere, and even Atlas's pants got stained.

"Are you okay?"

I frowned, looking at the stain on Atlas's pants. "Ivan, how could you be so careless?"

Ivan scratched his head. "Sorry, Helena. I didn't mean to. My arm hasn't fully recovered yet, so I don't have much strength."

As he spoke, he secretly watched Atlas's reaction. Atlas looked down briefly and didn't take the little incident to heart. "It's fine. I'll take care of it when I get back."

"It's my fault!"

Ivan gestured for someone to bring another plate of desserts and held it near Atlas again. "Sorry, Mr. Lancaster. Please try some."

Atlas didn't take Ivan's little trick seriously at all. He glanced at it, picked up a piece of cake, and placed it in front of me. "Want to try it?"

I took a bite and frowned. "Sweet. Too rich."

Hearing this, Atlas put the cake back. "Then we won't eat it. I'll take you out to eat later."

"Okay."

Seeing that we completely ignored him, Ivan bit his lip and forced a smile. "Mr. Lancaster, I'm really sorry for almost bumping into you. Please don't mind."

Atlas looked up, his eyes cold, his tone without any emotion. "No problem. But you should rest and recover properly to avoid any more accidents that might spoil everyone's mood."

The words seemed gentle but carried a warning. Everyone present understood that Atlas was reminding him not to pull any more tricks.

Even Maria noticed something was wrong between them. She looked down at Ivan's arm in a sling. "Ivan, are you alright?"

Ivan shook his head. "Aunt Maria, I'm fine. The doctor just said I need to rest this injury."

Maria nodded. "In that case, you should hurry back to the hospital and rest."

"It's okay. I'll go back after the wedding."

Seeing him say this, Maria could only nod. "Alright then, but be careful. Don't bump into anything."

"I will."

After Ivan finished speaking, Natasha and Knox, who had been making the rounds toasting, came back.

"Helena, Mr. Lancaster, Knox and I came to toast you."

Natasha wore a smile, but the calculation in her eyes couldn't be hidden. She deliberately held the wine glass in front of me, her tone carrying some provocation. "Helena, I was wrong before. I shouldn't have targeted you everywhere. I hope you can forgive me. After all, I married Knox, and we'll have to rely on you and Mr. Lancaster a lot in the future."

Looking at her fake smile, I felt disgusted but didn't show it. I just picked up the juice on the table and lightly clinked her glass. "You're overthinking it, Natasha. I've already forgotten about the past. As long as we each mind our own business from now on, there's no need to talk about relying on anyone."

Atlas also raised his glass, his tone cold. "Wish you a happy marriage. And Mr. Pemberton, since you're married now, stay away from Helena. Don't bother her anymore, or I won't let you off!"

His words carried an obvious warning. Knox's face turned ugly, and he lashed out directly. "Atlas, who the hell do you think you are? When Helena and I were together, you were still hiding in some corner!"

"Is that so?"

Atlas pulled me into his arms as if declaring ownership. "But now she's my girlfriend!"

"Don't be so arrogant!"

Knox pointed his finger at Atlas. "Don't think I can't do anything about you!"

"Go ahead, Mr. Pemberton. Show me whatever tricks you have."

Atlas looked at him with complete disdain. "I'll be waiting."

Knox was about to speak again but was cut off by Natasha. "Enough!"

Then she raised her glass to Atlas. "Don't worry, Mr. Lancaster. Knox and I will live a good life together. We also wish you and Helena happiness."