Chapter 31: You Help Me
My heart sank. Had Knox noticed something?
But I quickly realized this was just Knox testing me.
"Knox, you're overthinking it."
"No."
Knox moved closer and took my hand. "Helena, if I'm doing something wrong, tell me, and I'll change."
Everything's wrong. I want you dead—would you die for me?
My whole body tensed, resisting his approach. I tried to pull my hand away, but he gripped it tighter.
"Helena, don't push me away. I've missed you."
Knox pulled me into a tight embrace. I instantly went rigid.
"Knox, let go!"
"No, Helena, you have no idea how much I've missed you."
Just as I was about to lose my temper, the office door suddenly burst open.
It was York. Seeing the scene in the office, he let out a shriek and rushed back out, closing the door behind him.
"I didn't see anything! Sorry, Ms. Lockwood, carry on."
"Alright, Knox, look, you've scared off my colleague."
I frowned and pushed Knox away forcefully.
Knox reluctantly let go. "Helena, I'm sorry. I love you so much, I couldn't control myself."
Thinking about how he used the same sweet talk as everyone else made me feel sick.
"I know. But Knox, our wedding day is coming soon. We'll be husband and wife then, and we'll never be apart again."
Hearing this, Knox visibly relaxed.
"You're right. After we're married, we'll never be apart."
"I need to work now. Knox, you should go too."
Seeing me dismiss him, Knox didn't resist this time. He stepped back. "Okay, I'll head back. I'll come pick you up for lunch at noon."
"No need, the company has a cafeteria."
Seeing my objection, Knox insisted, "How can the company cafeteria compare to a restaurant? Wait for me to pick you up."
"And about Top Horse yesterday—I was wrong. Helena, give me a chance to apologize."
Seeing his insistence, I nodded in agreement.
That morning, I went to the workshop again. Atlas's order was already queued up on the machines, ready for production. I walked around but didn't notice anything unusual.
Even those big orders seemed fine. I couldn't figure out what went wrong in my past life, but until I found the problem, I wouldn't be able to rest easy.
With my wedding to Knox approaching and only days left until the company's disaster in my past life, anxiety gnawed at me.
Thinking about this, I called over the workshop supervisor, gave him some instructions, and hurried off.
At noon, my phone rang. It was Knox.
When I went downstairs, I saw Knox waiting at the gate in a sports car.
Seeing him, I couldn't help comparing him to Atlas.
By comparison, Atlas was muscular, commanding, and sharp. Next to Atlas, Knox seemed rather scrawny.
Just as I thought this, I shook my head sharply. What was I thinking? How could I be thinking about that awful Atlas?
"Helena, let me take you for steak at lunch today."
Knox opened the car door for me and thoughtfully helped me fasten my seatbelt.
"Okay."
Seeing me agree, Knox smiled. "Hold on tight then."
We soon arrived at the restaurant. I looked up—what a coincidence. This was the same restaurant Atlas had brought me to before. I hoped I wouldn't run into Atlas today.
After we went in, the waiter quickly brought our food. Knox thoughtfully poured me a glass of red wine.
"Helena, try this. I specially prepared it for you."
"Sorry, I have to work this afternoon. I'll skip the wine."
Seeing my refusal, Knox gave up.
During the meal, Knox casually brought up seeing Joseph yesterday.
"Helena, about Top Horse yesterday—I acted on my own without considering your feelings. Can you forgive me?"
I laughed coldly to myself. Why the fake concern now? Too late!
My expression remained neutral. "It's fine. If I could help, I guess it served a purpose. I just wonder if your friend had a good time yesterday?"
Seeing my question, Knox looked uncomfortable and shook his head. "No, the friend I wanted to meet was Joseph, who left with you."
At his words, I acted surprised. "What happened? But you two didn't even talk yesterday?"
Knox looked frustrated. "I went to great lengths to find out Joseph likes horses, so I borrowed the horse from you. Who knew Joseph wouldn't even give me a chance to meet him?"
"Helena, do you know who this Joseph is?"
I shook my head. "No idea."
"He's the CEO of Everglow Financial Group. He specializes in investment. I heard he was coming to Starwave City and wanted to meet him to get funding for the Lancaster family, but now it's all fallen through."
Seeing his frustrated expression, I was delighted inside.
But I still offered comfort. "Is there any other way?"
Knox glanced at me, hesitating. I sensed his intention but didn't speak up.
Unable to hold back any longer, Knox finally said, "Helena, I came today to ask if you could help me arrange another meeting with Joseph."
Hearing this, I looked troubled. "But I don't really know Joseph. We only met once."
"I could tell Joseph really likes you, Helena. You're the only one who can help me now." Knox spoke urgently.
I asked, "Knox, tell me the truth—is your company having financial problems?"
At my question, Knox hedged. "No, nothing like that. You don't understand business matters. It's just a temporary cash flow issue. Once we get through this, everything will be fine."
"Helena, I need you to help me connect with Joseph."
Won't tell the truth, huh? I sneered inwardly.
Too bad—there's no way I'm helping with this.
I said calmly, "Knox, don't worry. The Pemberton family's business is my business. I'll help if I can. But I don't really know Joseph either. I can only try to arrange something. If I can't..."
"It's okay, Helena. As long as you're willing to help, I know you can do it."
"But if I really can't arrange it, Knox, don't blame me."
"I won't. How could I blame you?"
Despite his words, Knox was especially attentive. He picked up some food and put it on my plate. "Helena, you're too thin. Eat more."
"Okay."
I was about to take some food, but stopped. "Knox, have you seen Natasha these past few days?"