Chapter 96 Release Them Now
"I can't believe I missed such an exciting scene. What a shame, such a pity!"
Tristan, ever the troublemaker, clinked glasses with Quincy as he spoke.
"You like this kind of drama too?"
Quincy said, her eyes sparkling as she leaned in.
"Yeah, it's the first time I've seen something like this. Too bad someone made me play chauffeur and I missed all the action."
Tristan sighed while glancing at Atlas.
"Want to see the drama? No problem, I recorded a video. I'll send it to you later."
Quincy pulled out her phone. "Come on, let's exchange contact info."
Watching the two instantly clicking, it suddenly occurred to me - maybe Quincy and Tristan could actually be a good match.
After they exchanged contacts, the waiter quickly brought out the food. I hurried to say, "Let's eat quickly so we can head home."
"Alright, Helena, don't forget you've got us backing you up. Just call anytime."
Quincy patted her chest as she spoke.
"Quincy's right, you've got me too."
Atlas smiled at me.
I glanced at Atlas and nodded. "I know."
Just as we finished eating, my phone rang again. It was Maria.
After I answered, Maria said directly, "Helena, don't come home yet. Arabella's at our door with people, refusing to leave."
I thought for a moment. "Why is she blocking our house?"
"Who knows? She's crying and shouting that she needs to see you. I didn't let her in."
"Mom, you did the right thing. You're home alone, and Arabella's crazy - who knows what she might do. Wait there, I'm coming back now."
Hearing my words, Maria said repeatedly, "Then I'll have the security company send some people to protect you."
Seeing how nervous Maria was, I quickly tried to talk her out of it. "That's not necessary, Mom."
"Listen, your safety is what matters most to me right now. Just do as I say."
Hearing this, I could only say helplessly, "Alright then."
After I hung up, Atlas asked directly, "What's wrong?"
"That was my mom. She says Arabella's at the house waiting for me to come back."
Hearing this, Quincy immediately exploded. "She dares to show up? Fine, since she's there, let's deal with her properly!"
With that, Quincy rolled up her sleeves, ready for a fight.
Atlas grabbed my arm. "Helena, let me go back with you."
Seeing everyone acting like we were going to war, I quickly said, "That's not necessary. The Pemberton family are the ones who did wrong, not me. Besides, it's my home, not some lion's den. What do I have to be afraid of!"
"And you!"
I looked at Atlas. "You shouldn't come along. If you do, it'll only make things worse."
Then I looked at Quincy. "You come back with me."
"Okay!"
Quincy took my arm and looked at Atlas. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of Helena. If anything happens, I'll contact you guys."
Atlas said helplessly, "Alright, then I'll wait downstairs at your place."
I was about to object when Atlas cut in first. "Don't refuse again, Helena. You know I'm really worried about you."
Hearing his words, I could only say, "Fine, you can come along then."
As soon as I walked through the door, I was startled by the scene at home.
More than a dozen security personnel stood in the house and yard. As soon as Peter saw me, he stuck close behind me. "Ms. Lockwood, don't worry, the home security measures are very strict. I won't let you get hurt at all."
I patted Peter's shoulder reassuringly. "It's okay, don't be nervous. This is our own home."
Peter followed behind me somewhat anxiously. "Arabella's inside."
I nodded and walked in with Quincy.
Only Maria was in the room. Henry was probably still at the hospital with Rosalind. Hearing my voice, both people inside quickly stood up.
Maria hurried over to me. "Helena, you're back."
"Mom, don't worry."
I gave her a reassuring look, then turned to Arabella behind her.
In just half a day, Arabella had become haggard, her face full of grief and worry.
When she saw me, she immediately stood up. "Helena, did you call the police to have Knox taken away?"
"Mrs. Pemberton."
Arabella waved her hands excitedly. "Give me back Knox."
"He wronged you, but he doesn't deserve to die for it, does he? You had the police take Knox and Xavier away in front of all those people - what are you trying to do? Do you want to destroy the Pemberton family?"
Seeing her agitated and aggressive manner, I knew this wouldn't end peacefully today.
I lowered my eyes. "You can ask about the reason they were arrested. If they hadn't backed us into a corner, I wouldn't have used this move."
"What do you mean by that - are you saying we forced you?"
Hearing my words, Arabella said furiously, "Yes, Knox's affair was wrong, but the mistake shouldn't be Knox's alone. Natasha was at fault, too. You can't just have Knox arrested with one phone call!"
With that, Arabella covered her face and began crying.
Seeing her like this, Maria, a mother herself, felt compassion.
"Arabella, don't be too upset."
As soon as Maria said this, Arabella dropped her hands and glared at her. "It's all because of you. If it weren't for your daughter, would my son be suffering in jail? Call the police right now and have them release him!"
"We can't."
Seeing her aggressive manner, I said coldly, "Knox and Xavier are suspected of contract fraud involving up to one billion dollars. You want us to have them released? Fine, return the money first."
"What?"
Arabella froze, stepping back several steps with an incredulous expression. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Whether I'm talking nonsense or not, you can go see them and ask."
Having said that, I didn't want to get further entangled with her. "Peter, show her out."
"I'm not leaving. If you don't explain things clearly today, I'm not going anywhere!"
Arabella threw a tantrum and refused to leave the sofa. Seeing her make a scene, Maria frowned. "You guys hurry up and carry her out!"
Peter immediately waved to those behind him. Several security personnel entered the room, and amid Arabella's shouting, she was carried right out.