Chapter 284 An Unexpected Collision
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“I see…” Arabella considered the proposal. It could genuinely benefit both the pharmaceutical company and the research facility.
“It’s a possibility,” she said after a moment. “But I have one condition.”
“Name it,” Frank replied, his gaze warm and accommodating. He was prepared to agree to almost anything she asked.
“Even if the pharmaceutical company uses your trading firm for overseas distribution,” Arabella stated seriously, “everything must be handled as a standard, arm’s–length business partnership. Strictly professional, no personal favors.”
If Frank agreed to those terms, she was on board. If he was just offering a handout, she’d rather decline.
She knew his intentions were good, but she didn’t want him diverting focus from his own ventures for her sake.
Frank let out a soft, resigned sigh. “Is that really necessary between us?”
Ethan smiled and backed his sister up. “You should listen to her on this, Frank. Otherwise, she really won’t move forward. Even my investment came with a full, formal contract.”
Knowing Ethan was right, Frank conceded. “Alright, alright. We’ll do everything by the book.”
“Good,” Arabella said, her expression easing into a smile. “You can have your team draft the agreement, Frank. We’ll sign it tonight
when I’m back.”
“Tonight? Do you have plans during the day?” Frank asked.
Arabella nodded. “I have a scheduled session at the flight academy today.”
‘Understood. We’ll finalize it tonight,” Frank agreed.
“Perfect.” Arabella’s smile was warm and genuine.
After breakfast, the family gradually left Cloudrise Manor.
Arabella drove herself toward the flight academy.
The traffic was unusually heavy, and a flicker of anxiety began to stir within her.
Why is the highway so backed up today? At this rate, I’m going to be late.
“Thump!”
While glancing at the navigation screen, Arabella felt a sudden, jarring impact from behind, jolting her forward against her seatbelt.
“What was that?” A sinking feeling settled in her stomach as she checked the rearview mirror.
Sure enough, her car had been rear–ended.
“Perfect,” she muttered under her breath, sighing in frustration. She turned on her hazard lights and stepped out of the car.
Just when she was in a hurry, everything seemed to go wrong.
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1:21 am
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Chapter 284 An Unexpected Collision
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“Oh, man, I am so sorry! I looked down for a second,” the driver of the other vehicle said, getting out with his hands raised apologetically. “Let’s exchange info and file a report. I’ll take full responsibility for the damages.”
Seeing the other driver’s polite and immediate acceptance of fault, Arabella’s initial irritation subsided a little.
In a calmer tone, she replied, “Alright. Let’s swap insurance details. I’ll have my shop send the estimate.”
“Sure, of course,” he agreed, and they proceeded to exchange information.
They then called the police to file an official report and notified their respective insurance companies.
While waiting for the authorities, Arabella sent a quick text to Lucas. “Got into a minor fender bender. Need to reschedule today’s session.”
His reply came almost instantly. “What happened? Do you need to cancel?“.
“No need to cancel. Just a rear–end collision. Handling the paperwork now,” she typed back.
She was waiting for his response when her phone suddenly rang.
“Lucas?” she answered.
“Where are you? Are you hurt?” Lucas‘ voice carried a note of urgent concern.
“I’m fine. Really. It’s just a bumper tap,” Arabella explained.
“Tell me your location. I’m coming to you,” Lucas insisted, his worry undiminished.
“It’s really not a big deal. You should just head to the academy. There’s no need for you to come all the way here,” Arabella said, not wanting to inconvenience him over a routine traffic incident.
But Lucas was persistent. “Just tell me where you are.”
He knew he wouldn’t feel settled until he saw for himself that she was okay.
Hearing police sirens approaching in the distance, Arabella said, “The police are here now. I really have to go. I’m perfectly alright.” She ended the call as the patrol car pulled up.
“Officer, we’re the ones who called. Here’s what happened…”
The other driver took the lead in explaining the situation while Arabella listened, adding a confirming nod here and there. His cooperative attitude made the process straightforward; following standard procedure would wrap this up efficiently.
Soon, claims adjusters from both insurance companies arrived on the scene to photograph the damage and collect statements.
“We’re going to have the vehicles towed to the impound lot for the official investigation. You’ll need to wait for further instructions,” one of the officers informed them.
“Alright,” both parties agreed.
“We’ve gathered our initial evidence,” one adjuster added. “We’ll be in touch regarding the next steps and any documentation you’ll need to provide.”
“Understood,” they replied in unison.
2/3
11:21 am DDD·
Chapter 284 An Unexpected Collision
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“Again, I’m really sorry for all this trouble,” the other driver said to Arabella, his manner apologetic. “Once the assessment is done, please have your repair shop contact me directly. I’ll cover all the costs.”
“It’s okay. The traffic was unusually bad today,” Arabella said, her tone gracious.
“I’ll wait for your call, then.”
“Okay.”
With the formalities concluded, they prepared to go their separate ways.
Arabella was about to open a ride–share app on her phone when a sleek, familiar car pulled up to the curb beside her.
“Lucas!” Arabella was genuinely surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“Finally found you,” Lucas said, his eyes quickly scanning her as he stepped out. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”
“I’m completely fine. My car got bumped, that’s all. Everything’s been handled,” she explained.
Seeing for himself that she was unharmed, Lucas finally allowed himself to relax slightly. “Thank goodness.”
Arabella studied him, a curious look in her eyes. “Did you really come all the way out here just to find me?”
“Yeah. When you said ‘accident‘, I got worried,” Lucas admitted, the residual concern still evident in his voice.
“But how did you find me in a city this size?” Arabella’s gaze narrowed subtly. She was certain she hadn’t given him her location.
Lucas paused, then offered a slightly sheepish explanation. “I was worried, so I just started driving along the route you usually take to the academy. I guess I got lucky.”
11:21 am DDD