Chapter 222
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“But I know an apology isn’t really your style. Honestly, I think your best move is to reach out to the police first and give your side of the story. It might work out better for you. Once they hear everything, they could handle it differently,” Edward advised Arabella.
Deep down, he didn’t want to see Arabella face any real consequences, even though it was his own mother who’d been hurt.
Hearing him say that, Arabella felt a wave of relief. Edward still understood her–he wasn’t automatically taking the Macdonalds‘ side just because Freya was his mom.
“Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to the police. I’ll be okay. I never wanted Freya to get hurt. She was just… pushing for something impossible. My brother only stepped in to protect me. He didn’t have a choice,” Arabella explained, not wanting Edward to carry too much guilt.
“I hope you can make peace with this. Don’t let it eat at you. Your health is what matters most right now,” she added gently.
“Yeah, I’ll take care of myself. Don’t stress over me. And if you need me to talk to the police on your behalf, just say the word. I’ll back you up,” Edward said sincerely.
“Okay, I will. Are Freya and Carter giving you a hard time because of me?” Arabella asked, concern creeping into her voice.
“Nah, they just vented a little. I’m fine.
“You should get some rest. I’ll let you go,” Edward said before hanging up quickly.
Arabella stared at her phone for a moment after the call ended, her heart feeling unexpectedly heavy.
Even though she knew Edward didn’t blame her, she could tell the whole situation was weighing on him.
After Arabella finished speaking with Edward, Ethan chimed in from across the room. “So Freya actually went and called the cops. She really has no idea your Alfred is on the force, does she?”
“She’s clueless. She started all this, and now she’s trying to play the victim. Sounds like she’s determined to make things worse for herself,” Alfred said, his tone cool and unimpressed.
“Arabella, don’t worry about any of this. I’ll take care of it,” Alfred added, looking over at her with steady reassurance.
Arabella met his gaze, then offered a small smile. “Alfred, you’ve been running around helping me all week without a proper break. Let me at least buy you a meal.”
“I’m never turning down food, but I’m treating you. Just tell me what you’re in the mood for,” Alfred replied, his stern expression softening as he looked at her.
“I’m not sure, actually. You pick,” Arabella said.
“Alright, let me think,” Alfred said, tapping his chin.
“Are you two planning to go alone? Nobody’s asking for my input?” Ethan frowned, watching them from the sofa.
“Of course we were going to ask you. So, what do you feel like eating?” Arabella turned to him immediately.
“How about something different? Maybe a steakhouse. I love Mom’s cooking, but all those healthy meals lately are making me crave something… less virtuous,” Ethan said with a playful grin.
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9:48 am DMM
Chapter 222 A Brother’s Warning
+30 Free Coins
“Those ‘healthy meals‘ were carefully prepared by Mom for Arabella’s recovery. You’re lucky you get any at all, and here you are complaining,” Alfred shot back, rolling his eyes.
“Hey, don’t put words in my mouth. I didn’t say I was complaining. I just meant I might be getting a little too much of a good thing,” Ethan clarified, holding his hands up.
Arabella couldn’t help but laugh at their back–and–forth. Just then, the distinct thrum of a helicopter approaching grew audible outside.
“Listen–is that Frank?” she asked, cutting through their banter.
Ethan recognized the sound. “That’s him. He’s the only one who drops in by air like this.”
A few moments later, Frank walked into the living room. Seeing Arabella, Ethan, and Alfred all gathered, he raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on here?”
“Is it that strange? What brings you back all of a sudden?” Ethan asked.
“Came to check on Arabella,” Frank said, making his way over to her.
“If you’d waited a few more days, she’d have been fully recovered already,” Ethan remarked with a light smirk.
Frank ignored the comment, his attention fixed on Arabella. “How are you feeling? Recovery going okay?”
“It’s going really well. Don’t worry about me,” Arabella replied warmly.
“You didn’t come back just for that, though, did you?” she asked, studying his face.
“Has anyone been bothering you lately?” Frank’s expression grew more serious.
“Not really,” Arabella said, avoiding any mention of the Macdonalds.
“Arabella, why are you hiding it from Frank?” Ethan glanced at her, then turned to Frank. “The Macdonalds have been stirring up trouble lately, but Alfred already handled it. Just so you know.”
“The Macdonalds? Don’t tell me it’s Harper and Dylan again,” Frank said, his frown deepening.
“No, this time it was Carter and Freya. Alfred made sure Freya won’t be walking around causing problems for a while,” Ethan explained matter–of–factly.
“Was this because of what happened with Harper online?” Frank asked, putting the pieces together.
“Yeah, seems like it started from that,” Ethan confirmed.