Alfred fell silent, the weight of genuine fear settling in his chest as he considered what could have happened.
“I’ll be more careful from now on,” Arabella said, recognizing his worry and trying to soothe it. “Besides, I’ll be busy with campus classes soon. I won’t be coming out here alone anymore.”
“Arabella, this is serious. You can’t just brush it off,” Alfred replied, shaking his head firmly.
“They’re in police custody now, and I know you’ll find out who’s responsible. So honestly, I’m not that worried,” Arabella said, offering a confident smile.
Once they uncovered who was behind it, she had her own ways of dealing with them.
“Besides,” she added quietly, “you know how Mom and Dad would react if they found out.”
Hearing the concern in her voice, Alfred finally relented. “Alright, fine.”
If their parents ever learned about this–especially before the situation was resolved–Arabella would likely be kept under virtual house arrest.
“I won’t tell them. But you have to promise me you won’t go anywhere alone from now on. If I can’t be with you, we arrange security.” Since their parents couldn’t be involved, he’d make sure she was protected himself.
“Deal. You were coming to the sessions anyway,” Arabella agreed readily.
A fond smile touched Alfred’s lips. “Come on, let’s get going. We’re already late for your lesson.”
“Okay.” With that, Arabella and Alfred got into their respective cars and continued toward Lucas‘ villa.
“What?!” Calvin’s face drained of color, then flushed with rage as he was informed that the men he’d sent had been captured.
“They’ve been taken into custody. I reached out through our usual channels, but no one can get access–not even an attorney is being allowed in,” his assistant reported, voice tense. “What do you want to do?”
“Incompetent fools!” Calvin seethed.
They couldn’t even handle one seemingly ordinary girl, and they had the nerve to call themselves professionals?
“Do you think they’ll talk?” the assistant asked, voicing his primary concern.
“They wouldn’t dare,” Calvin gritted out. “Not unless they’ve suddenly stopped caring about what happens to their families.”
He had made certain arrangements and taken precautions to ensure those men would keep their mouths shut.
Some of the tension left the assistant’s shoulders. “That’s a relief.”
“Monitor the situation closely. I want to know immediately if there’s any movement from the police or any developments in the case,” Calvin instructed.
“Understood. I’ll get on it right away.” The assistant hurried from the room.
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12:46 pm DOD
Chapter 254 A Brother’s Vow
+5 Free Coins
“Absolutely useless!” In a burst of fury, Calvin swept a crystal tumbler from the side table, sending it shattering against the hardwood floor.
He’d finally caught that wretched girl alone, and still they had failed.
“Uncle, what’s all the noise? Why are you so angry?” Hearing the commotion from downstairs, Harper complained as she descended the staircase.
“Nothing. Just some frustrating business dealings,” Calvin said, tempering his expression.
“Oh.” Since it was business, Harper didn’t pry further. She changed the subject. “Uncle, when is Mom coming home? How much longer is she going to be away?”
“She may need a little more time. Do you need her for something?” Calvin asked.
Harper sighed dramatically. “I’ve been trying to reach Dylan all week, but he just ignores my calls. I wanted to ask Mom what I should do.”
“His hand is permanently damaged. Why are you still chasing after him?” Calvin’s disapproval was evident.
“It’s not that bad,” Harper insisted, shaking her head. “He doesn’t have full flexibility, but he can still use it.”
‘That is damaged,” Calvin snapped, his annoyance flaring.
Harper dug in her heels. “I don’t consider it ruined! I’m going to keep seeing him.”
Exasperated, Calvin waved a hand. “Fine, have it your way. I’ll ask your mother what she thinks.”
‘Okay, but please ask soon,” Harper pressed, her eagerness clear.
‘Alright. I’m heading to the office. I’ll call her tonight.” With that agreement, Calvin left.
Shortly after, Calvin arrived at the hospital.
“Calvin, you’re here! Tell me you’ve taught that Arabella girl a lesson she won’t forget,” Freya said eagerly, propping herself up on the hospital bed.
“It’s… still in process,” Calvin replied, avoiding direct eye contact. He shifted the topic. “Harper has been asking for you. She wants to see Dylan—the one with the injured hand–and wants your opinion.”
Freya let out a weary sigh. “Calvin, you know our family’s situation. If Dylan hadn’t sustained that injury, the Johnstons might have already quietly dissolved the engagement. And right now, our family needs their support…”
“That’s true,” Calvin conceded with a nod.
“Besides, look at Harper–she’s completely infatuated with him. I don’t think we could stop her even if we tried.” She couldn’t bear to see her daughter heartbroken.
Calvin frowned. “But with Dylan’s condition… are you truly comfortable with Harper being tied to someone like that?”
Freya made a dismissive gesture. “Once we ascend into the top echelon of society, Harper will have her pick of accomplished young men from the best families. Do you really think she’ll still be preoccupied with Dylan then?”
“You’ve thought it all through,” Calvin said, a note of admiration in his voice.
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12:47 pm
Chapter 254 A Brother’s Vow
“Just tell Harper that Dylan needs support and patience right now. She should play the caring role,” Freya advised.
“Understood,” Calvin replied.
Freya’s expression turned somber, and she lowered her voice. “What about the situation with Carter?”
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“Don’t worry. He’s agreed to the terms. You’ll be out of this place soon. Just focus on resting and recovering. Once the doctor clears you, I’ll bring you home myself,” Calvin reassured her, his tone firm.
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