Emily glanced at Arabella, sensing her interest in purchasing the antique. Recognizing Arabella's negotiating skills, Emily extended a finger and said, "One hundred pounds."Arabella had to suppress a laugh.She did have the audacity to haggle this low. In the past, such an insulting proposal would have surely earned a slap.Fortunately, they lived in a more civilized era.The shop owner seemed visibly displeased but forced a smile. "Do you think this is just junk? Even if I sell junk, this item dates back to the late Tudor or early Stuart period. I can fetch at least eighty thousand pounds for it.""Don't fool me, eighty thousand pounds for a piece of paper? It's so small it can't even compare to old paintings. Tell you what, I'll give you a thousand pounds. Anything more, and we're out of here," Emily said firmly, grabbing Arabella's hand and heading towards the exit.The shop owner caught up with them, "Fifty thousand pounds! I'll let it go for fifty thousand!""One thousand pounds
Upon closer observation, the man's eyes bore a striking resemblance to Robert's—almost identical.However, that was the only similarity. His nose, facial structure, skin tone, height—none matched Emily's memory of Robert.The Robert she remembered was fair-skinned, with delicate features, and had a slender stature, almost like a character from a comic book.The man before her now had darker skin, a robust build, short hair, sharp features, and a rugged appearance.All the features of masculine charisma were distinct. He was a man in his prime, exuding confidence and charm.Emily's eyes began to sparkle again as she whispered, "My, he's handsome! Mr. Williams looks dashing!"The man rose from his chair, striding over with long strides toward them.Arabella stood still, her gaze fixed firmly on him. Those eyes were like a key unlocking painful memories, revealing countless layers of untouchable pain.He stopped in front of her, extending his right hand in a polite greeting. "Pleasure to
After the Western dishes were served, Arabella glanced at the dazzling city lights outside the window and smiled at Reginald. "The last time you brought me here for dinner, I was happy the entire evening."Reginald chuckled. "That easy to please, huh? Then I'll have to make this a regular thing.""Once in a while is enough. Too frequent, and it won't feel as special," Arabella replied."True," Reginald picked up her steak plate and expertly began cutting it with his knife and fork.He had beautiful hands—strong and angular, yet graceful when cutting the meat. His slender palm and long fingers hinted at a refined upbringing.After cutting the steak, he pushed the plate back to Arabella. "Enjoy it while it's hot."Arabella forked a few pieces—perfectly grilled beef.Mid-conversation, she casually pulled out a card from her bag and slid it in front of Reginald. "I've earned some money, here, go splurge, after all, it's your birthday."Reginald's lips curled with amusement. "I knew it—wom
Arabella let out a mocking laugh. "Whether or not Reynald and I get divorced is our own business. Damn well none of yours.""Chloe's eyes glinted with a mocking light as she leaned in toward Arabella, pretending to care as she lowered her voice. 'If it weren't for your grandmother's timely death, you two would have divorced ages ago. She certainly knew how to pick the perfect moment to pass—just as you were about to sign those divorce papers. It was all to prevent your split, wasn't it? You lower-class women always find ways to latch onto a man of higher status, only to cling desperately for survival.""Arabella's veins pulsed with fury.Her pupils dilated, revealing the anger brewing within her.Without a second thought, she grabbed Chloe by the front of her clothes, pinning her against the wall.Chloe's back collided with the hard surface, emitting a loud thud. She grimaced in pain.Arabella raised her palm and forcefully swiped it across Chloe's cheek.Smack!The slap landed harshl
Chloe angrily swung her fists at him. "Miles, I refuse to acknowledge you as my brother! How dare you say that hick is prettier than me! Are you blind or something?"Miles sternly grabbed her wrist.They got into the car.Miles started the engine and began to reverse.Chloe fastened her seatbelt and said, "I gave some money to the nurse taking care of Arabella's grandmother and got some insider information. The nurse said the old lady isn't that sick and could live for a few more months. On the day Arabella and Reginald got divorced, she kicked everyone out of the hospital room and secretly turned off her own medical equipment. Can you believe these low-class people and their scheming? The old lady even contemplated suicide to stop Arabella and Reginald from divorcing."Miles fell silent for a moment. "Arabella married Reginald back then to cover her grandmother's medical expenses. Now the old lady is willing to guarantee Arabella's happiness with her own life. There's a deep love bet
Reginald stood up from her and his dark eyes sparkled.He silently stared at her for a moment.He leaned down and pecked her nose, whispering, "A promise is a promise.""Okay," Arabella murmured softly.Reginald was unsatisfied with her response. "Too casual. Repeat it for me."Arabella wanted to chuckle self-deprecatingly.Here, he clearly had the upper hand.Yet, he made her seem as though she didn't desire him.After a moment's thought, she lifted her arms, embraced his neck, brought her lips to his ear, and whispered softly, "Many girls are quite taken with you, after all, you're a wealthy and influential handsome fellow. But some darlings are a bit sweeter on you because they've seen you at your lowest, wanting to mend you. She'd quietly stand by your side, offering shoulders and candies."Reginald's gaze turned icy.Reginald held her head with both hands, pressing his face against hers.After a while, he finally spoke, "I told you to excite me, not sadden me. Now, tug at my hear
"An old client bid £13 million to buy it, and the painting is still in Robert's office," Arabella hurriedly explained."That's £1 million more than what Robert originally paid me. He transferred the difference into my account, but I wanted to refund it. Robert refused, and I declined his dinner invitation. I just painted a replica as a gift, but he still insisted on meeting, having a meal. I couldn't gracefully decline, so I'm asking for your support. If you can't make it, I'll see if Cosmo can accompany me."She held her breath, waiting for Reginald's response. It came quick—"I'll be there," he said."Thank you," Arabella said, feeling relieved.At six o'clock the next evening, Arabella and Reginald arrived at the private dining location chosen by Robert.As they entered the softly lit intimate space, Arabella noticed Robert seated at a carefully chosen corner table.As they approached, Robert stood up, wearing a charming smile. "Arabella, delightful to see you again."Seeing Regina
Reginald lounged lazily by the window, his tall and graceful figure giving Robert a languid glance, his gaze icy and intense. "Do you know my wife?"Robert's dark eyes subtly turned colder, but his tone remained indifferent. "I don't know her. I just returned from abroad this year."Reginald didn't reply immediately, staring at Robert in silence for a few moments.He placed a cigarette between his lips, flicked the lighter with a gentle touch, took a deep drag, and let the embers burn. Gradually, the smoke dissipated.The mist blurred his handsome face, concealing his expression.Neither of them spoke a word.The room was filled with a stifling silence.After a long and chilly pause...Reginald finally broke the silence.Reginald didn't even look at Robert. His gaze stayed on the cigarette in his hand, absentmindedly muttering, "You're the one who ruined Chloe's hand and face, aren't you?"A frozen smile played on Robert's face. Suddenly, he moved swiftly, snuffing out the cigarette b