Chapter 4 How Could It Not Hurt?

Rachel's bravado faded immediately when she heard the mention of calling the police and checking the surveillance footage. She shot a guilty look at Anthony. "Tony..."

As her older brother, Anthony wasn't about to stand by and do nothing. He stepped forward and addressed Arabella, "I'll cover the damages. Let's not involve the police; it would be messy and won't do you any good."

His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument, despite the seemingly negotiable words.

Arabella caught the warning in his voice and nodded silently.

The Watson family held a significant status in Majestic City, and she couldn't afford to act rashly.

Rachel begrudgingly handed over the money for compensation while the staff cleaned up the mess.

Without lingering any longer, Arabella and Alexander left the mall side by side.

The incident had dampened their spirits, so they headed straight to the checkout with their cart.

The checkout line was long, and just as it was their turn, Anthony and Rachel joined the line behind them.

Hearing the scanner beep out the prices, Rachel sneered, "Some people really can't manage without my brother, huh? Can't even afford a decent bed sheet. Sixty dollars for a bed sheet, really?"

Arabella had a temper, but she couldn't afford to lose it with the Watson family, so she kept her head down and pretended not to hear.

Alexander noticed Arabella's silence, his blue eyes darkening. He suddenly spoke up, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Some people just can't let go, even after the divorce. Acting all high and mighty, jumping around like a headless chicken."

Rachel was livid. "Who are you calling a headless chicken? Say that again!"

Alexander raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely surprised. "I didn't name anyone. Why are you taking it personally? Is that how you see yourself?"

"You!"

Rachel was about to lash out when Anthony shot her a cold glare. "Shut up! Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough?"

Rachel stomped her foot, seething. "Tony, Arabella's flaunting her new guy in your face. I can't stand it!"

Anthony's lips pressed into a thin line as he coldly watched the two figures in the distance.

He couldn't stand it either.

But then he remembered his assistant had arranged a meeting with the CEO of Ironcrest Insurance for the day after tomorrow. A small smirk crept onto his face.

No worries. It wouldn't be long before Arabella would be begging him for mercy.

After leaving the supermarket, Arabella remained silent. Alexander looked down at her, "Are you upset?"

Arabella gave a bitter smile, not hiding her feelings. "Yes."

Letting go of someone she deeply loved, losing a cherished relationship, how could it not hurt?

She paused, looking gratefully at Alexander, "Thank you for standing up for me earlier, but..."

She was worried Anthony might take it out on him.

Alexander seemed to understand her concern and shrugged it off, "Don't worry. My boss is my cousin, and I'm the top sales rep in our department. Your ex-husband won't find it easy to mess with me."

His deep, reassuring voice oddly calmed Arabella's nerves.

Back home, Alexander thoughtfully suggested she take a shower first. After she finished, she hesitated but ultimately locked her bedroom door.

The next morning, Arabella had to report to her new job. As she was leaving, she saw Alexander coming out of his room in pajamas. She was puzzled, "Doesn't your insurance company require you to be in the office?"

Alexander paused briefly before responding naturally.

Arabella didn't think much of it and said enviously, "So much freedom. I'll be off then."

As a new employee, Arabella had to attend training sessions. The material was familiar to her, and the morning passed quickly. She was about to get lunch when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

Anthony's mother, Jennifer Reed, was on the other end, her voice shrill with anger.

"Arabella! My son divorced you, and now your broke mother shows up at my house? Are you trying to ruin my son's life?"

Arabella was stunned. "What? My mom went to see you?"

Jennifer ranted, "Don't play dumb! She wouldn't have come without your say-so. You and your mother are leeches! Even after the divorce, you want to drain my son dry!"

Arabella sighed, "I'll be right there."

The next training session started at 2:30 PM, and it was only 11:30 AM now. Three hours should be enough.

She hurried downstairs and hailed a cab, not worrying about the cost given the urgency.

"To Hillcrest Villas, please. Quickly."

"Got it!"

The driver hit the gas, and the car sped off.

Arabella's mind was a whirlwind of worry. Why would her stepmother, Marilyn Reeves, show up at the Watson Villa? Was the family short on money again? But she had just sent them a thousand dollars last month.

Or had her stepbrother, Daniel Reeves, gotten into trouble again? Did her father know Marilyn went to the Watson Villa?

Her thoughts were chaotic, and she could only hope the cab would go faster, praying her mother wouldn't make things worse.

Luckily, it was a weekday, and traffic was light. In half an hour, the cab stopped outside Hillcrest Villas.

Arabella paid and got out.

She had lived here for two years, and the security guards recognized her. They greeted her with a smile as she swiped her access card, "Mrs. Watson, go on in. Your mother is here today."

Arabella muttered a quick "Thanks" and hurried inside.

From a distance, she could see Marilyn acting like a madwoman, clutching the iron gate and shouting hysterically, "When you married my daughter, it was your family that begged for her! Now you kick her out because she can't have kids? Is that fair?"

"Divorce is fine! But not a penny in alimony? No way! You think you can use my daughter for two years for free? I tell you, either pay up or remarry, or this isn't over!"

Arabella stopped in her tracks. She had always known her mother wasn't easy to deal with, but such vile words were new to her.

Did Marilyn think that now, without the Watsons' support, she could do whatever she wanted?

Two property staff stood nearby, looking helpless. They had clearly tried to calm her down but had no luck and couldn't just ignore the situation.

Seeing Arabella, they sighed in relief, almost calling her "Mrs. Watson," but then remembered the divorce and felt awkward.

Arabella apologized to them first, "I'm sorry for the trouble. I'll take her away as soon as possible."

The property staff, not wanting to get involved in such a mess, gave a few reminders and left.

Marilyn turned and saw Arabella, her anger flaring up again. "Arabella, you're just in time. Open the gate! These bastards locked me out. I need to go in and set things straight!"

Arabella didn't want to escalate things and spoke gently, "Mom, the divorce was my decision. We have nothing to do with the Watson family anymore. There's nothing to settle. Let's go home, please."