Chapter 487
Aftermath
Following Arabella’s him.
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gaze, Zack spotted Matthew as well, and his knees nearly buckled beneath
They hadn’t even sorted things out with Ethan yet–if Matthew got pulled into this mess, surviving the day might start to feel like an impossible ask.
“No, no–please,” Zack stammered. “The police already closed the case from before. There’s really no need to reopen it.” If they did, and something else turned up, it would be the end of him.
“So what’s your take on what happened today?” Arabella’s lips curved into a cold, knowing smile.
These two were always looking out for their own. Now let’s see what choice they would make when pressed.
Gritting his teeth, Zack forced out the words. “My son was in the wrong. Whatever the police decide… we’ll accept it.”
Sarah’s eyes were red and swollen, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, but in the end, no sound came out.
“No way! I’m not accepting this!” Dylan shouted, thrashing against the officers holding him. “Arabella, I was blind before–Harper seduced me! I love you, I swear. Just let me go and I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, only you.”
“Honey?!” Harper’s eyes widened in shock, as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“Shut your mouth! If you hadn’t come onto me, none of this would’ve happened!” Dylan’s voice cracked with what sounded like agony.
Harper sank to the floor, shaking her head helplessly. “But… you told me you only loved me. You said Arabella was cold and acted all innocent. You said she was-”
“Smack.” He slapped Harper hard across the face. “What the hell are you even saying, you lying witch?”
The blow left Harper dazed. She cupped her stinging cheek, too stunned even to cry.
“That’s right–it’s all her fault!” Sarah jumped in, seizing the opportunity. “Take her away! My son had nothing to do with this!”
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Chapter 487 Aftermath
Chapter 487 Aftermath
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Following Arabella’s gaze, Zack spotted Matthew as well, and his knees nearly buckled beneath him.
They hadn’t even sorted things out with Ethan yet–if Matthew got pulled into this mess, surviving the day might start to feel like an impossible ask.
“No, no–please,” Zack stammered. “The police already closed the case from before. There’s really no need to reopen it.” If they did, and something else turned up, it would be the end of him.
“So what’s your take on what happened today?” Arabella’s lips curved into a cold, knowing smile.
These two were always looking out for their own. Now let’s see what choice they would make when pressed.
Gritting his teeth, Zack forced out the words. “My son was in the wrong. Whatever the police decide… we’ll accept it.”
Sarah’s eyes were red and swollen, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, but in the end, no sound came out.
“No way! I’m not accepting this!” Dylan shouted, thrashing against the officers holding him. “Arabella, I was blind before–Harper seduced me! I love you, I swear. Just let me go and I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, only you.”
“Honey?!” Harper’s eyes widened in shock, as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“Shut your mouth! If you hadn’t come onto me, none of this would’ve happened!” Dylan’s voice cracked with what sounded like agony.
Harper sank to the floor, shaking her head helplessly. “But… you told me you only loved me. You said Arabella was cold and acted all innocent. You said she was-”
“Smack.” He slapped Harper hard across the face. “What the hell are you even saying, you lying witch?”
The blow left Harper dazed. She cupped her stinging cheek, too stunned even to cry.
“That’s right–it’s all her fault!” Sarah jumped in, seizing the opportunity. “Take her away! My son had nothing to do with this!”
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Chapter 487 Aftermath
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Harper didn’t seem to hear a word. Numbness had already set in–her face throbbed, but the pain in her heart was far worse.
“The police will sort out who’s responsible,” Arabella said coolly, before turning her eyes toward Ethan.
She’d had enough of this spectacle. All she wanted now was a little quiet.
Ethan understood immediately and glanced at the event coordinator. “What’s the hold–up?”
“Right–yes, of course,” the coordinator responded, flustered. He nodded toward the lead officer. “We’ll head to the station now. I’ll come along and cooperate fully with the investigation.”
“Take them away,” the officer ordered, and his team began moving out.
Harper went along like a lifeless doll, showing no reaction at all.
“Dad! Mom! Help me! I didn’t do anything everything! She’s the reason I’m-”
Tong–it was all Harper! She’s the one who ruined
No matter how desperately Dylan screamed, he was still hauled firmly away.
“Dylan!” Sarah rushed after him, unable to just let go.
Zack threw one last uneasy look toward Arabella, then turned and trudged weakly out of the hall.
A brief, heavy silence settled over the room. The atmosphere felt tense, almost awkward.
“Well… that was certainly an unpleasant interruption, but it’s behind us now,” one of the senior guests stepped in to take charge. “Let’s all try to enjoy the rest of the evening.”
“Mr. Ethan, everything happened so quickly earlier–we truly didn’t react in time. Your sister went through quite an ordeal.”
“Honestly, who would’ve thought that guy even got in.”
“At least they’re dealing with it now. That’s what matters.”
A small crowd had gathered around Ethan, offering careful, sympathetic smiles.
“Yes, it’s over,” Ethan replied flatly.
He wasn’t interested in dragging anyone else into it. The whole situation had caught him off
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Chapter 487 Aftermath
guard.
He turned to check on Arabella. She seemed perfectly composed, which allowed him to relax slightly.
In a few long strides, he was by her side. “You alright?”
Arabella offered a faint smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Good.” Ethan nodded, reassured.
“Arabella, I’m so sorry–I feel completely useless,” Edward said, his voice thick with regret.
Arabella patted his arm lightly. “Don’t talk like that. I’m glad you stood up
for me.”
“Edward, you did great today,” Brielle chimed in warmly.
“Edward?” His eyes widened in surprise at her familiar tone.
Brielle linked her arm through Arabella’s. “You’re Arabella’s brother, so that makes you kind of like my brother too.”
“Oh, I… I’m not sure I…” Edward instinctively glanced toward Arabella. He didn’t really know who this young woman was, but everything about her suggested she came from a world far beyond his own.
The fact that she spoke so freely in front of all these people said plenty about her background.
“Why are you looking at Arabella?” Brielle pretended to pout. “Don’t tell me you don’t want me as a sister?”
“No, it’s not that–it’s just… I’m hardly in your league,” Edward said quietly, aware of his place.
“Oh, come on.” Brielle laughed softly. “You’re Arabella’s brother. How could you not be good enough? Honestly, I’m the one who should be worried about not measuring up.” She felt a wave of relief–at least he wasn’t outright rejecting the idea.
Arabella smiled reassuringly at him. “It’s fine, really.”
Then she turned to Ethan. “Would you mind introducing my brother to some of your contacts?”
That was, after all, part of why she’d brought Edward tonight.
And after everything that had just happened, she didn’t want anyone getting the wrong
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Chapter 487 Aftermath
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impression about him. With Ethan’s guidance, there wouldn’t be
Ethan understood exactly what she meant. “Don’t worry about it.”
any
misunderstandings.
He then turned to Edward. “Come on–let’s not let the evening go to waste.”
Edward nodded at Arabella, a new determination settling in his eyes.
This was what she wanted for him–and he wasn’t about to let her down.
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.