Chapter 156
With that, Theo hung up the phone abruptly. Not giving up, Arabella dialed his number again, but was met with the stark realization that she’d been blocked.
“Jerk!”
She hurled objects in a fit of rage. Her face was a mask of hysteria and frustration. The household staff, who had been passing by, quickly scurried away from the door, the moment they heard the sound inside.
As they retreated down the stairs, they bumped into Mrs. Hawke, who was on her way out.
“Madam.”
Grace had also heard the commotion from upstairs. Her expression tightened.
“What a disgraceful thing. Just like her mother, making a scene,” she muttered the words with furrowed brows, stepping out the door without a second glance at the chaos unfolding in Arabella’s room.
Despite her disdain, Grace hadn’t completely written Arabella off yet. Once upon a time, she had adored Arabella, seeing in her a reflection of her younger self. Arabella shared her values, moved in the same social circles, had same tastes, and even donned the same designer outfits.
With years of caring, she naturally favored Arabella. The old Miranda’s appearance and the comparison only solidified her belief that Arabella was another version of herself she’d nurtured.
Miranda was her blood, yes, but she was totally different from them. Thus, she didn’t take a liking for Miranda, not to mention at that time Miranda had even done things that rubbed Grace the wrong way during her stay with the Hawke family.
But now, Arabella was no longer the mirror image she once cherished. And Miranda? She was changing too. Consequently, her mother–daughter affection towards Arabella started waning gradually.
Theo, meanwhile, had not only blocked Arabella’s number but all her contact information.
“Theo, what’s it? It’s your fiancée, huh?” teased a buddy, nudging Theo’s shoulder with a chuckle.
Theo frowned, remaining silent.
“Oh man, you were really something back then, chasing after Arabella. Everyone knew she had those four crazy brothers, but you went for it anyway. We thought you were brave. Who’d have thought you’d end up with an impostor, haha.”
The laughter spread as a few more guys joined the conversation.
“In the world of socialites, Arabella’s the drama queen. Anyone who dated her was bound for trouble. Back then, anyone who’s pursued her didn’t end well, tormented by her four brothers. Her family’s practically nuts.”
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“Exactly. And it’s wild how the Hawke family pampered a fake and ignored their own blood. Heard the real daughter had a rough time when she came back.”
“Yeah, it was tough for her. Remember when she was at school with you, Mr. Blackwell? Even after she returned to the Hawke family, they wouldn’t acknowledge her.”
The more they talked, the darker Theo’s expression became.
“Speaking of which, wasn’t the real daughter into you back then? You turned her down, right? That’s Miranda we’re talking about, the sharpshooter, a legend at the shooting range! She wiped the floor with you there last time!”
“Yeah. Seriously, she’s my idol now. Hey, since we’re friends, can you introduce us?” another guy chimed in, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
At the mention of Miranda, Theo felt his back straightened with pride. “She did beat me at the range, probably because she was upset seeing me with Arabella.”
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07:16
As he recalled Miranda’s impressive skills, a hint of admiration crept into his gaze. He icily warned, “I’m telling you guys, don’t even think about going after her!”
His friends erupted into laughter. “Oh, someone’s getting protective!”
“Have you found a new flame already, Mr. Blackwell?”
Theo scowled, “It’s not like that. I was deceived before.”
