The Billionaire Who Saved Me

“No, Mom. This time I won’t do what you say. And I beg you, just this once. Let me do what I want. I will defend Elice.”

As Ariel said this on the phone, Farrah’s hysterical screams could be heard on the other end. She was shocked to find that her son had gone straight to Ashford City because of the articles and photos circulating. Without a second thought, he immediately went to see Elice. And now her son had another surprise for her-an earnest request that she would undoubtedly refuse.

“Ariel! I warn you not to even think about approaching Elice again. Let her be with Garrett! Let this lowly woman be with your cousin!”

When Ariel heard how Farrah humiliated Elice, his hand moved involuntarily and slammed down on the steering wheel with such force.

“Ma, I beg you! Stop calling Elice that. She’s not as low as you say.”

“Ariel, dare you defy Mom? Hahaha. See how Elice’s bad influence has affected you? You should be thankful, Ariel. Because now Elice is after Garrett, not you. So, I am warning you again. Let Elice and Garrett be together. Let them marry if they have to. And you must never try to get back together with Elice. Otherwise, I will reveal Elice’s true past to the whole world.

Ariel’s anger at his mother vanished instantly. When Farrah said that, his emotions were replaced by a pallor on his face that cast a shadow of fear.

“W-what do you mean, Mama?”

Farrah’s laughter on the other end made Ariel gulp. The horror became more pronounced, taking over him.

“Imagine, Ariel. How devastated Garrett would be if the world knew who his partner really was. He’ll be humiliated and everyone will doubt him.”

Ariel shook his head in frustration. He could vividly imagine what would happen if Farrah went through with this. It wouldn’t just be Garrett who would be shattered; Elice would be shattered as well.

“No, Mama. No. You can’t do that. No.”

“Then listen and do what I tell you, Ariel.”

Farrah’s tone changed, indicating a seriousness not to be taken lightly. She was issuing a warning and a very real threat to her son.

“Stay away from Elice.”

Ariel fell silent. Unable to say anything more. Even when the call finally ended, he remained frozen.

Farrah meant what she said. Ariel knew that his mother never joked about anything she said. And this time was no different.

The phone in Ariel’s grip became an outlet for his helplessness. He squeezed it hard. His eyes closed. Then, with a hardened expression, he roared loudly.

“Argh!”

*

“What is this again, Carolus?”

Another thunderous shout made Carolus close his eyes, unable to face Daphne’s erupting anger that morning. A newspaper flew and hit him in the chest.

“I apologize, madam. I didn’t publish that message. Besides, I tried to take down all the reports about Mr. Garrett and Miss Elice yesterday.”

Daphne narrowed her eyes. “Of course, you didn’t publish it. Because I’m not crazy enough to make the same mistake again!”

Daphne clenched her mouth. Her visibly wrinkled hand formed a tight fist. Her eyes moved aimlessly under the pressure of thought. Until her expression changed.

“This must be Farrah’s doing,” Daphne muttered. “Certainly. No doubt it’s her doing.”

Carolus remained silent. He kept his head down as Daphne continued to mutter in anger. Only his eyes occasionally glanced at the newspaper now lying not far from his feet.

On the front page, another article appeared, showing a black and white photo of Garrett and Elice standing opposite each other, looking into each other’s eyes, right in front of her house.

Daphne shook her head in frustration. Trying to think of a way out, she found the situation turning against her.

“This cannot be allowed.”

Carolus swallowed his spittle. He knew for sure that a challenging job would soon follow.

“I don’t want to know, Carolus. Whatever happens, I don’t want any more negative reports about Garrett. And…”

The pressure in Daphne’s voice made Carolus suddenly lift his head. He looked at the older woman and found her old eyes giving a command not to be taken lightly.

“Issue a warning to all media personnel. Unless you want to disappear from the face of the earth, stop reporting on Garrett.”

Both of Carolus’ hands clenched in front of him. He nodded once.

“Alright.”

Having fully complied with Daphne’s order, Carolus promptly left the room. There was a challenging task he needed to complete immediately.

“Farrah. What an ungrateful child.”

As the bedroom door closed, leaving only herself in the room, Daphne could no longer hold back her grumbling. More than that, she kept hitting the arm of the sofa, as if it could somehow channel some of her anger.

Meanwhile, seeing the news about him and Elice on the front page of the morning paper again, Garrett closed his eyes in a look of helplessness. Trying to control his emotions felt incredibly difficult. It almost felt like he wanted to destroy everything around him.

“As far as I know…”

Amber’s voice landed in Garrett’s ears, making him involuntarily open his eyes again.

“… Madam Daphne has instructed Mr. Carolus to handle all of this. Not only to take down the messages, but more than that, sir.”

Amber felt no need to voice her concerns. She was sure Garrett would understand her intentions.

“What about Elice?”

Amber blinked. “What, sir?”

Garrett took a deep breath. His body, slumped in the office chair, struggled to rise with fatigue.

“How is Elice?” Garrett repeated. “Has she been in the office today? Is she working?”

Amber looked confused. Honestly, she didn’t know.

“Sorry, sir. I will find out.”

But Garrett shook his head. “No need. Please go back.”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Amber couldn’t help but nod and then leave Garrett’s office. She continued her work that morning while her boss, feeling powerless in the face of the situation, found himself unable to work.

Garrett considered his options for a moment. He looked down at his cell phone on the table. Between contacting Elice or not. Both clearly had their own consequences.

To hell with his anger.

*