Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter_25
At the Hawthorn residence, the atmosphere was tense as Percival, Leopold, and Thomas arrived, their presence immediately stirring up a whirlwind of thoughts in Arabella’s mind. She had just returned from school, still in a good mood, and was eager to share her mock exam results with her grandmother, Beatrice. However, the sudden visit from Percival had her nerves on edge. The mood shifted quickly as Percival mentioned that he had come to thank her for saving his sister’s life.
Arabella’s mind raced. She had helped Isolde, but not in the way Percival thought. Arabella was well aware of the healing power Vivienne had—she couldn’t help but wonder if Percival was mistaken. Yet, before she could speak, Percival’s actions left her speechless: a gift of rare herbs and a check for five million, all meant as thanks for something she didn’t deserve. She thought about it for a moment, conflicted between her duty to her family and the genuine kindness in Percival’s gesture.
Beatrice’s reaction to the gift was far less composed, her frustration palpable as she urged Arabella to accept the money, thinking it could help the family through their financial struggles. Arabella, however, remained firm in her stance, wanting to refuse the check, but Beatrice’s pressing words made it clear: this wasn’t something they could afford to turn down. Yet, Arabella couldn’t shake the feeling that Percival’s visit was more than just gratitude.
Then, Percival dropped a bombshell—the engagement to Vivienne had been postponed for ten days. Arabella’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Was he now thinking of her instead of Vivienne? She couldn’t help but feel a swell of uncertainty and anxiety. What was going on? Should she tell him that she wasn’t the one who had cured Isolde? But how could she turn down the precious herbs and the potential rewards they could bring to her family?
The tension only heightened when Percival made his quick departure, leaving behind a swirl of emotions. Beatrice’s sharp gaze landed on Arabella, eager for answers. Arabella, looking pale and unsure, admitted that she feared Percival might now want to marry her, believing her to be the one who had healed Isolde. Beatrice, however, was resolute. She would not allow Arabella to marry someone like Percival, despite the money he offered. Percival was a man who had power but was ultimately a “good-for-nothing” in her eyes. Arabella’s future lay elsewhere, and Beatrice’s ambitions were far greater than Havenwood.
Arabella, torn between her family’s needs and her own fears, voiced her concerns about Percival’s intentions. Beatrice, never one to be passive, quickly devised a plan to make sure Percival didn’t think he could win Arabella over so easily. She instructed Arabella to invite him to Octavia’s birthday party, confident that Percival would come if Arabella personally extended the invitation.
Arabella, still uncertain, agreed to the plan. She knew this invitation would be pivotal. Would Percival show up? Or was it already too late, with his interest in her piqued? The next few days would prove crucial in determining the future of her family—and her own.
