**Fading Into You by Iris Blake**
**Chapter 381**
In the midst of the gathering, Arabella and Jayceon stood locked in a silent exchange, their eyes conveying unspoken words.
Jayceon’s gaze was a tempest of emotions, swirling with intensity.
He turned to face Arabella, his voice steady yet filled with an undeniable weight, “Mrs. Caldwell, let me make this perfectly clear: I am the one who took it upon myself to ensure Georgina faced justice. If you harbor any grievances, direct them at me.”
His tone shifted, a subtle but unmistakable warning lacing his words: “Should I catch wind of anyone making life difficult for my ex-wife over Georgina’s situation again, rest assured, I will not hold back, even if that person belongs to The Eight Great Clans.”
Mr. Caldwell’s eyes darted towards Linda, a complex mix of emotions flitting across his face. With no other option left, he stepped forward, attempting to mediate the escalating tension. “Mr. Melendez, Dr. Palmer, my wife acted thoughtlessly. I implore you, Mr. Melendez, please, let’s all take a step back. My wife and I would like to host a proper banquet at a later date to extend our heartfelt apologies to both of you.”
Arabella understood all too well that Mr. Caldwell’s capitulation stemmed from the formidable presence of Jayceon, Zachary, and Samuel.
In any other circumstance, her truth would have been drowned out by the cacophony of dissenting voices.
Yet, at this juncture, it seemed to be the only path forward.
Samuel, who had been observing the scene unfold from a distance, decided that enough was enough. He interjected, “Mr. Caldwell, perhaps it would be wise to start by covering Dr. Palmer’s medical expenses and the cost of her dress.”
Linda cast a furtive glance at her husband’s expression before taking the initiative to speak, “Dr. Palmer, why don’t you enlighten us? What amount are you seeking?”
It was a calculated move on Linda’s part, deliberately placing Arabella in a precarious position.
With every eye upon her, if Arabella were to request an exorbitant sum, she would undoubtedly face scorn. Conversely, if she downplayed the value of the dress, she would be met with ridicule.
Arabella exhaled softly, her voice steady as she replied, “This dress was a gift from Mr. Franklin. I’ll call him and inquire. Just compensating for the original price will suffice.”
As the words left her lips, a murmur rippled through the crowd, a wave of intrigue washing over them.
Olivia scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “Dr. Palmer, let’s not forget that Mr. Franklin is a heavyweight in the legal arena. What does it say about him if he gave you such a modest dress?”
Arabella met Olivia’s derisive gaze with indifference, then dialed the Franklin Group’s number, placing the call on speaker for all to hear.
Olivia and Linda exchanged glances, their expressions darkening, a storm brewing within them.
Though Franklin was not a member of The Eight Great Clans and rarely mingled with them, none of those clans would dare cross him.
Jayceon’s gaze bore into Arabella, his fists clenched tightly, the veins in his hands standing out as he struggled to contain his emotions.
Whether they were alone or surrounded by others, she remained aloof with him, yet here she was, speaking so tenderly to Franklin.
Samuel, observing Jayceon’s reaction, felt a frown tugging at his brow, concern etched across his features.
Mr. Caldwell raised a hand to wipe the sweat accumulating on his forehead, his mind racing.
He had initially perceived Arabella as merely an overlooked wife from a wealthy family. Even if she was close to Mr. Zachary, he believed it was purely for professional reasons. This was why he had been so lenient with Linda.
Never had he anticipated that Zachary and Mr. Brennan would staunchly defend this woman, nor that even Jayceon would stand up for her so fiercely.
And now, even the elusive Franklin was offering to personally come and collect her.

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