They Called Me Heartless So Reborn I Watched Them Self Destruct novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178: 178- Thirteen Years Ago

Lucien Volkov:

Arabella was fast asleep beside me, with one hand resting near her face. I had been watching her for a while now, trying to figure out what was bothering her.

Something had changed. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but she’d been unusually quiet today. She had barely spoken to her friends, and Maya had complained that Arabella wasn’t answering her calls.

Then there was her visit to my mother’s office. One of the guards had mentioned it to me earlier. Apparently, she’d spent quite some time there.

What could those two possibly have to discuss?

I knew my mother well enough to be concerned, especially after everything she’d put Arabella through. But I also knew Arabella wouldn’t appreciate me questioning her every move.

She was finally beginning to make decisions for herself, and I didn’t want her to feel as though she had to explain everything to me. That included her decision to drop Anika’s case.

Still, I wished she’d tell me what was troubling her.

A few strands of silver hair had fallen across her cheek. I gently brushed them aside and leaned down to kiss her forehead, letting my lips rest there a little longer than necessary.

She stirred slightly but didn’t wake up. I was about to settle beside her when my phone began vibrating on the nightstand.

Oh, for Goddess’s sake.

I’d already lowered the volume so it wouldn’t disturb her, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. Bradley’s name appeared on the screen.

I answered quietly. “What is it?”

“Lucien, there’s some disturbance in the Queen’s quarters.”

“What kind of disturbance?”

“I can hear crying, and someone screaming. It sounds like they’re having a serious argument in there.”

I glanced at Arabella, who was still sleeping peacefully. “Then find out what’s happening.”

“I was going to, but I think you should come with me. It’s getting out of hand, and I’d rather not walk into your mother’s private quarters without you.”

I made a face. Those women were very much capable of handling their issues themselves. They didn’t need me at all.

Of all the nights for my family to create a scene, they had to choose this one. “Fine. I’ll be there.”

I ended the call and carefully got out of bed, making sure not to disturb Arabella. After putting on a shirt, I took one last look at her before leaving the room. Two royal guards were stationed outside.

“Don’t let anyone enter my chambers,” I instructed them. “And if Arabella wakes up and needs anything, call me immediately.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” One of them bowed, and I headed toward my mother’s quarters.

I could hear the argument before I even reached the door. “How could you do this, Mother?” Amy was practically shouting. “She’s supposed to be your daughter-in-law! You can’t just throw her into prison!” 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

I exchanged a glance with Bradley, who was waiting outside. He gave me a helpless look. I pushed the door open.

Amy was standing in front of my mother, her face red with anger. My mother, on the other hand, looked remarkably calm. She was sitting in her chair, examining her nails as though Amy was discussing something as ordinary as the weather.

“What happened?” I demanded. Amy spun around.

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