novelxo Chapter 181
That one look made Arabella's heart sink like a stone.
Why was this happening? Did Dorian not care for her anymore?
In the past, whenever something like this happened, her brothers would always stand by her unconditionally. It was Theo who wronged her, so why were they treating her this way? This wasn't her fault!
They had changed. Arabella noticed that the whole family was looking in Miranda's direction, and tears of anger welled up in her eyes.
It was because of her, she was certain. It was all because of Miranda that they were different now!
She wanted to stay close to Alistair, Orion, and Lysander, but like Dorian, they had distanced themselves from her. Especially when Miranda glanced their way, they seemed almost afraid of being seen too close to Arabella, keeping a careful distance.
Alistair spoke with a calm detachment, "Let's not forget, we're not blood relatives. Being too close might raise some eyebrows. We should keep some boundaries."
Lysander chimed in, "Alistair's right. You should be more careful."
Dorian silently agreed.
Mrs. Hawke, overhearing the exchange, added quietly, "Your brothers have a point. You're not related by blood, so why stick so close? If people start talking, it could get ugly, saying you're trying to seduce your brothers."
And now, with the whole mess involving Theo, things were even more complicated. Arabella kept insisting that Theo was lying about them sleeping together, but this scandal was shattering the sweet image she had always portrayed to the Hawke family.
Mrs. Hawke didn't want any rumors of her sons being involved with Arabella, which would only bring more shame and embarrassment to the family.
Originally, neither Mr. nor Mrs. Hawke wanted to bring Arabella to the banquet tonight.
But Arabella pleaded, saying she wanted the chance to clear her name. She feared that if she didn't show up people would gossip even more about their family. With a mix of emotional appeals and playing the victim, they eventually relented and brought her along.
Hearing Mrs. Hawke's words, Arabella clutched the fabric of her dress tightly, swallowing her resentment and anger.
She whispered, a picture of grievance, "I understand, Mom. I'll be careful."
Her voice seemed as if she was about to break down.
"Ugh, she's at it again. Such a drama queen," Hannah pouted her lips, her face practically a meme of disdain.
"What kind of spell has she cast on the Hawke family. I just don't get it."
Ever since finding out that Miranda was the real daughter of the Hawke family, Hannah had taken a special dislike to Arabella.
Her tongue was as sharp as ever. Whenever she met up with her gal pals, trash-talking Arabella was a given.
It got to the point where her friends would reflexively think "drama queen" the moment they saw Arabella.
"Hey, sis, since Arabella isn't blood related with those four brothers, do you think they might, you know, hook up or something?"
Miranda was left speechless. She couldn't help but glance at Hannah, who looked as innocent and adorable as ever.
Caius thought Hannah's comment
was a bit too obscenely crude and might have upset Miranda. After all, those Hawke boys were technically Miranda's real brothers. He was about to scold Hannah when Miranda, with surprising seriousness, said, "That's an interesting angle. She might actually be planning to switch tactics and hookup with all four Hawke boys."