Family

Gabby got a call from Arthur early in the morning when Helena hadn't been awake. It's been their routine. Gabby wakes up early in the morning, while Helena wakes up late since she stays up late at night writing her novel.

"Good morning, Arthur. Is there any news?"

"Good morning, Gabby! Yes, the rumors have finally laid low, and I will definitely face the person responsible for it. I already got some names, and I'll have my secretary contact them again so we can meet."

"That's good news!" Gabby exclaimed. "Hopefully, that's the end of it all."

"We'll see about that once I talk to them personally," Arthur said sternly. His voice filled with anger.

"And who are these people responsible for spreading rumors? Do you know them?" Gabby's interest was piqued.

"That's another problem. I don't know any of them, as we have checked their background, but my theory is someone we know is behind them. We will find out soon, and I'll give you an update. That is all for now."

"Alright, please keep me updated, Arthur. Thank you."

"No problem. And please, take care of Helena for me."

"You don't have to ask. I'm always here for Helena. Ensure you get those guys causing my best friend's pain."

"I will," he assured.

As the call ended, he went on to ask Ashton if everything was set for the meeting of the people responsible for spreading rumors about him and Pamela.

"What do you mean they are missing?" Arthur flared up in anger.

"Arthur, they are missing, according to the family I've talked to. I don't know if they are covering them up," Ashton said hesitantly.

"I thought we got them. You got their contacts, Ashton. What happened?" Arthur sighed in frustration.

"I will look into it right away, Arthur."

"Please, Ashton, update me as soon as you have. I'll be in my office."

Arthur decided to stay in his penthouse office where he could work just like in his formal EcoHarvest office. He was working his ass off for the rest of the day without any report from Ashton.

He was about to finish all the documents he needed to sign when his phone rang, its shrill tone slicing through the comfortable silence of his office. He glanced at the screen and saw Alicia Hendricks's name, his estranged mother. His heart clenched, but he answered the call with a steady voice.

"Arthur!" Alicia's voice screeched through the line, brimming with anger. "How dare you file for Nathalie's full custody and then sue me for Nathan's attempted murder!"

"Alicia, you know it's coming, right? I already warned you about this." Arthur replied, his voice firm yet calm. "I have solid evidence to prove your involvement in both cases. I won't let you get away with what you've done."

Alicia scoffed. "You think you can destroy me? I'll ruin your reputation, Arthur, and your little writer girlfriend too!"

"Her name is Helena, and you won't touch her or Nathalie," Arthur said, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the filing documents before him. "I will fight you in court until the end, Alicia. And I will win."

"Is that so?" Alicia sneered. "Well, I'm not backing down. You've always been such a disappointment, Arthur, refusing to participate in the family business, running off to travel the world like some carefree vagabond."

Arthur cut her off. "Runaway! Yes, I ran away after you and Robert benefitted after I tirelessly worked for the company. You and Robert treated me like a robot, each of you holding one string to control the course of my life."

"It was for your own good, Arthur. We are family; you know we have a legacy to care for."

"Legacy? You and Robert's legacy, not for me, not for Nathalie or Nathan. So stop talking about legacy in front of me. It was all for your status.'

"Whatever you want to believe in. It seems like you have made up your mind," Alicia said, feeling defeated. "You should have been a role model to your brother and sister, but look what you did? You showed them how to take rebellion and make bad choices in life."

"They have the right to make their own decisions; they are not your puppet, Alicia," Arthur said, gritting his teeth. "I won't let you do what you did to me before. I will do everything for Nathalie and Nathan to have the freedom to achieve their dreams and not the dreams of other people."

"You are delusional. You are making a terrible mistake if you think your siblings will have a better life with what you are doing. But mark my words. I won't let you destroy our family any further!"

"Family?" Arthur questioned, his voice laced with disbelief and frustration. "Nathan nearly died, and Nathalie has suffered enough under your care. They deserve better than what you have to offer. If anything, you're the one who's tearing this family apart!"

Alicia huffed, her anger palpable even through the phone. "We'll see about that, Arthur. Just remember, I won't go down without a fight."

"Neither will I, Mother," Arthur replied, his voice unwavering.

"So, you have learned to say that word again, huh. Mother? It's been long since I heard that from you, Arthur."

"And that would be the last. Goodbye, Alicia."

He hung up the phone and took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension that had settled in his chest. He knew he had made the right decision for Nathalie and Nathan and would do whatever it took to protect them from Alicia's wrath.

There was no turning back now – he was ready to face whatever storm Alicia brought upon him, all for the sake of his family.

Arthur stood on the balcony of his penthouse, staring at the city's vast expanse. The sky was washed with hues of pink and purple as twilight approached, and he couldn't help but think about how much his life had changed over the past few months.

"Thank you for doing this, Arthur," Nathalie's soft voice came from behind him, her arms wrapping around his waist in a gentle embrace. "I can't tell you how much it means to me."

Arthur placed his hand over hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You don't have to thank me, Nathalie. You're my sister, and I'll always be there for you."

She rested her chin on his shoulder, her eyes filling with tears. "Living with Mom these past few years has been unbearable. She never cared about us – only herself and her social status. I felt like a pawn in her twisted game and couldn't take it anymore."

Arthur let out a sigh, his heart aching for his sister. "I know, Nathalie. But that's all going to change now. We'll make sure of it."

"Promise?"

"Promise," he affirmed, turning his head to give her a tender smile.

With renewed determination, Arthur diligently worked on Nathalie's custody case the following days. He filed all the necessary legal documents and attended every court hearing, ensuring that he followed each procedure and requirement. It was an arduous emotional and physical process, but he refused to give up.