Chapter 97

Bianca could barely stand. “If you don’t want to help, fine. But why say such things to upset Mom? She’s already suffering so much because of Stevie,” Daniella said, tightly supporting Bianca and accusing Abigail indignantly.

“You wouldn’t have heard these words if you hadn’t come to find me,” Abigail said, then bypassed them to leave.

“Abby, I’m begging you. You’re the only one who can save the Gibson family now. Just ask Sebastian this once–whatever you ask, I’ll agree!” Bianca grabbed her hand and pleaded through tears.

Abigail frowned tightly and said in annoyance, “The Gibson family has nothing worth my help right now. Besides, you could save Stephen by telling the truth at the police station. Why do you keep thinking you can escape the law?”

Daniella said, “Abby…”

“Abby, it’s almost time to go to work. I’ll drive you to Halden Group,” Ralph stepped out, interrupting Daniella, who had more to say. Bianca and Daniella were startled to see him there, their eyes flickering with tension.

“Thanks, but I’ve already called a cab,” Abigail said coldly. She broke free from Bianca’s grip and left without looking back. Ralph did not chase after her.

Daniella stared at Ralph, then asked cautiously, “Ralphie, why are you here?”

“I brought her to see Stevie,” Ralph didn’t hide the truth, but his tone was obviously much colder.

Bianca tightly held Daniella’s hand and forced a smile. “Thank you for bothering with his matter. I never expected he’d hit and run.”

Ralph looked indifferent. “I’m mediating with the victim’s family. If money can solve it, spend as much as needed. Agreed?”

Bianca nodded. “Yes, thank you, Mr. Fletcher.”

“I don’t quite understand why Abby won’t ask Sebastian for help since that would save you from running around,” Daniella murmured with faint complaint.

To Ralph, she seemed to be thinking of him–after all, hiring a lawyer was time-consuming. Three years ago, he would have blamed Abigail for Daniella’s words, but now he said calmly, “Sebastian is just a collaborator of Halden Group. They’re not close.”

“No, she even attended his birthday party, and she was the only woman in the private room. Sebastian has a notorious reputation as a playboy,” Daniella whispered, her voice laced with worry.

“We don’t know Sebastian well. We can’t judge him based on rumors. Anyway, I need to meet a lawyer. I’ll go first,” Ralph said, not giving Daniella another chance to speak.

In the car, he thought about Daniella’s words and realized she was indeed scheming. Daniella seemed to care for the family, but in reality, she guided them to view Abigail negatively. She had framed Abigail for years, and they had never noticed.

That afternoon, just as Abigail finished work, James suddenly jumped out and startled her. After calming down, she asked calmly, “How can I help you?”

James smiled brightly. “Can’t I hang out with my friend? I have a party tonight with lots of food. Wanna come grab a bite with me?”

Abigail nodded slightly when he called her his friend. “Okay. What kind of food will there be?”

“So much! Lots of delicious dishes, and desserts at the end. Let’s go–the party’s about to start. I took a detour to pick you up,” James said, grabbing her hand.

“Thank you,” Abigail said, following him.

After fastening her seatbelt in the car, James continued, “I noticed last time you enjoyed food, so I thought of you.”

Abigail smiled. “Next time I’ll take you to The Hearth Table. Their pasta is great.”

James didn’t refuse. “Great, let’s go tomorrow.” Abigail didn’t expect he would be so eager.

At the hotel restaurant, Abigail followed James inside. “Come on, Seb is here too,” James led the way.

Abigail was stunned for a second. She looked in the direction he was heading and saw Sebastian standing with friends.

The man who liked to squint when he smiled immediately wore a doting expression when he saw Abigail. “Abby’s here. I especially chose this seat for you—the food will be served from here first.”