Just as the tension in the air could be cut with a knife, a small object suddenly fell from Harry's pocket.
Both Arabella and the head of the bodyguard saw it clearly - it was a folding knife that now laid exposed for all to see.
Harry glanced back at them, his movements hurried as he scooped up the knife and stuffed it into his pocket, his face awash with a
shade of panic.
"Hold it right there!"
The bodyguard stepped forward, "You dropped something. Show us what it is!"
Beverly's face fleetingly betrayed her nerves before she regained her composure, "It's a precaution we've advised him to take."
"Yeah, when Mr. Lucas Collins and Mrs. Beverly Collins don't have their bodyguards around, | carry this. It's for their protection.
Don't tellyou guys don't carry something similar?" Harry retorted.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
The head of the bodyguard was momentarily speechless; he carried a weapon, yes, but not a folding knife.
His gut was screaming that this driver was bad news.
"Today is of great significance to the Collins family, attended only by kin and close associates. You're here, armed with a knife and
trespassing," the bodyguard turned to Arabella, "Ms. Collins, | request permission to detain him. He's definitely up to no good!"
"I've explained repeatedly that | was unaware of the restricted access here. If | had known, | would've steered clear." Harry's voice
trailed off, a note of pleading in his tone as he turned to Beverly, "Mrs. Beverly Collins, | really can't hold it much longer."
"You may leave now."
It was Arabella who spoke, and the directive took everyone by surprise, not least the head of the bodyguard himself.
Was Ms. Collins really letting him go?
Beverly's smile was radiant, "Bella knows the score. Since she's given her word, what are you waiting for? Go on, then."
Harry scurried off, casting a backward glance that flickered with unease in the middle of his retreat.
"Ms. Collins." the security chief began, his anxiety palpable. He was convinced Harry was definitely trouble.
"I notice you still have concerns. Why don't we bring Harry back later for a thorough questioning? | won't interfere with your
methods."
"That's not necessary. He's just being cautious, as he shoulders great responsibilities. But | trust your judgment; there's no need for
Harry to return."
Beverly seemed mildly taken aback at her words, "Well then, shall | take my leave?"
"Take care."
Once Beverly was out of earshot, the bodyguard couldn't contain himself, "Ms. Collins, | really suspect that man is problematic.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMrs. Beverly Collins is clearly covering for him!"
"Who's problematic?"
A deep, steady voice suddenly joined the conversation.
"Hans?" The bodyguard saluted him respectfully.
Arabella chimed in with a dutiful demeanor, "Hans".
Hans's gaze softened as he looked at her, "Who did you say was problematic? Who is Beverly covering for?"
He handed Arabella a cup of coffee.
The chef had prepared a batch of coffee earlier, and he had picked up Arabella's favorite flavor, having scoured the grounds for his
sister before finding her here.
The head of the bodyguard relayed the full account of the incident to him.