Chapter 224: Annabelle Linton, I Miss You
Annabelle Linton had just fallen asleep when a series of urgent knocks woke her.
She opened the door to find five or six police officers standing outside.
A visit from the police in the middle of the night was never a good sign, but Annabelle Linton’s face showed no trace of panic.
She was wearing a silk nightgown, her skin fairer than snow. Her long, voluminous hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her soft features held a uniquely feminine charm.
The officers, seeing such a beautiful woman for the first time, were all dumbstruck. No one said a word.
Annabelle Linton looked at them, her expression blank. "Don’t tell me you woke me up in the middle of the night just to say you knocked on the wrong door."
That snapped the officers back to their senses.
The lead officer stepped forward, showed his ID, and said, "It’s like this, Ms. Linton. Your husband was involved in a brawl at The Aurora Bar. He’s been detained for fighting and damaging property, and we need you to come with us."
Annabelle Linton glanced at his ID and scoffed.
She crossed her arms, leaning lazily against the doorframe, her eyes filled with scorn. "Since when do the police in Nordmark speak Chinese? And since when do you make a house call to notify someone about bail instead of just calling?"
The sarcasm in her eyes deepened. "Showing up in the dead of night... you gentlemen are so dedicated, so devoted to your duties. You want me to come with you? Where to? Don’t tell me it’s the bar."
Hearing the mockery in her voice, the officer realized Annabelle Linton already knew their true purpose and dropped the act. "Mrs. Grant, Young Master Grant is running a fever, but he’s still drinking. If he keeps this up, something bad is going to happen."
"You’re his wife. Behind closed doors, you’re family. Don’t make things so difficult."
Family...
Annabelle mulled over the word, then let out a soft laugh. "And if I refuse?"
The officer’s brow furrowed. "Then we’ll have to insist."
Annabelle Linton just gave a faint smile. ’I knew I wasn’t destined for a peaceful night’s sleep tonight.’
’No need to make things unpleasant. Besides, these men are just following orders.’
"One moment."
"Of course. Thank you for your cooperation."
Ten minutes later, Annabelle Linton had quickly washed up, changed into a dress, and left with the "officers."
Sitting in the police car, she leaned against the window and closed her eyes to rest.
Her face remained placid, showing no particular emotion.
...
「Twenty minutes later, they arrived at The Aurora Bar.」
Annabelle Linton stepped out of the car. A cold, damp gust of wind swept past, tangling her hair.
Her face, shrouded in the darkness, was indistinct.
Yet, one could faintly sense the chill emanating from her.
Expressionless, Annabelle Linton walked forward in her high heels.
’Leona Grant, I’m here. I’m going to see for myself just what kind of pathetic state you’ve gotten yourself into!’
Led by the "officers," Annabelle Linton entered the bar.
In the main hall, before she even saw anyone, she was hit by the thick stench of alcohol and acrid smoke, accompanied by the cacophony of things being smashed.
Standing at the entrance, Annabelle Linton’s eyes immediately fell on Leona Grant, his face dark and sinister as he furiously smashed things.
CRASH! BANG! The sounds echoed through the room. A circle of men stood around him, protecting him from injuring himself, but no one dared to stop his rampage.
Seeing this, Annabelle Linton couldn’t help but feel the world’s unfairness.
’Some people can live like they’re the center of the universe, even when they’re abroad.’
Annabelle Linton stood her ground, watching Leona Grant’s tantrum with a cold expression. She showed no emotion, no feeling, and had no intention of stopping him.
She just watched him, as if observing a wild beast raging in a cage, or perhaps more accurately, a clown.
As if hearing something, Leona Grant suddenly whipped his head around.
When he saw the figure he had been longing for standing there, a flicker of joy flashed through his bloodshot, weary, and savage eyes.
"Annabelle Linton."
He dropped what was in his hands and strode over, pulling Annabelle Linton fiercely into his arms. Because of their height difference, he had to stoop down, almost greedily inhaling her scent.
Seeing Annabelle Linton, he seemed to transform into a different person. Hurt and aggrieved, his voice hoarse beyond recognition, he said, "Annabelle Linton, I missed you."