Nathalie's Full Custody

Helena feels sad at the thought of Gabby leaving. But she was also relieved to know she would be okay alone.

"Take care of yourself," Gabby said, giving her friend one last hug.

"You too," Helena said.

Gabby smiled and walked out the door, leaving Helena alone in San Antonio. But she was no longer feeling alone. She had the support of her friend, and she was determined to take care of herself and make the most of her new life in San Antonio.

Arthur sat in his luxurious penthouse, sipping his morning coffee as he scrolled through social media, expecting news of him and Pamela. His heart sank when he saw the headlines splashed across various entertainment news sites: "Billionaire Arthur Hendricks spotted cozying up to heiress Pamela at Daniel's engagement party" and "Is there a new power couple in town? Arthur Hendricks and Pamela spark dating rumors."

He clicked on one of the articles, only to be bombarded with pictures of him and Pamela from last night – her flirtatious smile, seemingly intimate conversation, and the moment she placed her hand on his arm. Even though Arthur knew the truth, it was difficult not to feel guilty when faced with such damning evidence.

"Damn it," he muttered, his fingers tightening around his phone. It wasn't surprising. All Arthur could do was act on it as quickly as possible.

I couldn't let Helena see these lies after everything we've been through together. I promised Helena to end all the rumors, and I'll do it.

"Mr. Hendricks?" Ashton, his secretary, entered the room hesitantly, picking up on the tense atmosphere.

"Have you seen this?" Arthur asked, holding up his phone for Ashton to see.

Ashton's eyes widened as he read the headlines. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry. I should have warned you."

"Warned me? No, that's not your fault. But I need you to do something about it," Arthur said, his tone firm but not unkind. "Get in touch with these websites, and demand they remove the articles. And if possible, find out who started these rumors."

"Of course, sir," Ashton assured him, pulling out his phone to make calls. "I'll ensure they're taken down as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Ashton." Arthur rubbed a hand over his face, his frustration apparent.

He hated how a single evening could cause such chaos in his relationship with Helena. In his heart, he knew Helena trusted him even before the last talk they had on the phone, but he didn't want to give her any reason to doubt his loyalty.

"Please take care of this matter for me, Ashton. Nathalie needed me in court today for the full custody I filed. Update me if necessary."

"Yes, I will, Arthur. You don't have to worry about this while attending the court hearing. Good luck!"

Nathalie, meanwhile, found solace in spending time with her brother. Their bond grew stronger by the day, and she began to trust him implicitly, knowing he was doing everything he could to help her escape the toxic environment that Alicia had created.

During the grueling day in court, Arthur couldn't help but glance at Nathalie, who sat in the gallery with a look of quiet determination. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and she wore a simple yet elegant black dress, while Alicia wore prison attire.

"Your Honor," Arthur addressed the judge, his voice steady and resolute, "I stand here today not just as Nathalie Hendricks' brother but as her advocate and protector. My sister has suffered enough under our mother's care, and it's time for her to experience the love and support she so desperately needs."

The judge nodded, her eyes scanning the courtroom before settling on Nathalie. "Miss Hendricks, do you have anything you'd like to say?"

Nathalie stood, her hands clasped together in front of her. "Your Honor, I've spent years feeling trapped and powerless in my home. I know that Arthur can provide me with the stability and care I need, and I'm deeply grateful for his efforts."

As the trial continued, Arthur was consumed by a whirlwind of emotions – anger at Alicia for her neglect and manipulation, sadness for the pain Nathalie had endured, and unwavering determination to see justice served.

In the end, their hard work and perseverance paid off. The judge granted Arthur full custody of Nathalie, much to Alicia's fury. As they left the courthouse, Nathalie threw her arms around Arthur, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Thank you, Arthur," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "You've given me hope for a better future."

Arthur hugged her tightly, feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride swell within him. He knew that their battle against Alicia was far from over, but for now, they had emerged victorious, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead – together.

At San Antonio, Helena edited her novel and baked some cookies in the afternoon. She enjoyed her own company and was happy to be able to do therapeutic things even though Gabby was gone.

She stared out at the gentle waves lapping against the sandy shores, her heart heavy with a mixture of love and fear. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow across the beach. She took a deep breath, trying to find solace in the calming scene before her. But the peace eluded her as her phone buzzed, shattering the fragile tranquility.

"Helena, dear," Lauren's voice oozed through the speaker like venom. "I thought you should know that there's no future for you and Arthur. My darling Pamela will soon be by his side, and I have no intention of letting him suffer the same fate as my poor Israel."

Helena's hands trembled, the phone slipping slightly in her grasp. The weight of Lauren's words threatened to pull her under like a riptide.

"Israel's death was your fault, Helena. I won't let Arthur become another casualty. You understand, don't you?" Lauren continued, her tone dripping with malice and false concern.

"Lauren, you have no right--" Helena began, but Lauren cut her off.

"Save your breath. It's over. Stay away from Arthur and let him live a happy life with someone more suitable. Do you understand?"

"Lauren, you are not in the position to dictate my life. You did that before..."

"Yes," Lauren cut Helena off. "I did tell you before to leave my son, but you didn't listen, and look what happened? You killed my son."

"No. Stop gaslighting me. You and your husband killed your son. I'm done with all your bullshit. You are a heartless mother," Helena said sternly.

"And you have the nerve to say that to me after what you did to my son?" Lauren thundered. "Do you think society will accept you as Arthur's girlfriend? What can you offer to the Hendricks Earthwise Consortium?"

Helena was silent, analyzing Lauren had a point. As Arthur told her, he has to save their family's legacy to protect his siblings and her. Did Arthur make a deal with Lewises? Would Arthur marry Pamela in exchange for a business deal?

Lauren let out a crisped laugh, realizing Helena was defeated. "I'm sure you're not stupid, and you understood what I meant."

Helena gripped her phone, lost for words to say.

"I think your silence speaks volumes. I take it as a yes. Know your place and stop putting people on the brink of death like you did to Israel. Save Arthur." And with that, Lauren hung up, leaving Helena reeling.