章 1540: Collapse of the Payne family (3)

"Why are you fighting?", Gabriella asked when she entered the study.

"Mommy!", Darlene cried. "Daddy is going to leave us in the mud."

Gabriella exhaled. Well, he already gave hints that he will do so when they were at the neighbor's house and Gabriella knows that Arthur meant it. After all, if he is not a selfish prick who only thinks about himself, he would not sleep around and come home to pretend to be a great husband and a father. She told herself to stay calm. Arguing will only push Arthur away, and this requires a gentle touch.

"Calm down, Darlene.", Gabriella said with a meek smile that surprised both Darlene and Arthur. "We are all under pressure, and your father is feeling it the most. After all, he is not only thinking about his reputation but about the company and the whole family. The business and the two of us are connected to him and any taints on us will affect him as well."