Chapter 262 Caleb's Surprise
The investigation was due to suspected involvement in drug trafficking. If this news got out, the Windsor Group and the Windsor family would be truly ruined.
"I know, Bella, don't worry. We're ready. We're just waiting for him to take the bait. He's smuggling drugs and trying to drag the Windsor family into it. If we don't handle this properly, not only will the Windsor family be implicated, but the entire Harborvale will have to be reshuffled."
"So, Bella, trust me. Let's see what Caleb is planning with Anna. We're ready to head to the Windsor Villa at any moment."
Sterling gave Bella a reassuring look, but Bella couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
Since Caleb showed up in Oakridge, Sterling's people had been watching him closely, monitoring his every move.
But Sterling didn't realize that Caleb was just as aware of their actions.
The police wanted to catch Caleb but hadn't found any solid evidence yet.
Caleb initially aimed to take over the Powell family's dock, but seeing Anna made him even more determined.
Now he wanted both the dock and the girl. The dock was still under Sterling's control, and the only way to get it was to marry Anna quickly.
Anna was meeting Caleb at Oakridge's largest mall.
As soon as she arrived at the entrance, she felt the heat.
Luckily, Bella had decided not to come because of the heat; otherwise, her health wouldn't have held up.
Anna didn't really want to be there. Standing at the mall entrance, Colin's image flashed through her mind.
Feeling restless, Anna ordered a milk tea. Just as she took a sip, Caleb called.
"Anna, are you almost here?" Caleb asked.
"I'm at the entrance," Anna replied, feeling drained from the heat.
"Go inside the mall. I have a surprise for you," Caleb's voice sounded excited.
The mall was right next to the milk tea shop. Anna, sipping her drink leisurely, strolled towards the mall entrance.
As soon as she stepped inside, it felt like she had entered a dreamy pink world.
Pink balloons floated everywhere, gently swaying in the air, adding a touch of romance and warmth to the mall.
Little girls around her looked up at the balloons, their faces lighting up with smiles of envy.
"Is the mall hosting a special event today? Or is someone proposing? It's so beautiful, like walking into a fairy tale."
People around her expressed surprise and admiration, clearly moved by the unexpected romance.
But Anna, with her unique perspective, glanced at the balloons and smirked.
"Beautiful? If it weren't for the air conditioning in here, these balloons would have exploded from the heat. Then you'd have balloon fragments flying everywhere, like a thunderstorm. Let's see if you still think it's pretty then."
Anna's words carried a hint of sarcasm, appreciating the pink romance in her own way while reminding the onlookers of the harsh reality.
People around her glanced at Anna, shaking their heads, wondering who this woman was, seemingly allergic to romance.
Just as Anna finished speaking, the mall's giant LED screen lit up as if touched by magic. Her gentle expressions and moments were magnified, clearly visible to everyone present.
The suddenness of this moment caught Anna off guard. She was still processing the conversations around her when the entire space was enveloped in a romantic atmosphere.
Then, the mall's PA system came to life, and Caleb's deep, magnetic voice resonated through the noise, striking a chord with everyone.
"Anna, it's been three years and nine months since we met. Every moment has been like precious pearls, stringing together our shared memories. On this journey we've walked together, you've always been the brightest part of my life, unmatched by anyone."
"I know I may have had my shortcomings in the past, not being considerate or mature enough. But please believe me, from now on, I will give everything to become the perfect partner who makes you proud and happy."
"I've been planning our wedding for a long time, just waiting for you to say yes. Will you join me in the next chapter of our lives?"
As Caleb's words settled, a group of young men in sharp suits, like knights from a fairy tale, approached Anna with vibrant flowers.
Their synchronized steps added an indescribable dreamlike quality to the scene.
Pink balloons swayed gently, reflecting soft light, while the sea of red roses spread out, exuding a captivating fragrance.
Mall customers stopped in their tracks, captivated by the scene, their faces showing envy and smiles of blessing.
It seemed like the world had paused to witness this sincere and passionate love.
Even Anna was moved, along with the onlookers. She never imagined she would be the center of such a grand proposal, nor did she expect Caleb to go all out, proposing at Oakridge.
Anna's cheeks turned a deep red, like the sunset, completely and beautifully flushed. She looked around frantically, her heart pounding as if it would burst from her chest.
Finally, at the end of the crowd, Anna saw Caleb. He was confidently making his way through the people, each step proving his determination.
When he reached her, he knelt on one knee, the ring in his hand shining brightly under the lights. He spoke tenderly, "Anna, will you marry me?"
Caleb's voice was gentle yet firm, each word striking Anna's heart, leaving her both touched and overwhelmed.
At that moment, Caleb and Anna were undoubtedly the focus of the entire mall.
Customers around them took out their phones, recording or taking pictures, wanting to capture this rare romantic moment.
Anna had dressed up for the occasion, wearing a simple yet elegant white dress, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, adding a touch of softness and innocence, like the perfect first love image.
Caleb, dressed in a luxurious custom suit, looked impeccable, his outfit highlighting his physique perfectly.
Even in his kneeling position, he exuded an undeniable presence and charm.
Everyone was immersed in the romance, believing it to be an almost perfect proposal.
However, for Anna, the moment was incredibly complex.