Justinâs strong arm held Bellaâs delicate waist, gazing at her with
affection and a smile.
Axel and Ralph led very hectic lives, seldom seen together. When they did show up as a pair, it meant
that things were complicated.
Ralph let out a burp, his expression turning serious. âShannon took a
urine test this afternoon, and itâs confirmed she used drugs. She insists itâs not drug abuse but merely
using medication. She argued that she believed the injections were just regular beauty treatments
provided by her plastic surgeon, Dr. Fairchild. She claims to have no
knowledge of this and believes sheâs being set up.â
Bella was suddenly shocked.
The drugs given to Shannon were actually prepared by Simon, who had a wide knowledge of
pharmacology. She trusted him completely in this aspect and never questioned his expertise.
However, she was shocked when he directly injected the drugs in her. Such a large dosage could be
lethal!
Bella strongly defended Simon. âRalph, this matter has nothing to do with Dr. Fairchild. Shannon must
be desperate and trying to drag someone down with her in her final moments, throwing Dr. Fairchild
under the bus.â Bella vigorously defended Simon.
âI know Simon, Bella. Dad has helped him, and heâs close to you,â Ralph said with a serious expression
as the playful exchange between siblings disappeared from his eyes.
âBut as a police officer, I have to remain impartial and follow the law.
I canât misuse my position for personal reasons. Shannon claims
sheâs being set up by Simon. Even if sheâs not telling the truth, we still need to bring in Simon for
questioning and follow protocol,â Ralph
added.
Bella lowered her long lashes, feeling somber and quiet.
Justin furrowed his brows slightly Naturally, he didnât want to see any conflict between the siblings. He
gently took Bellaâs hand,
soothingly massaging her palm. âHey Captain Ralph, we get it. Just
do what you think is right.â
The term âCaptain Ralphâ made Ralph feel some warmth toward
Justin. But Bella felt uneasy inside. She knew that Ralph was right, but she just felt bad for Dr.
Fairchild. She didnât want anyone else
around her to suffer because of her.
The vibe when the siblings were together was seldom this heavy.
Ralphâs heart felt heavy. Not wanting to linger under his little sisterâs
gaze, he murmured, âI still have some things at the station I need t
deal with first, so Iâll head back.â
He then turned to Axel and continued softly, âAxel, please accompany Bella more. Itâs rare that you
both can spend time together.
Just as he was about to leave, Bella suddenly rose and threw herself
into Ralphâs arms, tightly embracing him. âRalph, please donât go! I
didnât ask you to leave!â
Ralph opened his arms right away to hug her back, feeling emotional.
Even though they were close like the others, being half-siblings
created a small distance between them. This made it rare for him to embrace his sister so intimately.
Every time he wanted to show his love for her, heâd hesitate due to shyness.
âI thought you were mad,â Ralph said softly, lowering his head and gently stroking her hair with his
large hand.
Bella looked up with a dewy face and shook her head. âRalph, how could I be mad at you? I know
about your journey from passing the police academy entrance exam to joining the criminal investigation
team and now becoming the captain of the team. It hasnât been easy for you. I shouldnât have been so
stubborn and mixed public and private matters. Go ahead and do what you need to do. Whatever
happens, Iâll support your decision.â
lan observed the intimate interaction between Bella and Ralph while sneaking a glance at Justinâs
expression, which turned out to be as, dark and angry as he had anticipated.
Justin let out a deep breath. Despite trying to keep his cool, jealousy and anger colored his eyes.
âHey, feeling jealous?â Axel pulled up a chair and plopped down ne to him, munching on a pastry and
speaking with his mouth full.
âIf this little bit of drama gets to you, how will you handle being around us and Bella in the future? Youâll
be crying all the time!â