Chapter 289: Chapter 289

“It’s just an old ailment acting up. Nothing serious.” Nigel assured Bella as he gently caressed her

head. His face was pale with a greyish tint.

Bella held Nigel’s left hand and carefully checked his pulse, feeling a heavy sensation in her

heart.

After a while, she said seriously, “Grandpa, I will dedicate a specific time each week to give you

acupuncture, and I’ll also prepare a new set of medicines for you. You must not neglect this, and Uncle

Matt will supervise your medication.”

Nigel spoke softly, “My dear, you’re not the person you were before. You’re now the heiress of the

Thompson family, and Wyatt loves and cares for you deeply. How can I let you take on all these

responsibilities? I heard from Justin that you’re also managing the Thompson Hotel, which must be

challenging. Don’t go through all this trouble. I have Matt taking care of me, and that’s enough.”

Although Nigel wanted to see her often, he worried she would exhaust herself.

Upon hearing this, Bella was slightly stunned. She had not expected that Justin would discuss her

affairs with Nigel. He seemed to completely disregard her in the past, treating her like an

ornament.

She wondered, ‘Now that they were separated, he was reminiscing about her. What was going on?’

Bella raised an eyebrow and said, “So what if I am Wyatt’s daughter? Are you saying that I can’t be

your granddaughter?” She continued confidently, “I have control over my own life. I will do whatever I

like!”

Her fiery and cute act made both Nigel and Carrie smile.

At that moment, her phone vibrated. Bella lowered her gaze to the screen and saw a message.

[Steven: Ms. Bella, everything is ready. I will be waiting for your orders.]

A magnificent stage adorned with flowers in the banquet hall took the spotlight.

As the lights gradually dimmed, those on the stage became increasingly dazzling. Justin and Ryan

entered the venue fashionably late, arriving later than expected.

Despite their attempt to maintain a low profile, their charming presence instantly captured the

audience’s attention.

The eyes of the guests swirled around Justin, sparking hushed discussions.

A guest muttered, “I can’t believe it. The usually reserved Justin is attending the birthday banquet of the

Gold family’s heiress. That woman must have quite the influence.”

Another guest chimed in, “Did you think this was just a simple birthday banquet? You’re too naive!

Haven’t you noticed? Rosalind’s parents, as well as the Salvador family, are all here. This birthday

banquet is a cover, and they will likely announce more important news.”

Someone else added, “Oh, so that’s what is happening. It seems like I came at the right time.

Anything interesting going on?”

A random guest said, “Nothing hurts more than comparison. I have discovered some interesting details

through my connections with the Salvadors. When Justin married for the first time, it was a covert affair.

There was no grand ceremony, just secrecy. That woman spent. three quiet years with Justin. And now,

look at them. They’re throwing a grand celebration for the girlfriend’s birthday. Can you imagine how

extravagant their wedding will be when they tie the knot? If I were the ex-wife, I’d be heartbroken!”

Hearing the whispered words, Justin felt as if someone had slapped him in the face. His heart was

riddled with guilt toward Bella.

When he was married, Justin never thought he had wronged Bella. But now, after the divorce, he felt

like a sinner. He was scrutinized and scorned by everyone. His personal affairs were exposed and laid

bare for everyone to see.

Ryan elbowed Justin and asked, “Justin… Are you okay? Why do you look so pale?”

Justin replied, “I’m fine.” He took a deep breath and tried to calm his turbulent emotions.

In the front row of the audience, Gregory and the Gold family sat together, giving the impression that

both sides’ parents were attending a wedding ceremony.

Suddenly, the lights changed, and delightful music filled the air.

Amidst the enthusiastic applause, Rosalind made her entrance. She wore a silver couture evening

gown adorned with jewelry worth millions of dollars. Her dress elegantly showcased her shoulders and

wrapped around her bountiful figure. Accompanied by Shannon, she gracefully bowed to the audience,

expressing her gratitude for their attendance.

Someone in the audience couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow! Look at her! She’s wearing an haute

couture gown designed by Roza Walker!”

Another added, “So beautiful… It’s just a birthday banquet! And she borrowed a million-dollar dress.

Mr. Salvador showers her with affection!”

Hearing the whispers from the audience below, Rosalind was on cloud nine as she basked in the

spotlight.

The only regret was that Justin was not standing by her side. Regardless, she was the center of

attention tonight. She would not let anything dampen her mood.

Shannon approached the stage and spoke into the microphone, “I want to thank all of you for being

here today to celebrate my niece Rosalind’s birthday. This moment is extraordinary, and I know

Rosalind will forever cherish the memories we create together.”

She then took Rosalind’s hand and looked at her lovingly, seemingly motherly, conveying the depth of

her affection. “Before we continue, there is an important announcement that I would like to share with

all of you.” A sudden hush fell over the audience.

Gregory maintained a subtle smile, his expression unreadable. Meanwhile, the Gold family couple’s

eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Rosalind is officially getting engaged to Justin!” Shannon announced.