Claire choked at her words, coughing violently.
Bellaâs words cut through the tension like a knife. âYouâre not even
half as sharp as Shannon, yet you dare to challenge me?â
âBella! How dare you speak so rudely to my mother? Youâre disrespecting your elders!â Zoeâs voice
trembled as she hid behind
Logan, using him as a shield while stirring up a commotion.
Justin furrowed his brows as Zoeâs words sank in, his expression
betraying his discontent.
âJust because someone is older, are they automatically labeled as an elder? If thatâs the case, then Iâm
your elder too. Is it appropriate for
you to raise your voice at your elders?â Bella towered over Zoe.
Her icy glare caused Zoeâs confidence to waver.
Zoeâs lips trembled, unable to retort. She dared not speak out anymore, afraid of what would come out
of Bellaâs mouth next.
Claire knew Logan wouldnât cause trouble for Wyattâs daughter over
such a trivial matter, so she silently signaled to Ryan, urging him to
step in.
Ryanâs eyes darted with uncertainty as he cleared his throat softly.â
Um, Bella, Iâ¦â
Bellaâs stare intensified as she turned her attention to him. Seeing the
sudden change in Bellaâs demeanor, Ryan quickly changed his tone
and said, âIâll drive you home. Itâs not safe this late at night.â
âNo need. I drove here myself.â
With that said, Bella didnât even glance back as she briskly made her way out, with the sharp click of
her high heels echoing through the
villa.
Ryan scratched his head, feeling embarrassed and at a loss for words.
Logan let out an irritated snort, finding his grandson, who was known for being bold, suddenly acting
meek in front of Bella. It was utterly
humiliating!
âLetâs go!â The Hoffman family followed suit, rushing out of the villa.
âAhh! My head⦠I feel so dizzy.â Shannon murmured weakly, leaning against Gregory for support, as if
she barely had any strength left.
Wilma shot an irritated glance at Shannon and muttered under her breath, âGeez, always playing the
victim. With all those acting skills, how did Madam Celeste outshine her for so many years?â
Her every word reached Shannonâs ears. She was so angry that fumes
were coming out of her ears.
Gregoryâs expression turned stiff and pale. After a moment of silence, he quietly instructed, âWilma,
please assist Shannon back to her
room.â
âIâm sorry, Chairman Salvador, Iâm only responsible for Young Master Justinâs needs. I need to run the
bath for him now. Perhaps someone else can help take care of Madam Shannon. Besides, she might
not want me to serve her either. It could make her feel uncomfortable,â Wilma replied with a defeated
tone before bowing and walking away.
Gregory only stood there in silence, his thoughts disarrayed.
Just like that, Justin was left standing there. His expression revealed
a mixture of reluctance and anger, as if he were abandoned.
âJustin! Why are you still standing here?â Ryan rushed over and pushed him urgently.
His face was filled with concern. âBellaâs about to leave. This is your chance to explain everything that
happened between you and my
sister!â
Justin felt suffocated, as if there were a heavy stone crushing his
chest.
â¦
On their journey back, the Hoffmans rode in two cars, with Logan in
one and Claire and Zoe in the other.
Inside the second car, Claire was full of resentment. She had always
been shielded since she was young.
In her youth, she found solace in her husbandâs protection. As
aged, she relied on the steadfast support of her son. When has
ever faced such humiliation as tonight?
âMom, Ryan publicly humiliated me in front of the Salvadors and
Grandpa!â Zoe recounted, her voice trembling with anger. âHeâs
resorting to any means to stop me from marrying Justin!â
Zoe fell into Claireâs arms and cried bitterly, âHe only cares about his
own happiness. He doesnât care about my life or death at all! Does he still regard me as his sister now?
Am I an enemy in his eyes?