âDonât worry, Zoe. This matter wonât end just like that. Mom has got your back.â Claire reassured her
daughter, a cold gleam flashing in
her eyes.
âBut Ryan is in charge of everything at home now! Considering he has such a good relationship with
Justin and Bella, what can we possibly
do?â
Claireâs voice dripped with bitterness as she exclaimed, âIf your big
brother thinks he can control who you love, then he shouldnât even
dream about being together with that Salvador retard. With your grandfather backing us up, he wonât
dare to overlook the familyâs
reputation. He will do everything possible to ensure you end up with
Justin. Mark my words. He will never allow Carrie to join the
Hoffmans!â
âMom, Ryan has his guard up against us! Wonât he see through our
plans?â
Zoeâs eyes were red as she screamed in frustration. âHe protects tha
little slut, Carrie, like sheâs his own heart and soul. How are we
supposed to do something when heâs watching our every move?â
âThere will be opportunities. Even if heâs fawning over Shannonâs silly
daughter, he canât be with her every waking moment. There will be times when heâs away.â
Claire was truly angry this time.
Normally, she would not bother with such matters. But after
witnessing her own daughter being bullied, and with her reputation at stake, she was determined to
remove all obstacles and ensure her daughterâs marriage with Justin!
At the same time, she also wanted to find a fitting match for Ryan, a daughter-in-law worthy of their
prestigious family.
It certainly wouldnât be Shannonâs autistic daughter, Carrie.
Bella briskly walked, slipping into her sports car. She stepped on the gas and sped out of Tideview
Manor.
As her car turned out of the gate, her grip tightened on the steering
wheel.
Standing under the dim streetlights, Christopher leaned against his electric blue sports car, looking
elegant and graceful.
It was unclear how long he had been standing there or how long he had been waiting, yet there was
not a trace of impatience in his
expression.
Seeing Bellaâs car appear, his eyes suddenly lit up with anticipation and he straightened away from the
sports car, his expression eager
as he waved at her like a giddy teenager.
The sports car screeched to a halt, stopping in front of the man.
Bella looked surprised as she stepped out of the car. âWhy are you
here?â
âI was waiting for you,â Christopher replied, a faint smile tugging at
the corner of his lips. His gaze was soft.
She was even more puzzled now. âWaiting for me? Why were you
waiting for me?â
âI found out that your car was heading toward the Salvadorsâ manor, so I followed you. I didnât mean
anything else. I was worried that you would be bullied and would have no one around to help.â
With a wry smile, Christopher added, âBut it turns out I was being foolish. I couldnât get in, and even if I
came, I wouldnât be able to help you. But being able to see you now, my efforts werenât in vain.â
Bella blinked, feeling a mixture of emotions at his words.
She had always been independent and free, unwilling to be watched
or controlled by others.
The thought of someone investigating and silently following her
made her uncomfortable.
âIâm fine, just sorting out some personal matters,â Bella replied with a
forced smile. âThe Salvador family isnât dangerous. I mean, I lived
there for three years, coming and going as I pleased.â
âThree long lonely years of marriage⦠Christopher felt a wave of
bitterness wash over him.
He was about to speak when his expression suddenly darkened. He
noticed Justin standing not too far away, his face blank and sad,
blending into the cold, lonely night.
Justin stood silently like a pale and cold sculpture, staring at Bella
without blinking, but Bella was completely oblivious.
âChris, Iâ¦â Bella tried to speak when her vision suddenly blurred.
Before she could react, Christopher pulled her into his arms and
pressed her tightly against his chest
She could even feel his disordered and fiery breath. His arms wrapped around her slender waist, and
he slowly tightened his
embrace.