Bella could not help but recall the sight of Ryan and Carrie holding hands tightly, their eyes filled with
happiness for each other. It stirred a mix of emotions in her heart. She felt moved and envious.
Carrie had already found the love of her life.
But what about her? Where was hers?
âMs. Thompson, youâve always been kind to Ms. Carrie, so Iâll help you in any way I can,â Linny
affirmed.
Bella held the girlâs hand tightly. âThank you, Linny. But please remember to prioritize your safety and
not push yourself too hard. If youâre in danger, contact me immediately. The plan can be postponed or
abandoned, but your safety comes first. Do you understand?â
Linny held back her tears and nodded earnestly.
Since the young girl traveled a long way and arrived hungry, Bella personally cooked a bowl of pasta
for her with meat and vegetables. She even took out a side of pickles that Celeste made. It was a
simple yet heartfelt gesture.
âIs it tasty?â Bella asked with a smile, resting her chin on her hand
across from Linny.
âYeah! Itâs delicious!â
âMs. Thompson, youâre such an amazing cook! Mr. Salvador is so blessed to have you as his wife!â
Steven couldnât help but feel speechless.
Bella maintained her smile, but her tone carried a hint of sarcasm. Itâs a shame he didnât appreciate it
like you do. But as for the future, Justin will never get to experience it again. Thatâs for sure.â
Bethany was left bruised and battered by Ryanâs men. She dared not
return home to face Shannon or tell Gregory about what had
happened.
Instead, she flew to Helionis to recuperate and undergo facial
reconstruction.
She knew Yasmin was affiliated with Ryan and would not have taken such a step without his approval.
Bethany knew that if she dared to report the incident or make it
public, she risked not only her own and the Salvador familyâs
reputation, but she might also trigger even harsher retaliation from
Ryan.
The agony of being tortured alongside rats that day was something she never wanted to experience
again in her life.
But to let this grudge go unavenged would be enough to make her wake up crying from nightmares.
After undergoing reconstructive surgery in Helionis, Bethany sneaked back to Savrow with her head
wrapped in bandages.
As soon as she got in the car, she received a call from Zoe.
âHello, where the hell have you been? Why couldnât I reach you on the phone?â Zoeâs tone still carried
the same imperiousness.
âZoe, watch your tone when speaking to me. Iâm a lady of the Salvador family, not your servant!â
Bethany retorted angrily, still nursing her slightly painful face.
âWell, look at you, getting all worked up. I didnât even hold you responsible for embarrassing me in front
of Justin the other day. But now youâre throwing a fit at me.â
Zoe chuckled playfully. âBut itâs alright. Iâll be the bigger person and let bygones be bygones. Tomorrow,
Iâll send someone to pick you up, and youâll accompany me to try on my engagement banquet attire.â
âEngagement? What engagement?â
âObviously, itâs the engagement between me and Justin!â
âWhat?!â Bethany was shocked, and her face went pale. âHow could Justin possibly be engaged to
you? Thatâs ridiculous. Unless heâs lost his mind!â
âWell, Justin hasnât agreed yet, but itâs just a matter of time.â
Zoe said confidently, her tone dripping with arrogance, âJust wait and youâll see. Heâll soon come
around to me. Iâll become your sister-in- law before you know it.â