Chapter 8

A hot mix of anger and hurt twisted inside Bella. Of course, next to Tessa, she meant absolutely nothing to Sebastian and Ronald. "Right. She's the kind one. I'm the vicious one. I only almost got assaulted, so how could that ever compare to poor her? Her reputation and future were nearly ruined because I reported the crime. "I should've never gone to the police. Compared to her tears, I guess I deserved to be violated, humiliated—almost raped by some thug." For the first time in their lives, Sebastian and Ronald saw Bella truly furious and shattered. Her eyes brimmed with tears, the corners red, but she forced herself not to let a single tear fall. Their hearts tightened. Remembering how she'd looked yesterday, covered in blood, they started to speak. However, Bella had already turned away. The moment she did, she couldn't hold back anymore. Her tears finally fell. She told herself that everything was fine. Everything would all be over soon. Soon, they wouldn't cross paths again. Whether it was because of her final phone call that night that shook them, or because Tessa still hadn't given up on making them chase after her, the next few days saw Sebastian and Ronald shower Bella with gifts and apologies. But she never opened the door once. She was too busy preparing to sell the old house. She had already decided to settle in Juville and never return. Since the house was in a prime location, it took only five days for an agent to show up. "Ms. Shaw, I have a client who likes this property a lot and is willing to pay above market price. However, they plan to burn it down as part of a memorial for a deceased family member—a symbolic farewell. Would that be an issue for you?" "I don't mind." Bella shook her head. She wasn't planning on coming back anyway. Whether they burned it or not had nothing to do with her. They finalized the details. The money was transferred soon after, and the client even asked her to oversee the burning ceremony. She personally walked the agent out, and on her way back, she ran right into Sebastian, Ronald, and Tessa walking in together. Sebastian frowned immediately, looking toward the man who had just left. "Who was that?" Ronald's brows were drawn tight, his tone edged with irritation. "Haven't we told you repeatedly not to let salespeople in when we're not around? It's not safe when you're alone." "Don't be so tense," Tessa cut in gently, sensing their concern for Bella. She feigned a tone of understanding, trying to defend her. "I'm sure Bella knows what she's doing." Casually, she lifted the design sketch in her hand. "Bella, look. My design just won an international award. The organizers have even invited me to the ceremony." Bella didn't care about her bragging. She glanced at it, ready to leave, but her gaze froze. She snatched the sketch and looked closely. It was nearly identical to the one she had drawn. No, not nearly. It was her sketch. "How did you get my original draft? Do you realize that's stealing?" Her anger shot up, but before she could finish, Sebastian cut her off with a frown. "Tess came up with this herself. How could it possibly be yours?" Tessa immediately hid behind him like a frightened child, her voice shaking. "Bella, what are you talking about? I worked so hard on this. How could I have stolen from you? I know you don't like me, but you can't take credit for my work…" Bella didn't bother listening. A thief would never admit to stealing anyway. She tightened her grip on the sketch and looked at Ronald. He was the only person she had ever shown that design to. And sure enough, the second their eyes met, Ronald instantly looked away, guilt written all over his face. A heavy, helpless ache settled in her chest. As her eyes drifted back to Tessa, something else caught her attention—the pendant hanging around Tessa's neck. She turned abruptly to Sebastian, her expression darkening. "Did you give her what I gave you?" Years ago, after Sebastian's serious car accident left him in a coma, she had been desperate. Hearing of a pendant said to offer protection, she went through hurdles to obtain it, hoping it would keep him safe. And now, he had given it to Tessa.