Chapter 11: The Dinner

BELLA

I couldn’t shake the rumors I’d heard about David’s mom how she was controlling, always demanding things go her way. But what about his grandfather? I needed to ask Jasper. David would never answer me, and even if he did, his responses would be clipped.

My thoughts drifted to Jasper, and just as I descended the stairs, there he was, waiting at the bottom. He greeted me with a tight hug, wrapping his arms around me as if we’d known each other for years.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, his voice soft but eager.

My heart skipped a beat. Waiting for me? We had only just met yesterday. I glanced over at David, whose expression was a mix of disbelief and something unreadable as he stood frozen beside his driver.

“Are you going to greet me, or just stand there?” David asked, his tone dry but expectant.

“Hi, Dad,” Jasper replied casually, already pulling me toward his room before David could respond.

Inside, Jasper’s room was pristine, a blend of boyish charm and refined taste. He