Chapter Twenty-FivePearl's problem was swiftly and satisfactorily resolved, and within a week, everything seemed to have been buried deep under the sea, with no one mentioning it anymore. What surprised Bella even more was that the artist VB turned out to be a genuine partner of the company after the incident.Bella had no idea how Max managed it, but the situation left her both uncomfortable and pleased. Uncomfortable because undoubtedly, if the artist VB collaborated with the company, Pearl would become even more arrogant, and her prestige would not only be restored but also recognized by many. At least, this collaboration had dispelled any doubts about Pearl's competence.However, Bella was also pleased because Max had helped her father's company cover up Pearl's dirt.As usual, Lauriel would be the one delivering documents to Pearl, but after this news, she felt uneasy and didn't want to meet Pearl, so she handed the documents to Bella."Help me deliver these documents to her. I
Chapter Twenty-SixPearl reluctantly forced a smile as she looked at Bella. "Bella, is it really necessary to dress up so extravagantly just to meet Max's friend? You don't need to dress like you're going to a party." Pearl intentionally pointed out that Bella's attire was not suitable for meeting Max's friend.Bella maintained a polite smile, drawing from her past experience. Despite feeling uncomfortable with Pearl's sarcastic remarks, Bella didn't show any dissatisfaction. She even chuckled and said to Max, "Even if the other person is just Max's friend, I still have to dress elegantly to be worthy of standing beside Max. Besides, my husband is the company's director, so I have to match up to him."Bella knew that her husband paid close attention to appearances, and he was pleased with her response. Max immediately added, "Bella is right. No matter whom you meet, it's important to dress formally and politely. Levi is my friend, but he is also my business partner."The more Bella st
Chapter Twenty-SevenLevi just chuckled lightly, continuing, "As I mentioned before, in the 15th day of two months later, I will organize an auction at the SOS Hotel. It's a relatively small-scale event, which is why I chose that hotel. You will be my important guest, Max."Although Levi referred to the auction as small-scale, everyone knew that the SOS Hotel was a large establishment specializing in hosting events and conferences attended by politicians and national leaders. Not everyone with money could step foot in there. Yet, Levi described the SOS Hotel as the venue for a 'small-scale' auction.Max laughed nervously, unable to comprehend Levi's concepts of wealth and power. If Max hadn't been friends with Levi since their school days, he might never have understood how wealth and power could be defined."You also know that I'm not concerned about the guest position at the auction. What I care about is the piece of land on the outskirts. You mentioned considering selling it to me,
Chapter Twenty-EightBreath and bodies intertwined, Bella tried to relax her body to adapt to this situation. In her mind, she couldn't think of anything else; she just wanted to be close to the man she loved. That was more than enough.In this moment, it seemed like Bella had forgotten the bitterness and betrayal her current husband had subjected her to. Or perhaps, she was too permissive because she still loved the man who betrayed her."Bella, for your first time, I'll be gentle... it'll be quick, I'll make you feel good. Bella, I love you so much..." Max whispered words of love into his wife's ear, wanting to quickly become one with her.Max still believed Bella was a pure virgin, so his firmness below was causing him discomfort, yet he endured it. He wanted tonight to be a wonderful night with his wife, so a little patience would be worthwhile.But just as Max withdrew his finger from Bella's intimate area, preparing for the main event, the phone rang. The sound startled both of
Chapter Twenty-NineBella quickly covered the marks on her neck with her hand, facing Pearl's stunned expression. Bella hesitated before saying, "You know, about last night... my husband and I had an amazing night. Why do you look so surprised? It's not something unusual."Both women, being mature adults, naturally knew the origin of the marks on Bella's neck. Bella's embarrassed expression and awkward demeanor made Pearl feel even more uncomfortable."Oh... it's nothing. I was just a bit surprised. You didn't usually show it before," Pearl reluctantly smiled and said.Bella, intrigued by Pearl's unnatural demeanor, continued, "I didn't usually show it. Maybe it accidentally got revealed, and that's why you noticed. My husband and I have been married for three years, so, of course, these marks are expected. In fact, I like it when Max leaves passionate kisses on my body; it makes me feel how much he loves me intensely." Bella spoke nonchalantly, boasting about the affection between he
Chapter ThirtyPearl, angrily stomping her foot, declared, "I'm not going! If we don't clarify this today, I won't go anywhere!""What do you want to discuss with me?" Max, losing patience, stood up and looked directly at Pearl.Facing Max's sudden seriousness, Pearl's previously bold demeanor seemed to vanish. She tried to hold back tears and said with a pout, "It's because you spoke to me like that, that's why... I'm sure it's because of Bella that you're so harsh with me. Before, no matter what I did, you never got angry or raised your voice at me."Max wanted to say that it was because of the limits he set for her, but the more he indulged her, the worse things became. The issues he mentioned earlier had nothing to do with Bella, and he didn't want to involve Bella in this.The ringing of Max's phone on the table interrupted their conversation. Max looked at Pearl and answered, "What's the matter?"[Sir, Mr. Karter wants to meet you privately.] the voice on the other end quickly r
Chapter Thirty-One"How's your work been lately?" Bella asked. Currently, they had nothing else to talk about besides work.Max nodded slightly, sensing the recent distance in their relationship. However, Bella's reaction remained unchanged, so he wasn't sure where the distance was coming from."I'll be attending Levi's party at the SOS hotel soon. At the same time, there will be an auction, you know? I want to buy that piece of land on the outskirts," Max said without any reservation. He believed that this matter was work-related, and there was no need to be secretive.Bella smiled gently and asked, "Can I come with you?" She thought her husband would agree immediately, but Max's reaction disappointed her."No need, consider me busy with work at the company as usual. I remember you don't like places like that anyway," Max reassured her with a soft and comforting tone, as if he genuinely cared and understood that Bella didn't want to make an effort for things she didn't like.In the p
Chapter Thirty-TwoBella paid no attention to him, focusing instead on the two people ahead—her husband and her close friend, both enjoying this party together. They looked so perfect together that Bella couldn't help but smile. She had anticipated this scene and had imagined various reactions in her mind, but in the end, she could only stand from a distance and watch them."They look so perfect together, don't they? Many guests here probably think they're a married couple, and they don't deny it. Well, well, the official wife can only stand from afar and watch her husband with another woman. I wonder if you the third party meddling in their romantic and passionate affair," Levi said, teasingly enjoying Bella's reaction, paying no attention to her emotions.Bella reluctantly smiled, even though she had seen this scenario many times. Why did it always feel so bitter? Bella didn't care about the man next to her or what he was saying. She silently swallowed her tears and tried not to sho
Chapter Ninety-Two"She insulted me, and you're just brushing it off?" Pearl wanted a few comforting words from him, but his indifference left her deeply dissatisfied.Max didn't look at her; he focused on his documents. With a sigh, he said, "Enough. Tonight, join me and Bella for dinner at this restaurant. She really wants you to come. She considers you her best friend, yet you treat her this way. Don't you feel guilty towards Bella?""WHAT? Max… what are you talking about? You're asking if I feel guilty towards Bella? Are you crazy? Why should I feel guilty towards her?" Pearl was furious at Max's words, unable to comprehend how he could say such things.They had been secretly involved behind Bella's back for years, even before Max and Bella got married. Together, they planned to take over Bella's father's company and intentionally made it impossible for Bella to conceive. Everything that had happened was a joint effort between Pearl and Max, not just her alone, yet now Max made it
Chapter Ninety-OneAfter the health check-up that day, the person most anxious and eagerly awaiting the results was Pearl, even though she had nothing to do with the health check-up. In contrast, Max seemed almost indifferent to it and showed clear annoyance whenever Pearl brought up the subject."Can you stop it already? I know what I need to do. Stop nagging about it all the time. Don't you find it annoying? If you have so much free time, you should focus on your own work. You know very well that the salary you receive every month is too high compared to the effort you put into your job," Max snapped irritably. He was growing increasingly fed up with this woman. Who was she to demand that he listen to her?Too troublesome!Pearl immediately retorted, "Why are you yelling at me? What did I do wrong by asking you to do this? You regretting it now? Don't forget, there's no turning back for us anymore."Of course, Max understood Pearl's words better than anyone, but he deliberately pret
Chapter Ninety (1)The Previous Night…The party had come to an end, with most of the guests having left, leaving only the staff to clean up. Max was so drunk that he was no longer conscious, and slumped over the food table despite the waitstaff's attempts to rouse him."Sir? The party is over...""Just continue with your work. He's my friend; I'll take him home," Levi said, raising an eyebrow at Max, who was asleep on the table.The male staff member immediately bowed, "Yes, sir."Levi called two bodyguards to help Max into the car. The driver was surprised, seeing his master allow someone else into the car besides Ms. Bella, moreover a drunken man.As the driver was about to take orders from Levi, he said, "I'll drive him home."In the car, it was just Levi and Max. Max was completely unconscious, sleeping in the back seat, unaware that Levi was taking him home.Seeing Max's sleeping form in the rearview mirror, Levi couldn't help but smirk. "Perhaps after tonight, I'll have to get
Chapter NinetyMax wanted to relive the sensation of last night, but he couldn’t remember anything at all—not even a blurry image in his mind. This made him even more regretful and unwilling to accept that he had made love to his wife while being completely unconscious.Just as he was about to touch Bella's chest, she gently pushed him away and spoke in a tired and somewhat coquettish tone, “Last night was enough. I can't continue anymore. Besides, you were so drunk last night that you had no control, and now I’m extremely tired and have no energy left.”Hearing his wife’s words, Max felt both happy and confused. He didn’t know how to feel about what Bella said because he couldn’t remember experiencing any of it. Did they really make love? But he couldn’t doubt her since the love marks on Bella's neck and chest, along with her exhausted state, were clear evidence of how crazy their last night had been.Seeing Max standing there lost in thought, Bella pouted and asked, “What are you th
Chapter Eighty-NineAfter Levi left the company, Pearl was extremely upset in the office. It was the first time she had been ignored and shown disdain by a man.As soon as Max returned to the office, Pearl clung to his arm and said coquettishly, "Max..."Before Pearl could finish her sentence, Max gently pushed her away and sighed, "How could you be so rude, Pearl? You can address me however you want in the company, but Levi is not just my friend; he's an important client. Thanks to him, I've been able to secure many successful projects.""I... I didn't mean to, I just thought since he's your friend, he's also my friend. I just wanted to be friendly and create a harmonious atmosphere. He didn't need to be so harsh with me." Pearl pouted, feeling she did nothing wrong, thinking Levi was being too strict and arrogant.Max didn't want to continue this topic but felt the need to make Pearl understand. "Are you delusional? Levi is your friend? Do you think you're on the same level as him?
Chapter Eighty-EightMr. James seemed to sense the unusual nature of his daughter's marriage clearly. Rarely seeing his daughter and son-in-law, and knowing that Bella did not want him to interfere in her small family to ensure her happiness and her right to decide her own fate, he had complied with her wishes.However, when Bella mentioned that she had been experiencing abdominal pain to the point of bleeding and yet Max showed no concern, Mr. James found it hard to accept such indifference.“Tell me, what’s going on between you and Max?” Mr. James tried to suppress his discomfort as he spoke to his daughter.Bella, of course, wanted to tell her father everything, but it wasn’t the right time. She simply smiled lightly and said, “Nothing is wrong, Dad. Don’t worry too much, I will handle everything myself.”“You? Handle everything yourself? Bella, I respected you and gave you the full right to make your own decisions and didn’t interfere. But look at this, married for four years and
Chapter Eighty-SevenThe atmosphere in the room began to feel strange, and Bella was confused by his question."Are you asking about the nature of our relationship? What are you talking about? Of course, our relationship is mutually beneficial. You help me get revenge on them, and in return, I fulfill your sexual needs." Bella said casually because it was the truth, an obvious truth. She didn't understand what Levi was implying.Levi didn't show any particular reaction as if he had already guessed Bella would respond that way. He sighed softly."But I feel that in this relationship… I'm not getting any benefits."Bella didn't understand, but she knew his words carried a hidden meaning. She frowned slightly, "What do you mean? Speak clearly, you’re not someone who likes to be vague."Levi's gaze was cold and dangerous. Bella couldn't look into his eyes for too long, so she took a sip of tea to calm herself. She didn't know why Levi was angry, but since she needed his help now, she coul
Chapter Eighty-SixBella worked, but her mood was restless and anxious. She kept glancing at her phone, waiting in worry and unease, but also full of anticipation and hope. Lauriel, sitting next to her, chuckled softly."Are you waiting for your boyfriend to call? You really know how to choose a boyfriend. He's not only handsome and tall, but he also seems very wealthy... like someone with high social status. Bella, tell me, which prestigious family does your boyfriend belong to? He doesn't seem like an ordinary salaried worker like us."Lauriel spoke with admiration in her eyes, not just for Bella's exceptionally attractive boyfriend but also because she had heard that the man had paid all of Bella's hospital bills, wanted to transfer her to a private room, and ensured she received special care. This level of attention wasn't something an ordinary man could afford, everyone knows that hospital fees are not cheap, and hospital services are extremely expensive.Bella knew Lauriel had
Chapter Eighty-Five"Miss Bella... please stay in the hospital for another day or two until your health is fully recovered. You are leaving right after waking up will-" The doctor said worriedly.Bella waved her hand, cutting him off, "I know, but I feel much better already. I have things to do and can’t stay here any longer."Hearing this, the doctor continued to advise Bella to stay for further examinations. Bella raised an eyebrow and said, "You don’t need to worry. I’ll rest well at home, so there’s no need to stay in the hospital.""But if you leave now, what am I supposed to tell Mr. Karter?" the doctor murmured. However, he couldn’t stop Bella if she wanted to be discharged.Since there were only the two of them in the room, Bella heard him clearly. She shrugged and said, "I’ll tell Levi later."Though she didn’t show any special emotion outwardly, Bella felt extremely uneasy inside. When Levi left the room, she had the quiet space to think more carefully about the unusual thin