Chapter 644
Chapter 644:
Elianna sat quietly, observing Bella’s gentle and accommodating nature with a heavy heart. Her sympathy weighed on her like a stone, but she chose to hold her tongue.
After all, no one understood Callum’s temperament better than she did. Breaking the tense silence, Elianna rose from her chair. “It’s late,” she said with a soft smile. “Let’s call it a night, shall we? Everyone should head upstairs and get some rest p>
Bella obediently walked over and said softly, “Grandma, let me help you upstairs p>
Elianna beamed at Bella, her eyes crinkling with warmth and approval. As Bella turned to guide her, Elianna away, she felt an intense, lingering gaze burning into her back.
A faint, knowing smirk tugged at Bella’s lips. She didn’t need to look to confirm—she already knew who was watching.
After settling Elianna comfortably in her room, Bella returned to her own.
She barely had time to push the door shut before a hand shot out, stopping it mid-swing.
Her brows knit together in irritation as her gaze landed on the intruder. A flicker of displeasure crossed her face.
Bella’s eyes narrowed, her tone sharp as a blade. “What do you want p>
Megan stood awkwardly in the doorway, glancing around nervously. Her pleading eyes begged Bella to let her in, though she said nothing.
With a reluctant sigh, Bella stepped aside, unwilling to let the nature of their connection become fodder for curious eyes. Megan quickly slipped inside.
As the door clicked shut, Bella crossed her arms, her expression a mask of icy detachment. “Well? Out with it. What’s your latest sob story p>
Megan’s eyes welled up, tears brimming on the edge of spilling. Her voice trembled as she said, “Bella… you have to help your father p>
𝑻𝑹𝑼𝑬 𝑭𝑰𝑳𝑬: 𝒈⋅𝒂𝒍⋅𝒏⋅𝒐𝒗⋅𝒆𝒍⋅𝒔⋅𝒄𝒐⋅𝒎
The mere mention of that man made Bella’s face cloud over, her irritation giving way to cold fury.
“Let me guess, he’s gambling again, isn’t he? How many times do I have to spell it out? Unless someone chops off his hands, he’ll never stop,” Bella said, her voice laced with disdain.
Megan’s shoulders quivered as a sob escaped her lips. “But he’s your father. He swore this time would be different. He promised, Bella p>
Bella snorted, the sound dry and biting. “Promised? A gambler’s word isn’t worth the paper it’s scribbled on. Wake up! If he fooled you once, he’ll fool you a hundred times over p>
Megan’s distress deepened, her face etched with conflict. As much as Bella tried to bury the truth, that man was still her father. Could she really leave him to fend for himself?
She hesitated before delivering the final blow. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “But… he said if you don’t help him, he’ll expose everything. He’ll tell everyone you’re his daughter p>
Bella’s expression darkened, her eyes flashing with a dangerous edge. She thought bitterly to herself—her so-called father was the epitome of despicable!
He always used those threats against Bella, knowing full well that she couldn’t afford to turn her back completely.
A person pushed to their limits would do desperate things, and Bella knew that all too well.
“Fine,” Bella said after a pause, her voice cool. “How much does he need this time p>
Megan raised her hand, signaling five fingers to Bella.
“Fifty thousand?” Bella muttered, her expression cold. “Fine, I…” But before she could finish, Megan quickly shook her head. “Not fifty thousand—five hundred thousand p>