Chapter 131 Almost Moved

Chapter 131 Almost Moved

Bella was taken aback. "David, let's not go there. It's all in the past. I'm happy for you now that you're doing so well."

David raised his hand. "It's not in the past. The suffering, the blows, and the pain we endured—someone has to pay for it. If Benedict doesn't, it's a travesty of justice!"

Bella gave a bitter smile. "Maybe you don't really understand the Benedict of today."

"A month ago, I had sources that gave me a complete picture of him. I was just too busy to act on it. So, you had to endure an extra month of hardship. But now I have the time, and I can make him pay."

Bella's smile grew more bitter, and she seemed a bit anxious. "You're talking about the Benedict from a month ago. But now, he's like a different person. He's been really good to me. Today, he even won a golf tournament and transferred the $2 million prize to my account."

David was slightly taken aback, then gave a cold smile. "Is $2 million a lot? Your heart, your life, your shame and suffering—are they worth just $2 million? I'll give you $20 million. Would you come with me then?"

"I..." Bella blushed, looking surprised, then gave a helpless smile. "David, I'm happy for you that you have such confidence. At least, after five years, you've done very well. You should have a brilliant future and shouldn't waste time on me."

"It's not a waste; it's a rescue."

"But Benedict has really changed."

"I don't believe it. Based on my research and judgment, a person like him can't change his nature. He's a gambler, a scoundrel, a piece of trash."

Just then, a lavish meal was served.

Bella looked helpless, but David had already opened the wine.

He elegantly poured two glasses, raised his, and said, "I brought this wine back from a business trip abroad. Let's toast to our reunion! Forget about Benedict, forget all the hardships. Everything will be better from now on. I swore back then to make you happy, even though I was poor at the time. But now, things are different."

They clinked glasses. Bella sipped the fragrant wine, her expression complex.

Benedict, watching the video, could tell she wasn't feeling well.

The dinner was uneventful.

David was polite and courteous.

Bella was normal, without any extreme reactions.

David did reveal his current status.

President of the Southwest region of Sunrise Group, with an eight-figure annual salary.

With his other investments, his net worth was over a billion dollars.

Sunrise Group was a trillion-dollar conglomerate, with powerful subsidiaries in real estate, biochemistry, mining, machinery manufacturing, hotel entertainment, and pharmaceuticals.

David even said, "Bella, you have some spare money now. Why not give it to me to invest? I can double it in a year, no problem."

Bella shook her head. "No need. The money is from Benedict's winnings. Even though it's in my account, I need to discuss its use with him. That's only fair. If he hears I gave it to you, he'd be upset. After all, back then, you two..."

Bella didn't finish.

Because back then, Benedict had beaten David.

"Bella, would I lie to you? I'm doing this for you!"

"I know you wouldn't lie to me. But I feel Benedict is really good now. The kids like him, and the rest of the family feels he brings hope. I can't take his money and give it to you. It's a matter of principle."

David nodded reluctantly. "You really think a loser like him can bring you hope? That's a joke. Do you know this café is mine? The land alone is worth over $20 million. If you leave him and bring Susie with you, everything here will be yours. This is just a small part of what I have. Can Benedict even come close? Five years of hardship, and everything I've built is for you!"

His expression was sincere and heartfelt.

Even Benedict, watching the video, was almost moved.

It seemed David had indeed achieved a lot.

Bella was surprised but shook her head with a bitter smile.

After a moment of silence, she said, "Benedict may not compare to you. But he can cook now, and it's delicious. He cares about people, knows some medical skills, and the family car..."

She talked a lot but instinctively didn't mention Benedict's real estate company.

David listened, slightly surprised, but then scoffed.

"A grown man who doesn't go out to work and support his family, cooking and washing dishes all day—what's the point?"

"Just wait, he'll probably cause some trouble! People like him are just pretending to be good."

"A few cars—Mercedes, BMW, Bentley, Maybach—how much are they worth? My garage has six cars, each worth over a million dollars. Can he compare?"

"Oh, and I have a 3,000-square-foot villa in Imperial. Can Benedict compare? You and he are still living in a small, shabby house, right?"

David kept belittling Benedict, flaunting his success.

Bella listened in silence.

She even felt a bit uncomfortable inside.

Benedict had changed, for the better.

David had also changed, losing the purity he once had.

He now exuded an arrogant air that made Bella feel distant.

By the end of dinner, she hadn't said much.

Albert's edited video fast-forwarded to after dinner.

David invited Bella to his villa to try out his cars, offering to give her whichever one she liked.

Bella declined, saying she had work the next day and needed to go back early.

David didn't insist, offering to drive her.

Bella said it wasn't necessary, as it wasn't far, and she wanted to walk alone.

David offered to accompany her, and she didn't refuse.

But on the way, Bella remained mostly silent.

David, feeling superior, talked a lot, reminiscing about their time at Imperial.

Bella occasionally smiled and nodded but didn't respond much.

Outside the hotel, David looked at it and shook his head. "Bella, a budget hotel like this doesn't suit you. Why not stay at my place or at least a five-star hotel? I'll cover the cost."

Bella politely declined and went in alone.

David stood there, a bit embarrassed, watching her graceful figure.

He called out, "Bella!"

Bella turned around suddenly.

David knelt on one knee, arms open. "I love you! Leave him. I'll give you all the happiness! These five years, all my pain, suffering, and hard work were for your freedom and happiness! Come with me!"

Tears rolled down his cheeks.

His voice was mournful and sincere.

Many passersby watched, but he didn't care.

His heart seemed so fervent.

Bella's eyes glistened with tears.

But she held back, covering her face as she ran.

David stood up, gritting his teeth, clenching his fists.

In Albert's surveillance video, his expression was dark, almost twisted.