Chapter 198
Chapter 198
"If you don't back off, this will become public knowledge," Bella said deliberately, watching the director's face turn pale.
After a moment of internal struggle, the director bit her lip and agreed to Bella's terms before storming out.
Feeling accomplished, Bella was about to return to the studio when Hatty called. "Bella, you can't come back to the office right now."
"Why not?" Bella asked, confused.
Hatty wouldn't explain and abruptly ended the call after just a few sentences, leaving Bella standing beside a taxi, uncertain whether to get in.
"Miss, are you taking this cab or not?" the driver asked impatiently.
After a moment's deliberation, Bella decided to follow Hatty's advice. "I'm sorry, I'll go back on my own," she told the driver with an apologetic smile.
She wandered around a nearby park before heading to her apartment complex. Just as she reached the entrance, a black SUV drove out.
Her heart skipped a beat as they passed each other—though she knew Edward lived in the area, this was her first near-encounter with him.
That evening, after handling studio matters, Hatty called to explain.
"I'm sorry I couldn't explain earlier..."
"No need," Bella interrupted softly. "I understand your good intentions."
Hatty sighed. "I wonder who's going to such lengths to find you."
Bella was about to come clean when a sharp screech of brakes cut through the air. A red Ferrari stopped abruptly in front of her, startling her into a cry.
"Bella, what happened?" Hatty's worried voice came through the phone.
"Nothing, I'll call you back," Bella replied, anger rising as she spotted the driver.
She marched over and knocked on the window, which rolled down to reveal a man with one hand on the steering wheel and a casual smile. "Hey."
"You almost hit me just now," Bella said coldly.
The man shrugged innocently. "Sorry, I just got back from abroad where street racing is common."
Since she wasn't injured, Bella couldn't demand compensation, so she reluctantly let it go. "I'll overlook it this time, but street racing isn't allowed in cities here."
The man's striking blue eyes vivid against his mixed-race features as he smiled. "Got it. I'll remember that."
After Bella picked up her dropped bag and left, the man's smile vanished completely. He made a phone call, his voice turning serious.
"Yes, I've seen Edward's woman. How's the treatment going on your end?"
Across the Pacific, a blonde doctor sat at his desk reviewing surgical records. "It's going well, much better than when we first brought her in."
Emily had been barely alive then, but with more recovery time, they could soon remove her bandages.
The man's lips curved into a smile as he watched Bella's retreating figure. "Get her well as soon as possible. I have big plans."
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After a few days without hearing about anyone searching for her, Bella returned to the studio. Hatty welcomed her back warmly, and coincidentally, Scarlett arrived the same day.
"What brings you suddenly to Oceancrest City?" Bella asked as she met her at the station. "Business trip?"
"It's because of Edward," Scarlett complained. "He's been erratic since you left, constantly overworking us. I wasn't supposed to handle this business trip, but I couldn't stand it anymore, so I grabbed the chance to escape and visit you."
Since Scarlett's company-arranged hotel was inconveniently far, Bella invited her to stay at her two-bedroom apartment.
She wanted to spend time with her friend, but they both had work commitments—Scarlett with her business trip and Bella with an urgent call from Hatty.
As soon as Bella arrived at the studio, Hatty rushed her to change clothes. "Hurry! Put on this gown. You're accompanying Simon to a brand event tonight!"
"Isn't this rather sudden?" Bella asked, surprised.
"It is," Hatty admitted, thrusting a pearl-white gown into her arms. "But I need to negotiate an important endorsement for Simon. He has to attend this event for visibility, and he needs someone with him."
With only five people in their studio and Hatty unavailable, Bella was the only suitable candidate.
The gown fit her perfectly—delicate flowers adorned the neckline like white petals, while the mermaid silhouette accentuated her slender waist. The skirt sparkled with tiny diamonds like stars.
"Make sure to clean it before returning it—it's rented," Hatty whispered after nodding approvingly. The studio couldn't afford to buy such a gown.
Simon was already in the car when Bella got in. "That outfit suits you," she said, studying his gray checkered suit.
He looked stiff, as if constrained by the formal wear, and nodded awkwardly. "Thank you."
When they arrived at the jewelry brand's event, Bella deliberately stayed a step behind Simon as his "assistant," allowing him to face the spotlight alone.
As a singer with only moderate fame, they were assigned seats near the back where they could barely see the stage.
"It's Nancy Murphy!" Simon suddenly exclaimed, spotting an elegant, well-preserved woman in her forties.
"The queen of love songs who became famous with one hit at twenty?" Bella asked.
Before she could stop him, Simon was already on his feet. "Yes! I'm going to get her autograph!" He pushed past the people beside them and disappeared into the crowd.
Bella glanced at a male celebrity looking for a seat nearby but decided to stay put.
At that moment, a car as dark as the night stopped at the entrance. A pair of long, elegant legs stepped out as the door opened.