Chapter 194

The next day, Bella took Fallon to the hospital for a tumor check-up.

The doctor reviewed the results and relaxed his furrowed brow.

"Things are looking stable. We can start prepping for the surgery."

Fallon looked worried. "Another surgery? How much is this gonna cost?"

Bella gently reassured her, "No matter the cost, we have to do it."

Simon had given her a substantial amount of money, and Bella had her own savings. They could afford the surgery.

Bella convinced the hesitant Fallon to schedule the surgery.

She planned to leave once Fallon recovered from the surgery.

For now, Bella kept her plans to herself.

She occasionally ran into Wallace at the hospital.

Their interactions were no longer as natural as before; they merely nodded at each other when they met.

A few days later, Fallon was discharged from the hospital post-surgery but had to use a wheelchair temporarily due to limited mobility.

Atticus carefully pushed her, avoiding any steps along the way.

Fallon was annoyed. "Why are you being so cautious? I'm not fragile like an egg."

Bella was listening to her parents bicker when her phone rang.

She answered, surprised. "Simon? Today isn't a deadline day, is it?"

Simon assured her he wasn't calling to rush her and said it was something that couldn't be explained over the phone.

"Can you come out for a bit? I'm at the coffee shop below the studio. I'll wait for you."

He hung up before she could ask more questions.

Bella quickly informed Fallon and hurried to the coffee shop.

In the quiet coffee shop, Bella gently placed her mug down. "You called me here so urgently. Is there another score you need me to revise?"

Bella was Simon's exclusive music editor, and he paid generously, making her happy with the job.

This job had been nothing but good for Bella, and she was grateful to Simon for the opportunity.

Simon slid a contract across the table. "I wanted you to look at this."

Bella picked it up. It was an application to open a studio together.

She was taken aback. "You want to open a studio?"

But there was already one upstairs. Why did Simon want to open another one?

Seeing her confusion, Simon wasn't surprised and explained with a prepared speech.

"The one upstairs is a management company. We want to open a personal studio. Hatty is planning to go independent with me."

Bella's gaze fell on the ring on his hand.

She had seen a similar ring at Hatty's place, but Hatty didn't wear it, likely to keep their relationship private.

Bella pretended not to notice and focused on the contract. "Why me?"

Simon seemed a bit embarrassed. "Because my music can't do without you."

After discussing the details, Bella didn't give an immediate answer and took the contract home to consider for two days.

Simon didn't expect her to agree right away. It was normal to think it over, so he agreed.

Back home, Bella didn't deliberate as much as Simon thought.

She had already made up her mind. Agreeing to Simon's proposal was definitely more beneficial than refusing.

Bella needed to mentally prepare herself. She had been a music teacher for years, and suddenly transitioning to a music partner was daunting.

When Bella met with Scarlett, she mentioned the matter.

To her surprise, Scarlett was very supportive. "Go for it. Why not make some money if you can? Don't overthink it."

Bella thought it made sense and nodded. "Alright, I'll tell him."

Scarlett chatted while eating. "Bella, where have you been lately?"

Her curious gaze was evident.

Bella sensed something was off. "Did Edward look for me?"

Scarlett nodded. "Yeah, he's asked me more than once about where you are, but I told him I didn't know."

Bella remained calm after hearing this. It wasn't surprising; she had expected Edward to look for her.

"I deleted him from my contacts, blocked his number, and changed my phone. He probably doesn't know I'm back yet."

Scarlett gasped.

Bella finished eating and wiped her mouth. "I don't plan to stay long. Once my mom recovers, I'll leave."

Simon's studio wasn't going to be in Seaside City. His previous management company was there, and staying would cause trouble. If Bella partnered with them, she would have to leave too.

Scarlett was reluctant but didn't say much.

Bella signed the contract and sent it back to Simon.

That afternoon, Hatty called. "I got the contract you sent. We're partners now."

Bella was grateful for Hatty's constant support. "Looking forward to working together."

Hatty had many things to handle and was about to hang up. Bella waited for her to hang up first.

Unexpectedly, Hatty hesitated. "By the way, do you know anyone from Vanguard Innovations Group? The judge from the music show you attended with Simon."

Bella froze, her breath catching for a few seconds before she softly replied, "No, I have no connection with him."

Hatty didn't seem convinced but sighed. "That's good. We should avoid getting too involved with people like that."

Bella placed her phone on the coffee table and later took out a ring box from the drawer. Inside, a sapphire ring sparkled. It felt like it was piercing her eyes.

Several days later, Simon finished packing up the studio and his home. Hatty had informed Bella in advance that they were moving to Oceancrest City.

Seeing Hatty's reluctance, Bella couldn't help but ask, "Can't you stay?"

Hatty smiled bitterly. "We terminated our contract with the company. They wouldn't let us go without a fight, and we ended up with millions in penalties. If we don't leave, we'll be a thorn in their side. They won't let us off."

Bella was silent. Simon had money, but he was still a civilian singer. They couldn't fight the management company.

Hatty's question about her relationship with the Vanguard Innovations Group president was likely out of fear of getting involved in their issues.

Bella saw them off at the station. As they were about to enter, Hatty turned around. "Aren't you coming with us?"

Bella shook her head. "My mom just had surgery. I need to take care of her for a few days before I can leave."

Hatty remembered Bella mentioning this. "Sorry, I forgot. See you then."

Watching them enter the station, Bella was about to leave when she saw someone entering the VIP security check. Unlike the regular check, the VIP check had only one person, making them stand out.

Bella's blood froze as she looked over. Edward seemed to sense something and turned to look.

Bella's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively found a place to hide.