"Alright, in that case, I won't disturb you any longer. Get some rest. Good night."
"Good night."
After exchanging goodbyes, they hung up the phone.
Lance put away his phone, and his eyes instantly turned cold, covered with frost.
Bella had repeatedly challenged his limits, and it was truly detestable.
No, he had to handle her.
With this thought, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
The next day, in the office, Lance said to Xavier, "Inform Bella to have lunch with me at noon."
Xavier nodded, "Yes, Mr. Mercer."
Receiving Xavier's call, Bella couldn't have been happier.
She nodded eagerly. "Alright."
As soon as she got off work at noon, she rushed to the appointment.
Before Lance arrived, Bella was already seated.
Her heart was leaping with joy. She repeatedly checked her makeup in the mirror to ensure it was perfect before stopping.
It seemed Samantha's words had worked.
Just as she thought this, Lance walked in with Xavier.
Bella quickly stood up. "Lance, you're here?"
Lance responded with a cold "Hmm," his attitude very indifferent.
"Lance, here's the menu. I've already ordered a few dishes. See if there's anything you'd like to add."
Bella handed the menu to Lance enthusiastically.
However, Lance showed no intention of taking it.
He replied coldly, "No need."
For a moment, Bella felt awkward holding the menu.
She forced a smile. "Alright."
Only then did she notice that Lance's mood seemed off today.
Usually, Lance wasn't warm towards her, but he wasn't as cold and disdainful as he was today...
"Lance, did you have something to say to me today?" Bella asked hesitantly.
Lance replied coldly, "Miss Cody, I came here today to tell you that I have no feelings for you. As for a business marriage, I have no intention of that either."
"So, Miss Cody, don't waste your efforts on unnecessary things."
His words made his stance very clear.
Bella sat there feeling humiliated.
She clenched her fists, her face turning pale.
"Lance, what do you mean by this?"
Lance's eyes flashed with impatience. "Miss Cody, don't you understand? Was I not clear enough? Do I need to be more explicit?"
Bella had always been a proud girl, sought after by countless men. She had never been treated like this.
Being spoken to like this by Lance made her furious.
Bella raised her eyes sharply and gritted her teeth. "You have no feelings for me, but what about Dr. Deanna?"
She pressed on, staring into Lance's eyes.
Lance remained unmoved and answered calmly, "That's none of your concern, Miss Cody."
Though he didn't admit it, he didn't deny it either.
Bella sat there even more unwilling to accept it.
"Lance, what's wrong with me? In terms of family background or any other aspect, I'm the most suitable person for you! Why am I not good enough?"
She furrowed her brows deeply, her face full of confusion.
"What's wrong with me? Tell me, and I'll change."
Lance patiently explained.
"Miss Cody, I think you're mistaken. It's not about family background or anything else. The person I want to marry is someone I love."
In other words, he didn't love Bella. No matter how much effort she put in, it was useless.
"Besides, Dr. Deanna and I are just ordinary friends. Miss Cody, don't be so self-righteous and cause trouble for Dr. Deanna again. This is the only warning. If it happens again, don't blame me for being rude."
Lance's words were cold and unfeeling, giving Bella no face at all.
Bella was already furious inside, her face pale.
She bit her lip and asked, "Did Dr. Deanna tell you that I caused trouble for her?"
Lance replied coldly, "No."
"Dr. Deanna just said you seemed to have misunderstood something and asked me to explain it to you clearly. As for the rest, I've made myself clear. This time I'm gonna let it pass. Miss Cody, don't let it happen again."
Before Bella could speak again, Lance's voice rang out once more.
"Alright, that's all for today. I have something else to attend to."
"I'll pay for this meal. Miss Cody, feel free to stay."
Leaving these cold words behind, Lance stood up and left directly.
From beginning to end, he didn't spare Bella a single glance.
At this moment, Bella had no appetite left.
She was trembling with anger, her face ashen.
"Miss Cody, should we serve the remaining dishes?" The waiter approached and asked.
The waiter's words undoubtedly added fuel to the fire.
She bit her lower lip. "Take them all away!"
Bella's eyes were filled with hatred as if they were poisoned.
Deanna, I'll remember you! Just you wait!