After all, the Cody family had fallen from being one of the top families in the country to a third-rate family, all because of Lance. Old Cody knew deep down that this was ultimately their own fault. If Bella hadn't constantly provoked Lance, there would have been no need for such a strained relationship between their families.
With this in mind, Old Cody's eyes showed determination as he said in a deep voice, "Please tell your boss that the Cody family understands."
"Good to hear, Old Cody. I won't disturb you any further. Goodbye."
Xavier politely hung up the phone.
After he put down the phone, Old Cody's face turned extremely grim. He called for the butler and asked coldly, "Where is Bella?"
The butler, though puzzled by the master's anger, answered truthfully, "Miss Cody is upstairs."
"Call her down, and also bring Kelly and her husband back," Old Cody ordered coldly.
The butler nodded and instructed a servant to fetch Bella while he contacted Kelly and her husband. Bella, being at home, quickly appeared in the living room. Seeing her grandfather's displeased expression, she became cautious.
Not knowing why her grandfather was angry, she asked carefully, "Grandpa, why did you call me down?"
Old Cody glanced at her coldly, his dissatisfaction evident. "There is something to discuss, but we'll wait for your parents to return. For now, stand by that wall and reflect on your actions."
He then looked away, ignoring Bella. Bella's eyes showed a mix of resentment and unease as she looked at her grandfather's back. Clearly, his bad mood had something to do with her.
Half an hour later, Kelly and her husband returned. They saw their daughter standing by the wall in reflection and the old man sitting on the sofa with a grim face.
Jeffery frowned and respectfully asked, "Dad, did Bella upset you?"
"Yes and no," Old Cody replied coldly. He glanced at his most prized child and then at Bella, who stood by the wall looking aggrieved yet defiant. "I called you back to inform you that I've decided Bella will marry Trystan as soon as possible. This house can no longer accommodate her!"
Kelly and Jeffery were stunned. "Dad, why did you suddenly decide this?" Kelly couldn't help but ask.
Jeffery also looked at the old man questioningly. Unlike their surprise, Bella's expression quickly returned to normal after the initial shock. She didn't seem opposed to the idea of marrying early.
In fact, Bella thought staying with the Cody family wouldn't allow her to seek revenge. But it would be different with the Harris family. Trystan was devoted to her; he would help her make Deanna suffer, even if it meant offending the Mercer family.
Old Cody was unaware of Bella's thoughts. Hearing his son and daughter-in-law's questions, he snapped, "Instead of asking me, you should ask your good daughter what she's done. Just before you returned, Lance's assistant called to warn me that if I don't manage this troublemaker properly, he won't show any more mercy!"
Even though Jeffery didn't know exactly what had happened, he could guess. His gaze turned sharp as he looked at Bella. "What have you done this time?"
"Bella, didn't we tell you not to provoke Lance and Deanna? Why don't you listen? If the Harris family finds out you're instigating Mr. Harris like this, they won't be happy with a troublemaking daughter-in-law!" Kelly admonished.
Bella didn't mind marrying early, but her parents' reproach ignited a fire within her. Especially hearing them tell her to avoid Lance and Deanna made her feel even more stifled. She finally burst out, "You fear Mercer Group's retaliation, but what's wrong with me seeking my own revenge?"
Kelly and Jeffery were left speechless. They did harbor resentment towards Lance and the Mercer family but knew they couldn't challenge such a powerful entity. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been driven to the remote city of Klidphis by the Mercer family.
Old Cody was infuriated by Bella's unrepentant attitude. "Fine! Since you don't want to stay in this house anymore, I'll have your things packed and sent to the Harris family right now. From now on, you're their problem!"
"Dad, you can't do that!" Kelly protested immediately. Although they were engaged, nothing formal had been done yet. Sending their daughter to the Harris family like this would make them look down on her!