After leaving the villa, Bella and Justin sat in their car without saying a word.
Finally, Bella broke the silence. "Justin, I'm going back home tonight... Aren't you traveling early tomorrow? Save the trouble and
go to Tideview Manor, or you can stay at my place."
Justin was still thinking about Ryan. He frowned and agreed, "Okay, I'll send you back to Yara Park and come for you tomorrow
night."
At Yara Park, they exchanged lingering kisses outside the door. Justin watched Bella enter the door as his eyes darkened, only
then taking his phone to dial lan's number. "What's the situation at the hospital?"
"The boy died from excessive blood loss. His parents were also prominent figures in Savrow, and they insisted on pursuing this
to the end. The problem is that the police have gotten involved. It would be troublesome if they traced it back to the Hoffman
Group."
lan dropped his usual playful smile and looked extra serious. "But I followed your orders and privately asked Ms. Yasmin. Mr.
Hoffman did not have the intention to kill that brat, but his subordinates were not professional and went overboard. Even though
they avoided his vitals, who could survive ten stab wounds? But that brat deserved to die. We investigated him, and he was a
walking beast, a reincarnation of Charles!"
"Police involvement meant that they would investigate thoroughly."
Justin pondered for a few seconds before speaking coldly, "Keep in close contact with Yasmin. Money is not a problem. We need
to ensure the one who took action stays quiet and cuts off his connection to the Hoffman Group. Ask him to turn himself in
immediately. Anyway, no matter the cost, we can't let this matter be connected to Ryan. Got it?"
lan took a deep breath. "I understand!"
Bella returned home with a worried face.
At this moment, Mila happened to be carrying a tray with nutritious soup for Wyatt, walking past the living room to Wyatt's
bedroom.
"Bella, you're back."
"Aunt Mila, is Ralph home tonight? I heard he's back. Is he around now?"
Mila nodded. "Yes, I think he went to the wine cellar. Do you need something?"
Bella smiled. "No, I just miss Ralph. I'll go have a drink with him."
It was peaceful and quiet in the wine cellar. When Bella pushed open the door, Ralph was sitting under the colorful glass lamp,
drinking alone. His chiseled features looked bewitching under the effects of the light.
Bella always thought that Ralph was the son most similar to Wyatt.
He was not like Asher or Axel, always dressed meticulously in suits, but he still exuded an air of nobility even if he was dressed
in a sack and shone through the mud.
Wyatt's sons, once out in the world, were all fatal seductions.
"Ralph," Bella called out softly.
As if awakened from a dream, Ralph's eyes immediately regained clarity. He looked up and said, "Bella, you're back. Come have
a drink with me?" Bella's gaze swept across the familiar panda biscuits on the table. She smiled ambiguously. "I remember you
don't like sweets."
Ralph paused and then smiled faintly. "I crave it occasionally. The panda biscuits are quite appetizing."
"Do you like the panda biscuits, or is it because they remind you of someone?" Bella sat across him, the underlying meaning in
her words as clear as day.
Ralph looked deep into her eyes for a long moment, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Bella, we're siblings. You can
speak frankly." "Ralph, I saw Carrie today."
Her name was enough to make Ralph's heart skip a beat, but he revealed nothing on the surface. "How is she? Is she doing
fine? What happened last time scared her. Has she recovered?"
Despite his calm demeanor, his words were laced with concern. "Ralph, since you asked me to be frank, I won't speak in riddles
anymore." Bella took a deep breath, her expression serious. "Do you like Carrie?"
Ralph's grip tightened on his glass, his knuckles turning white, a hint of burning red at the corner of his eyes. "Yes, I like her. But I
am rational enough to know whether it is appropriate. Carrie and Ryan love each other and are already discussing marriage. So,
my affection for her should not exist."
"But I still like her. I can't lie to you or myself." Ralph forced an easy smile and picked up a biscuit for Bella.
"Ralph..."
Bella's heart immediately ached and felt bitter. If it happened sooner, she would do everything she could to match Ralph and
Carrie. Unfortunately, timing matters too much in love.
It was only a step short, yet someone's love could only remain buried in their heart.
"You came looking for me at night, mentioning Carrie and looking so serious. Did something happen?"
Ralph, as sensitive as always, immediately tensed up. "Did my existence make things difficult for Carrie? Did she fight with
Ryan?"
"Carrie told me she wanted you to be friends with Ryan." Bella's voice was low.
Ralph could not help smiling bitterly. "Bella, do you think it's possible?"
Bella sighed gloomily.
"From the moment I fell in love with Carrie, I could never become friends with Ryan. In the future, unless by some coincidence or
accident, I would not see Carrie again. I can't make things hard for her by making Ryan overthink things between us. But I will
send them a wedding gift." Ralph casually downed the remaining wine in his glass.
Bella's eyes gradually reddened, and she poured herself a glass of wine.
Aunt Mila raised her three children too well. They were selfless, generous, upright, and kind.
"Bella, I've heard much about Carrie from you. I know it was not easy for her to find her love."
Ralph's heart stung, but he still smiled faintly. "Compared to dating her, I just want her to be well. No matter who she's with... As
long as she's happy."
"Ralph, you will definitely find your own happiness in the future."
"Haha... My happiness is being able to serve the people."
The siblings clinked their glasses and drank freely after a deep talk.