Chapter 356
“That is Bella and my private matters. No one else has the right to interfere. She’s started
a new life, so please stop bringing up her past connection to me,” Justin said sternly.
Zoe’s heartbeat pounded like a drum, resentment building. The undertone of Justin’s
words. was clearly speaking in defense of Bella. ‘He was protecting her privacy, wasn’t
he?’
“Ada Wang has left. If you don’t want to perform for the guests tonight, I can send you
home. at any time.”
Justin looked away from Zoe’s pale face, pulled back his arm, and left without as much as
a second glance. Ian clicked his tongue twice, contemptuously stealing a glance at Zoe.
He could not help but wonder if this girl with a sharp tongue was really Ryan’s younger
sister. Somehow, she seemed a bit irritating, almost like she was asking for trouble.
“Justin! Justin! Justin Salvador!”
The first two calls went unanswered. Justin did not stop until Zoe used his full name.
“Are you defending Bella because you’ve fallen in love with her? Are you still not over
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇther?” Her voice trembled with anger.
“No, I don’t love her,” Justin replied without hesitation, as if he were afraid that even the
slightest delay would reveal some truth he was not aware of.
“Then why do you keep speaking up for her? She doesn’t love you. She toyed with you,
took what belongs to you, and then ruined the banquet you’ve worked hard to arrange!”
“She’s rotten to the core! She’s caused nothing but harm to you. Why do you side with
her?” Zoe’s voice became increasingly hysterical as she spoke.
She did not have Rosalind’s skill at disguising her emotions. After all, being the cherished
daughter of the Hoffman family, Zoe had always gotten whatever she desired. So, she
spoke her mind and did as she pleased. Now, for the first time, she had a taste of
frustration.
The closer she tried to get to Justin, the more he seemed to retreat, distancing himself
from her. When he turned to look at her, his gaze was almost devoid of any warmth.
“You’ve never been married. You probably don’t understand the respect that couples have
for each other. Bella was my wife once, so I showed her mercy. What’s the problem with
that?” His words pierced through Zoe like an arrow to the heart.
“Even if I don’t love her, she was once my wife. I’m the only one who can speak poorly of
her. No one else has that right.”
Cold rain began to fall from the night sky. Carrie sneaked out of Tideview Manor, holding a
small teddy bear close to her chest. She walked in the wind and rain before finally hailing
a taxi.
By the time she made it to the Salvador Hotel, Carrie’s thin white cotton dress was already
soaked. However, the little bear in her arms remained perfectly dry, untouched by the
rain.
Suffering from severe social anxiety, Carrie dared not enter through the front door and
could only sneak in through the back door of her family’s hotel.
Carrie avoided all the elegantly dressed guests, fidgeting as she hurriedly walked through
the corridor.
“Stop right there!” Carrie abruptly halted, her heart pounding in her chest. Despite being
Gregory Salvador’s youngest daughter, at that moment, she felt like a thief.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTwo patrolling bodyguards approached, disdainfully scrutinizing Carrie for her disheveled
appearance and plain clothing.
“This hotel is hosting an important banquet tonight. Stay away!”
“I… I want to see Ada Wang… Please, let me see her. Just one look, and I’ll leave!” Carrie
pleaded pitifully.
“No! You’re not allowed to enter without an invitation. Hurry up and leave!” The
bodyguard said harshly, reaching out to shoo her away.
“Look around you! Do you think this is a place for poor students like you? Hurry up and get
lost!”
Carrie truly liked Ada Wang, so she was extremely determined. Whatever she set her mind
to, she would do it, no matter how difficult. Gritting her teeth, Carrie hugged the teddy
bear tightly, took a few steps back, and rammed into the bodyguard.
“Ah!” The fragile Carrie was caught by the burly bodyguard. He flung her, along with the
teddy bear, away. Carrie closed her eyes and braced for impact, but she did not fall to the
ground.
Instead, she landed in a firm and familiar embrace.