Chapter 2317
On the way back from the hospital, Bella thought about Justin's words and the promise they had sealed with a high-five, feeling a torrent of emotions she could not describe.
Staring at the snowy view outside the window, her eyes glistened with tears as she murmured softly to herself, "Bella, he came to you willingly. He agreed to your request. That's already enough, isn't it? You don't have the right to act spoiled around him anymore. Be content."
Steven, who was driving, kept glancing in the rearview mirror at Bella, watching her lost and desolate expression and feeling a deep ache for her. Just the separation alone had turned her world upside down.
He thought, 'If Justin ever left this world for good, her life would crumble entirely.'
Perhaps letting Justin live well was the best outcome fate could grant after all they had endured, even if it was bittersweet.
"Ms. Bella, it's getting late. Maybe we should skip going to the office. You should rest at home. You'll be busy enough fighting for the Savrow A5 project in the days ahead," Steven suggested, his voice calm with concern as he noticed her pale complexion.
Frowning, Bella muttered to herself, "Steven, help me look into someone."
"Of course. Who?"
"Twenty years ago, a girl named Maya Cooper worked as a maid at the Tideview Manor, looking after Grandpa Nigel. Her mother still lives in Savrow."
Bella swiftly gathered herself, her sorrow replaced by a cold, rational demeanor. "This girl died by Grant's hand 20 years ago, but the circumstances and cause of her death remain unclear. I believe we need to uncover everything about this."
Steven, startled by the shocking news, exclaimed, "Grant was involved in a murder case at such a young age? Was he some kind of vengeful spirit reborn?"
"Someone so polished and committed to charity would have such a brutal side. If I hadn't witnessed it myself at the cemetery, I wouldn't believe it if my life depended on it." Bella let out a cold laugh. "To think he maintains this facade, masquerading as a benefactor, living under the same roof as Justin. Isn't it terrifying?"
Thinking of Grant's refined and harmless face, Steven shivered. "Terrifying indeed!"
"That's why we must get to the bottom of this. Even if he was a minor at the time, it doesn't excuse him from the law."
Bella closed her eyes, her voice determined. "If he ever reveals his true nature and becomes a threat to Justin, we'll have leverage against him. At a critical moment, it could save Justin from disaster."
Steven's admiration for her was evident. Bella strategized with caution and depth, no longer acting impulsively.
Suddenly struck by a thought, he added, "Ms. Bella, if Grant dared to commit murder at 14, it means he's inherently cold-blooded and ruthless."
Bella's voice was cool, and her expression was calm. "Doesn't his behavior remind you of his uncle, Lucas Fowler? If we consider what Wilma said about his history of animal cruelty, his willingness to kill becomes much less surprising,"
Steven's eyes widened in shock. "But... There's a difference between killing animals and killing people, right?"
"Essentially, both display a callous disregard and disdain for life."
Bella shook her head, feeling a tightness in her chest. "Anyone who tortures animals so easily shows no real hesitation. Eventually, when they lose their thrill, they naturally turn to human targets. Many serial killers around the world started the same way."
"Ms. Bella, do you really think someone with such a warped psyche could be Justin's savior?"
Steven finally voiced the question that had been bothering him. "A man like that-ruthless and brutal-actually risked his life to save his half-brother. Doesn't that seem out of character?"This content © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
Bella's back stiffened, her gaze turning dark.
Unaware of her thoughts, Steven continued, "If it were me, I'd have hired those kidnappers to eliminate this nuisance of a brother. It'll be easily done! Back then, Justin was just a rejected illegitimate child. His death wouldn't have stirred much of a fuss. Soon enough, he would have been forgotten by the world."
The more Bella thought about it, the more anxious she became. She gripped the car door handle tightly.