Chapter Twenty-FivePearl's problem was swiftly and satisfactorily resolved, and within a week, everything seemed to have been buried deep under the sea, with no one mentioning it anymore. What surprised Bella even more was that the artist VB turned out to be a genuine partner of the company after the incident.Bella had no idea how Max managed it, but the situation left her both uncomfortable and pleased. Uncomfortable because undoubtedly, if the artist VB collaborated with the company, Pearl would become even more arrogant, and her prestige would not only be restored but also recognized by many. At least, this collaboration had dispelled any doubts about Pearl's competence.However, Bella was also pleased because Max had helped her father's company cover up Pearl's dirt.As usual, Lauriel would be the one delivering documents to Pearl, but after this news, she felt uneasy and didn't want to meet Pearl, so she handed the documents to Bella."Help me deliver these documents to her. I
Chapter Twenty-SixPearl reluctantly forced a smile as she looked at Bella. "Bella, is it really necessary to dress up so extravagantly just to meet Max's friend? You don't need to dress like you're going to a party." Pearl intentionally pointed out that Bella's attire was not suitable for meeting Max's friend.Bella maintained a polite smile, drawing from her past experience. Despite feeling uncomfortable with Pearl's sarcastic remarks, Bella didn't show any dissatisfaction. She even chuckled and said to Max, "Even if the other person is just Max's friend, I still have to dress elegantly to be worthy of standing beside Max. Besides, my husband is the company's director, so I have to match up to him."Bella knew that her husband paid close attention to appearances, and he was pleased with her response. Max immediately added, "Bella is right. No matter whom you meet, it's important to dress formally and politely. Levi is my friend, but he is also my business partner."The more Bella st
Chapter Twenty-SevenLevi just chuckled lightly, continuing, "As I mentioned before, in the 15th day of two months later, I will organize an auction at the SOS Hotel. It's a relatively small-scale event, which is why I chose that hotel. You will be my important guest, Max."Although Levi referred to the auction as small-scale, everyone knew that the SOS Hotel was a large establishment specializing in hosting events and conferences attended by politicians and national leaders. Not everyone with money could step foot in there. Yet, Levi described the SOS Hotel as the venue for a 'small-scale' auction.Max laughed nervously, unable to comprehend Levi's concepts of wealth and power. If Max hadn't been friends with Levi since their school days, he might never have understood how wealth and power could be defined."You also know that I'm not concerned about the guest position at the auction. What I care about is the piece of land on the outskirts. You mentioned considering selling it to me,
Chapter Twenty-EightBreath and bodies intertwined, Bella tried to relax her body to adapt to this situation. In her mind, she couldn't think of anything else; she just wanted to be close to the man she loved. That was more than enough.In this moment, it seemed like Bella had forgotten the bitterness and betrayal her current husband had subjected her to. Or perhaps, she was too permissive because she still loved the man who betrayed her."Bella, for your first time, I'll be gentle... it'll be quick, I'll make you feel good. Bella, I love you so much..." Max whispered words of love into his wife's ear, wanting to quickly become one with her.Max still believed Bella was a pure virgin, so his firmness below was causing him discomfort, yet he endured it. He wanted tonight to be a wonderful night with his wife, so a little patience would be worthwhile.But just as Max withdrew his finger from Bella's intimate area, preparing for the main event, the phone rang. The sound startled both of
Chapter Twenty-NineBella quickly covered the marks on her neck with her hand, facing Pearl's stunned expression. Bella hesitated before saying, "You know, about last night... my husband and I had an amazing night. Why do you look so surprised? It's not something unusual."Both women, being mature adults, naturally knew the origin of the marks on Bella's neck. Bella's embarrassed expression and awkward demeanor made Pearl feel even more uncomfortable."Oh... it's nothing. I was just a bit surprised. You didn't usually show it before," Pearl reluctantly smiled and said.Bella, intrigued by Pearl's unnatural demeanor, continued, "I didn't usually show it. Maybe it accidentally got revealed, and that's why you noticed. My husband and I have been married for three years, so, of course, these marks are expected. In fact, I like it when Max leaves passionate kisses on my body; it makes me feel how much he loves me intensely." Bella spoke nonchalantly, boasting about the affection between he
Chapter ThirtyPearl, angrily stomping her foot, declared, "I'm not going! If we don't clarify this today, I won't go anywhere!""What do you want to discuss with me?" Max, losing patience, stood up and looked directly at Pearl.Facing Max's sudden seriousness, Pearl's previously bold demeanor seemed to vanish. She tried to hold back tears and said with a pout, "It's because you spoke to me like that, that's why... I'm sure it's because of Bella that you're so harsh with me. Before, no matter what I did, you never got angry or raised your voice at me."Max wanted to say that it was because of the limits he set for her, but the more he indulged her, the worse things became. The issues he mentioned earlier had nothing to do with Bella, and he didn't want to involve Bella in this.The ringing of Max's phone on the table interrupted their conversation. Max looked at Pearl and answered, "What's the matter?"[Sir, Mr. Karter wants to meet you privately.] the voice on the other end quickly r
Chapter Thirty-One"How's your work been lately?" Bella asked. Currently, they had nothing else to talk about besides work.Max nodded slightly, sensing the recent distance in their relationship. However, Bella's reaction remained unchanged, so he wasn't sure where the distance was coming from."I'll be attending Levi's party at the SOS hotel soon. At the same time, there will be an auction, you know? I want to buy that piece of land on the outskirts," Max said without any reservation. He believed that this matter was work-related, and there was no need to be secretive.Bella smiled gently and asked, "Can I come with you?" She thought her husband would agree immediately, but Max's reaction disappointed her."No need, consider me busy with work at the company as usual. I remember you don't like places like that anyway," Max reassured her with a soft and comforting tone, as if he genuinely cared and understood that Bella didn't want to make an effort for things she didn't like.In the p
Chapter Thirty-TwoBella paid no attention to him, focusing instead on the two people ahead—her husband and her close friend, both enjoying this party together. They looked so perfect together that Bella couldn't help but smile. She had anticipated this scene and had imagined various reactions in her mind, but in the end, she could only stand from a distance and watch them."They look so perfect together, don't they? Many guests here probably think they're a married couple, and they don't deny it. Well, well, the official wife can only stand from afar and watch her husband with another woman. I wonder if you the third party meddling in their romantic and passionate affair," Levi said, teasingly enjoying Bella's reaction, paying no attention to her emotions.Bella reluctantly smiled, even though she had seen this scenario many times. Why did it always feel so bitter? Bella didn't care about the man next to her or what he was saying. She silently swallowed her tears and tried not to sho