Chapter 218

"Bruce..."

Bruce Bowman gently stroked Michelle Thompson's hair, his voice low and firm. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

His sharp gaze cut toward Calvin Grant like a blade. "Even if Michelle made a mistake, that bitch Bella Quinn had no right to lay a hand on her. She deserves to die!"

"Give my grandmother back to me!"

Bella clutched her agonizing stomach, sweat soaking the strands of hair clinging to her forehead. She bit her lower lip hard, stubbornly straightening her spine.

"You killed her! Give her back!"

Bruce frowned slightly. He had indeed handed Bella's grandmother over to Michelle, but he hadn't expected things to go this far.

"Michelle..."

Michelle nibbled her lip, her voice soft. "Bruce, I forgot to tell you... Bella's grandmother passed away three days ago from a sudden heart attack. We tried everything to save her, but..."

"You're lying!" Bella trembled violently. "You cut off her medication! Give her back to me!"

A sharp pain tore through her, warm liquid trickling down her thighs. Bella's vision darkened, her knees buckling.

"Bella!"

Susan Thompson moved to rush forward, but Calvin was faster. He caught Bella just as she collapsed, pulling her tightly against him.

Only then did the others notice the blood soaking through the hem of Bella's down jacket.

"What did you do to her?!" Susan's fury erupted as she slapped Bruce across the face.

Bruce's expression darkened, murder flashing in his eyes.

"Susan!"

Andrew Lucas's fist struck faster, slamming into Bruce's jaw. "I warned you not to touch my woman."

"It's an abortifacient," the doctor murmured after examining the residue in the bowl.

"What?!" Susan's pupils constricted. That massive dose could have killed her.

Calvin's face turned ashen. Ignoring his own bleeding hand, he scooped Bella into his arms and bolted for the door.

Susan chased after them, whirling back at the threshold. "Bruce Bowman, you'll regret this! One day, I'll watch you drown in remorse, wishing you were dead!"

Without another glance, she sprinted after Calvin.

Bruce stood frozen, the sting on his cheek nothing compared to the inexplicable ache in his chest.

Regret?

That vile woman got what she deserved. He would never regret this.

After emergency treatment, Bella stabilized. Her body would heal, but the wounds in her heart never would.

Her grandmother was gone forever.

Susan wanted to stay, but Andrew teased her about being a third wheel. Seeing Calvin's grip on Bella's hand, she finally left.

Outside the hospital, Susan headed to her apartment to pack, planning to move in with Daniel and Bella.

To her surprise, Andrew clung to her like glue.

"Susan, did I look cool back there?" His grin was boyish, a stark contrast to his usual brooding demeanor.

For a moment, she was transported back to their youth, when he'd ask her the same thing after fights.

"Thanks," she replied coldly.

"Susan!" Andrew wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Give me another chance. Let's remarry. I swear I'll treat you right."

"Mr. Lucas, what about Nicole Capra?" Susan struggled futilely. "To me, you'll always be her man!"

"We broke up." Andrew turned her to face him, his gaze intense. "There's only you in my heart. Susan, I love you."

The words sent a tremor through her.

Seizing the advantage, Andrew pressed on. "I can heal Bella's scars. Kiss me, and I'll help you."