Chapter 228

Bella Quinn stood at the end of the hospital corridor. Raindrops slanted against the windowpane outside.

Her grandmother's death certificate remained clutched in her hand, the paper soaked through with tears.

Calvin Grant had just left, repeatedly instructing the nurse to watch over her before departing. But she had to go. She needed to find him.

The gates of the Bowman mansion felt both familiar and foreign. The butler visibly startled upon seeing her, hesitating before finally allowing her inside.

Bruce Bowman sat in the living room, a cigarette between his slender fingers. Smoke curled around his sharp features.

"Bruce." Bella's voice came out hoarse and broken.

He lifted his gaze, eyes like poisoned daggers. "Who gave you permission to enter?"

"My grandmother is gone." Bella's nails dug into her palms. "Please... give her back to me."

Bruce crushed his cigarette into the ashtray with a cold laugh. "Did you ever consider this outcome when Michelle Thompson jumped into the sea?"

Bella trembled, silent tears streaming down her face. "Hate me all you want. But my grandmother was innocent."

"Innocent?" Bruce surged to his feet, gripping her chin. "A woman like you dares speak of innocence?"

Forced to meet his gaze, Bella saw only disgust in eyes that once held tenderness.

"I'll do anything." Her words came with difficulty. "Just tell me where she is."

Something dangerous flickered in Bruce's expression. Releasing her, he slowly unbuttoned his cuff. "Take it off."

Bella froze.

"Having second thoughts?" His lips curled mockingly. "You weren't so shy in my bed all those years ago."

The rain intensified outside as Bella's shaking fingers undid her coat buttons. The fabric fell soundlessly to the floor.

Bruce's gaze darkened. Even consumed by hatred, his body remembered her warmth.

He shoved her onto the sofa, his kiss brutal and desperate. Bella closed her eyes, tears disappearing into her hair.

"Bruce!" Michelle's shrill cry came from the staircase.

He shoved Bella away as if discarding something filthy.

Michelle stood on the landing, a kitchen knife in hand, tears streaming. "I'll give you what you want!"

The blade flashed. Bruce's face paled. "Michelle!"

Bella scrambled up, pain shooting through her ankle. She watched Bruce lunge toward Michelle, saw the knife press against that delicate throat.

"I'll disappear." Michelle sobbed pitifully. "Forever!"