Chapter 287

"Susan, are you okay?" Cecilia Grant rushed forward to steady Susan Thompson's swaying figure. She remembered Susan's medical condition clearly, and her heart clenched at the sight of her pale face.

"I'm fine." Susan forced a weak smile. "Cecilia, let's focus on business first."

Cecilia hesitated. She wanted to insist on taking Susan to the hospital, but seeing her stubbornness, she reluctantly agreed to discuss work first.

The partners in the private room were all Cecilia's close friends—straightforward women who had always admired Susan. After witnessing Vincent King's behavior, their outrage grew.

The first half-hour of the meeting turned into a condemnation session against Vincent.

"Does being handsome give him the right to act like that? Money doesn't excuse everything!"

"Exactly! Our Susan doesn't tolerate such nonsense!"

"That move where she threw the money in his face was epic!"

Susan had worried they might look down on her, but instead, she was showered with praise that made her ears burn.

Like-minded people made work effortless. By the time the plan was finalized, it was already late at night. Cecilia and the others returned to their studio, while Susan prepared to head straight home.

Before leaving, she decided to visit the restroom.

In the hallway, Susan froze at the sight before her.

Michelle Thompson sat in a wheelchair, barking orders at Bella Quinn. Bella wore a janitor's uniform and a mask, but the scars peeking out remained horrifying.

"Ah—!" Michelle suddenly shrieked.

Bruce Bowman burst out of a private room and grabbed Michelle's hand. "What happened?"

"Bruce..." Michelle's eyes welled with tears. "I just wanted some fresh air when I ran into Bella... She dumped trash on me!"

Her pants were stained with filth, making her look pitiful.

Bruce's gaze turned icy. "Bella Quinn!"

Bella stood motionless, her expression hidden behind the mask. But her eyes brimmed with sorrow.

"She stuck her own foot into the trash bin."

"Lies!" Bruce roared. "Michelle can barely walk. How could she do such a thing?"

"She's not disabled at all!" Bella finally snapped. "She's been faking it!"

Slap!

The blow sent Bella's mask flying, revealing her scarred face. Her left cheek swelled instantly, making her appear even more grotesque.

"Bella!" Susan rushed forward, only to be shoved aside by Bruce.

"Susan, stay out of this!" Bruce gripped Bella's throat. "Last chance—why did you hurt Michelle?"

"Bruce, have you lost your mind?" Susan lunged again but was thrown violently to the ground.

"Susan!" Bella struggled to help her but was pinned down by Bruce.

"Kneel." Bruce's voice was cold as steel. "Lick the filth off Michelle's feet clean."

He forced Bella to the floor.