Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 204

Chapter 204 His Embrace Is Warm

Whair everyone che was on the deck fishing, Bella, not fond of the lively crowd, retreated to the back of the yacht to enjoy the seat

Although the yacht wasn't small, it seemed tiny and insignificant amidst the vast, rolling wes of the ocean. The sunlight was perfect, and every detail and ber was picturesque photographer's dream.

After watching the sea for a while, she felt too exposed to the sun and decided to move to a shaded area. As she was leaving, she noticed a small window behind her Through the window, she could see the yacht's interior, particularly the resting area, where the Yalnian chef Lessard had brought was preparing plates of salmon. His back was turned to her.

At first, there was nothing unusual about the scene, and Bellawatched absentmindedly for a few seconds. But then, to her shock, the chef reached under the table and retrieved a sleek black gum from a hidden spot

She froze for a moment. From the start, she had noticed that Leonard's entourage only included bodyguards carrying firearms. The household staff and the chef weten Lamed. Seeing this chet with a gun clearly hidden in advance, something felt very wrong. Trilled of being noticed, Bella crouched down as she continued to observe the chet.

The cher calmly checked the bullets in the magazine before tuclding the go into the waistband of his pants. Then, as it nothing had happened, he picked up the plate of salmon and beaded toward the deck

Bella's heart was racing and pounding in her chest as her mind spun in chaos. Memories of the dead assassin found near Miller Manor flashed through her mind, making her suspect the chef's true identity and intentions.

The chef brought the salmon to Leonard and the others on the deck with no time to spare, Bella med toward the deck

She arrived just as the chef stepped out the door. Their eyes met hers filled with panic and fear while his were calm, composed, and chillingly steady.

The chel gave her a polite smile as he walked past her, placing the salmon on a nearby table. "Mr. Sawyer, the salmon is ready."

Without turning around, Leonard waved dismissively. "Just leave it there."

But the chef didn't leave. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Dominic's back, slowly moving his hand toward the gun tucked in his waistband.

Realizing what was happening, Bella reacted instinctively and langed at the chef. "Dominic, watch out!"

The yacht was already swaying with the waves, and the force of Bella's talde made the chef lose his balance. They both crashed to the ground. Realizing his cover was blown, the chet, furious at the failed attempt, pulled out his gun and pressed it against her. Alondgunshot echoed through the air. Bella felt a searing pain in her abdomen as her surroundings blurred and the sounds and her because mutiled.

She could see Dominic rushing toward her, the bodyguards subduing the chef, and the blood pouring from her body, staining the deck. The salty sea breeze was now mixed with the metallic scent of blood.

In the chaotic moments that followed, lan was trying to stop the bleeding while Luced beside her. nella could see everything, yet it all seemed distant as it i were happening far away.

She couldn't make out what anyone was saying, but she knew one thing for sure-Dominic's embrace was wa..

The yacht had no medical equipment, and could do little even with his medical expertise. Sering Bella unconscious, he picked and shouted, "We need to get to the hospital!"

Dominie's hands trembled as he held Bella, watching her face grow pale and lifeless. His gaze shifted to the chef who was pinned to the grond. A deadly, ley coldness filled his eyes