Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 353 I Can't Stand It Any Longer

Bella looked at Lana in irritation, stopping her in her tracks. "This is my stuff. Can't you show at least a little bit of respect to others?"

Lana said sarcastically, "Your stuff? Didn't a man give this to you? Mr. Miller... Your ex-boyfriend? You have so much already, why be so stingy?"

With that, Lana seized the desserts and started handing them out to everyone in sight. By the end, not a single crumb was left. She returned the empty box to Bella. "Here, all gone. Next time, maybe bring enough for everyone in the department." Bella couldn't stand her anymore. "Lana, what exactly did I ever do to you?"

Lana shrugged, feigning innocence. "Why would you think that? I just can't stand you. Is that a problem?"

Bella replayed all the passive-aggressive jabs she had been enduring from Lana lately.

Finally, she reached her breaking point. "You can't stand me because Ethan isn't interested in you and prefers my company? Are you jealous? You know why he won't give you a chance? It's because... you're completely insufferable!" Visibly wounded, Lana retaliated by shoving Bella to the floor. "What are you so smug about? You're just a worthless tramp!"

Bella didn't retaliate but laughed instead. "Oh, did I hit a nerve? No matter how many nasty words you throw at me, you can't hide that ugly jealousy. Also, there's nothing inappropriate going on between me and Ethan. Even if there were, it wouldn't be any of your business."

Lana's voice trembled with anger. "As long as you're here, I'll make sure you regret it. Mark my words, Bella, people like you never come to a good end!"

Bella stood up and dusted herself off with a calm, defiant look. "Fine. I'll play along. I've tolerated this long enough."

Bella was still new to the hospital and had yet to establish the kind of connections Lana seemed to have.

Over the next few days, she noticed that the people from the department started distancing themselves from her, thanks to Lana's rumors.

Even tasks that required collaboration ended up being just her and Ethan.

However, that wasn't the outcome Lana wanted. Wasn't this just pushing Bella closer to Ethan?

Ethan's mother, Vera Simpson, went to the hospital for a check-up. Lana bumped into her at the hospital.

Lana took the chance to pull her aside, speaking in a hushed tone, "Madam Simpson, I have something to tell you about your son, Ethan."

Vera's health condition wasn't very

good, so this wasn't her first time at the hospital: She was familiar with both Ethan's colleagues and the hospital staff, as well as Lana, She asked without suspecting anything, "What is it?"

Lana embellished the rumors about Bella and Ethan, implying that Bella was untrustworthy and two-timing.

Vera frowned, taking in Lana's words with some suspicion. However, she began subtly probing other staff. Unfortunately, since Lana had poisoned their minds with gossip, they backed her story.

Once Vera confirmed the rumors, she sought out Ethan, giving him a firm warning. "I want you to stop associating with that woman named Bella! She's bad news!" Ethan immediately connected the dots. "Did Lana tell you that?"

Vera glared at him. "She's only looking out for you."

Ethan sighed, exasperated. "Mom, there's absolutely nothing going on between Bella and me. Her boyfriend is Dominic, a well-known figure

Joville Why would she risk herme

relationship with him by doing 'inappropriate' things with me?

"As for Lana, please don't believe a word that comes from her. I've got to get back to work. Once you're done with the tests, go home. Call me if you need anything."