Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 354 Unsettling Developments

Vera was a bit suspicious. "Are you sure? Why would Lana lie to me? Why would she even have a problem with Bella?"

Ethan rubbed the back of his head in frustration. "Can we talk about this at home? We're in the hospital, and I'm busy right now. Don't you trust me?" Of course, Vera believed Ethan. After a few words of caution, she left.

...

That evening, Bella got a call from Dominic after work. "I had your car driven over to the hospital entrance. It's of no use to me, so you might as well take it."

Before she could decline, he cut her off. "That's it. I'm hanging up."

She was speechless. Was he really trying to get back together?

When she reached the hospital entrance, she saw a sleek sports car with Dominic's bodyguard standing by.

As she approached, the bodyguard handed her the keys respectfully. "Here you go, Ms. Jones. I'll be on my way now."

Bella nodded and said, "Thanks."

The drive from the hospital to her apartment building was short, but she had to admit it felt luxurious to be behind the wheel of such a stunning car. She really liked this car, so she didn't want it collecting dust in a garage. Once at her building, she registered the car with security and rented a parking spot.

As she was finishing up, she spotted Ethan and Vera walking toward her with grocery bags in hand. Bella greeted them with a smile, "Oh, you guys are back from shopping?"

Ethan nodded, noticing her car and the keys in her hand. "So, that's why you disappeared so quickly. Nice car, by the way."

Bella smiled at Vera. "You must be Madam Simpson. I still remember the lasagna you made... It was delicious!"

Ethan quickly introduced them, "Yes, this is my mom. Mom, this is Bella. She lives in our building."

Vera observed Bella carefully. She certainly didn't fit Lana's description. Bella seemed warm, genuine, and altogether likable.

Seeing that, Vera responded kindly,

"Bella, you even stopped by with a gift! But you didn't stay long, and you rarely visit us. Oh my, I almost forgot If you like the lasagna, send some over with Ethan next time."

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Bella excused herself, driving her car down to the underground garage. Ethan breathed a sigh of relief as Vera hadn't made any comments. "See, Mom? Bella isn't like what Lana said."

Vera smiled. "Of course. You think I'm blind? Lana is not easy to deal with. She's clearly interested in you, and since you like Bella, she's just stirring up trouble. Bella already has a boyfriend and plenty of money, so stay out of it, alright? Just be friends."

Caught off guard, Ethan was a bit embarrassed. "Mom..."

Later that night, just as Bella was drifting off to sleep, her phone rang sharply. The ringing jolted her awake.

Still groggy, she picked up. "Hello?"

On the other end was a familiar, distorted female voice. "Why hasn't Dominic cut ties with Victor? Didn't you pass along what I told you?" Bella's heart raced, and she was instantly awake. "I did tell him. He makes his own decisions, and I can't control that. Who are you?" The caller didn't respond and hung up abruptly.

Bella was annoyed. Was this mysterious caller trying to help Dominic or deliberately sow discord? She couldn't tell. Why was the caller reaching out to her repeatedly instead of speaking to Dominic

directly?