The Divorced Heiress’s Revenge
Chapter 264

“Steve, what’s wrong?” Bella asked with concern. Her eyes widened as she saw his disheveled figure.Steven, who was usually composed, stood in front of her with swollen eyes and pale lips, lookingextremely pitiful.

Asher asked, “Is this about Shannon?”

Asher walked up from behind Bella, wiping his hands with a handkerchief. Bella looked over and wassurprised to replace bloodstains on it. Bella sighed at the realization that her brother had once again takenmatters into his own hands, robbing her of the opportunity to showcase her talents.

“Sorry… I’m really sorry!” Steven bowed. His apology echoed in the tense air.

Puzzled, Bella glanced at her phone as it rang. Axel’s name lit up the screen.

Bella answered, “Axel?”

“Bella, Shannon left my place just a few moments ago.” Axel’s tone was tinged with helplessness andself-blame.

He continued, “My team has been actively gathering evidence of Shannon’s abuse of and bribery forthe past few days. Unfortunately, it seems she was well-prepared. All the evidence now points toZephyr Quarry.”

power

Axel added, “Gregory had hired Hunter Lovett, a skilled lawyer known for playing dirty and exploitingevery loophole. Since we were lacking evidence, we had no choice but to release Shannon.”

Bella replied, “It’s okay, Axel. You’ve done your best. Besides, we’ve achieved our primary goal. Whattruly matters is that the project in Baxim remains under our control. We can discuss the rest in duecourse.”

Bella was not as anxious as the men around her. Each one of them seemed ready to skin

Shannon alive.

While Shannon was undoubtedly despicable, Bella understood a fundamental principle that haste oftenled to mistakes. Gregory’s infatuation with Shannon meant that he would spare no effort to save hiswife. It was not worth it to escalate the conflict between the two conglomerates over a project.

Axel continued, “By the way, Bella, Steven already called me. The poor guy was almost in tears.Please let him know that this matter has nothing to do with him at all.”

Axel sighed. “He’s overthinking it for your sake. He was afraid you’d be upset, so he burdened himselfexcessively.”

Bella replied, “Alright…”

Upon ending the call, Bella seemed to have grasped the situation. She looked at Steven withcomplicated emotions and said, “Steve…”

Steven reproached himself. His eyes were red. “Ms. Bella, this is my family’s fault. I am willing to bearany punishment.”.

Steven found out today that his brother, Hunter Lovett, had taken on Shannon’s case. He was

so angry that he ran to Hunter’s law firm and had a heated argument with Hunter at the office.

-“Our father was upright and incorruptible. During his tenure, he offended countless people, so as soonas he retired, our enemies started targeting our family and seeking revenge against our father,attempting to frame us for injustice. If it wasn’t for Chairman Salvador coming to our aid at that time andhiring our father as the legal advisor so that the conglomerate could protect us, how could our parentshave enjoyed their retirement? How could your law firm have become so successful?! Now that Ms.Bella is going against Shannon, how can you represent the Salvadors and help Shannon escapecharges?! Isn’t this betraying their trust for personal gain?!”

Steven and Hunter had not argued for over two decades, but this time, Steven was putting his footdown for Bella’s sake.

“The Thompsons have been kind to us, but that doesn’t mean our whole family is indebted to them!Besides, our father has successfully won numerous lawsuits for Wyatt Thompson over the years. Anygratitude owed has already been repaid. I am a professional lawyer. To me, everyone is a potentialclient. As long as it’s a case I can handle, I will take it on. It has nothing to do with any ties to theSalvadors or the Thompsons. Instead, look at you! Our parents painstakingly raised you, provided youwith the best education, and invested

considerable effort to see you succeed and achieve greatness, not to have you become a lackey forthe Thompsons!”

Hunter’s words pierced Steven’s heart. Despite his heart belonging to Bella, the weight of his family’sexpectations held him captive. He felt unworthy to face Bella again.

Bella asked, “Steve, what are you saying?”

Bella’s brow furrowed as she approached him with a tender smile.

She placed her hands on his trembling shoulders and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.“Don’t blame yourself, and let’s not allow this incident to sour our relations with your family. Shannonisn’t worth the trouble. Why should we let it cast a shadow on our families and dampen our spirits?”

“Ms. Bella…” Steven’s voice broke, heavy with guilt.

Bella interjected. “I completely understand why Hunter is taking on Shannon’s case. No hard feelings.”

Bella’s gaze remained unwavering as she spoke earnestly, “Professionals should stick to their duties,especially lawyers, who must remain impartial. If Hunter has been hired by the Salvador family undersuitable conditions, he should handle their case professionally. I’m confident that if we need legalassistance in the future, your family will be there, right?”

Steven nodded shyly and lowered his gaze.

The three of them got into the car. Asher held Bella’s hand, gently caressing her palm as he asked,“Bella, what are your plans moving forward?”