Chapter 2
chloe, was … 100 cruel?” felle asked softly,
Odoe shook her head. “He’s amex convict, someone with a stain on his tround. You’ve rady compensated him more than generously. Most people wouldn’t have
your kind heart,”
“Don’t overthink this, Ms. Cotton. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s him for being ton mediocre. He’s not worth your time ne energy, an
Hearing Chloe’s words, Belle felt bli better.
“When I first started the company, I was walking on thin for. It wasn’t easy to get to where tam now withcam many people supporting me. If they found out I had a husband who’d been in prison, it would’ve bernillustr Tot bothue and the company.
“He really is a good person, but I didn’t have a chinier. You’re Fight – I’ve given him all the compensation he deserves. I don’t owe him anything.”
Belle seemed to be comincing herself as she spoke. Her Dice no longer showed hesitation or sudoris
But if Kyle knew how easily belle could rationalize everything, what expression would be wear
He had gone to prison willingly to protect belle, taking all the blame on himself,
Now, he was branded as mediocre and tainted.
Even in prison, Kyle had arranged for people to protect Belle
Vet now, that sacrifice had become the very reason for Belle’s aloofness and superiority.
Just then, Belle’s younger brother, Matthew Cotton, called.
“Hey, Belle, what are you doing? I heard you divorced that ex–convict. Is he pestering you? Trying to take your money? Don’t worry I’ll teach him a lesson right
now.
“Matthew, Kyle already signed the papers. I know you’ve been hanging bound with Mike Clements from the Rivas family, but don’t do anything reckless. Don’t cease trouble for me. Do you hear me?
one was stem she knew Matthew’s temperament all too well. If she didn’t stop him, he might stir up a lot of unnecessary trouble.
Hearing that Kyle had already signed the papers, Matthew’s eyes lit up. But then his mood soured.
“Wait, no way. That guy wouldn’t just give in like that, Belle, did you give him a ton of money? A few million?”
“What? A few million? Hand me the phone!=
Matthew’s words caught the attention of their mother, Margaret Monroe, who Iminediately grabbed the phone and started ranting
“Belle, have you lost your mind? How could you give even a single cent to an ex–convict? He’s blackmailing you, can’t you see that? cur family is respectable can I be associated with someone like him! Don’t you date give lilm anything!”
“Mom, please let me finish! Matthew said.
“Belle, let me make myself clear–I don’t care how muchmoney we’re talking about, it’s not happening. I’m your brother, and I’ve never seen even a fraction of thut from you. Our family’s money stays in the family–It’s not going to end up in the pocket of some loser
“I know what I’m doing, so don’t worry about it. I’ll make sure every penny comes back to me.”
Matthew hang up the phone abruptly, leaving Belle anxious.
“Matthew Don’t do anything stupid. Hello? Hello?“:
“Chlor, po find Matthew,” Belle Laid, her wony evident. “Thlags are tense right now, and I don’t want him stirring up any trouble”
Despite bar sharp tour, Bel
sindulgence toward Matthew was bundless
Evenkoowing that Mattharwintended to target Kyle, Belle only asked due to talk hun down
Las if keeping Matthew happy mattered far more fun Kyle’s safety.
“Matt, think about this! That’s our family’s neeyyouran’t let it go to that ex convict. Helle isto soft hearted to see through these street–smart types. If he takes this money today, he’ll come back for more fomorrow. He’s counting on helle’s kindness. This can’t happen. Don’t give him a single cent!”
sbefour. However he got that mustry, I’ll make him cough it up. And if he doesn’t. He’ll regret
et it,” Matthew salil,
Brasstiring Margaret while gathering history.
“Just be rateful. Kyle had money back then, and who knows what kind of shady comes tons he might’ve made during all those years in prison?“.
karty consertoen? Hope be has connections. I want him to see who’s really in charge around here. “
It didact take long for Matthew to gather dozens of reckless frets.
The leader, Kishair dyed a genshi premi, pilaand “Ma Collor, everyone’s
“Brother in law? What sensense, fors that food even deserve to be called my brother in law? tie’s just an idiot. Let’s gel noting the gear, and let’s
Matthew Il a premiun cigarette, took a dog, and tossed the park tochin Tar keys
“Watch for my signal. When i say attack, you hit him hard no balding back, 11 anything happros, I’ll take full responsibility!
Chapter 2
“When it’s done, the drinks and entertainment are on me tonight”
“oot it!” The green–haired youth cheered excitedly. “Let’s lumy up and get it done!
They all knew what kind of clout Matthew wielded these days.
What they didn’t know was that this same Matthew had once been a humble kid wearing patched–up clothes.
Meanwhile, Kyle stood in the home he and Belle had once shared.
The living room was empty now, but echoes of their laughter and joy still gered in his ears
It wasn’t a big place–just a little over one thousand square feet. For many, it might seem small. But for Kyle and telle, it had been a home filled with happiness. The fumiture was covered with white sheets, a clear sign that nelle hadn’t been back in a long time.
Kyle understood. After all, she was now the CEO of one of Kendonia’s top three companies. How could someone like her lower herself to live in such a humble place? Especially one filled with memories of anex–convict
Helitacigarette, took a deep breath, and exhaled, his expression bitter and resigned.
For love, Kyle had sacrificed his future, his dignity, and even taken the fall for Belle.
Even in prison, his abilities had eamed him the respect of powerful figures, and he had leveraged those connections to help Belle.
He had paved the way for her dreams, ensuring she had unwavering support.
Now, Belle stood at the top, the foremost female CEO in Kerdonia.
And yet…
Kyle had become the only blemish on her otherwise perfect life.
Was this reality?
Kyle clenched his fists slightly.
“Belle, you’ll realize everything you have now is because of me. You’ll understand that your success is built on my sacritices.
“just wait. I’m curious to see your expression when the truth finally enmes out.”
Suddenly, Kyle’s phone rang
He frowned at the unfamiliar number. Few people even knew he was out of prison
“Hello?”
“Is this Dr. Archer?” The woman’s voice was sweet but trembled with emotion, as if she were holding back tears.
“No, you’ve got the wrong number.” Kyle hung up immediately.
At Solace Manor in Kerdonia, Elisa Rivas, the underground empress with power spanning both legal and illegal realms, was pacing with red–rimmed eyes. Despite her vast influence, Elisa, now 35, was helpless in the face of her father’s illness.
*Mike, are you sure this is the right number?” she asked, her voice tense,
The middle–aged man, Mike, nodded respectfully, “I pulled every string I had to get this number from Mr. Marshall. He emphasized that today is the only time you Cat Call – po other day. There’s no mistake.
Marshall also said Dr. Archerlus been living incognito for the past decade, likely for personal reasons. We’ll need to try again and hope tort the best.”
Elisa nodded bitterly. “I don’t know how much longer my father can hold on.”
Alter a moment, die straightened larr posture.
“No. I must convince for Archer to help. Over the years, I’ve consulted countless nord doctors, even Mr. Marshall, and none could do anything. De Accher is our
“10 ke agrees to help, I’ll pay any price.”
Determined, Elisa redialed the number.
Tautine, her tour was even more
pleading.
“Dr. Ander, please, beatine out. I got this number from Hupert Marshall I’m begging you please save my father. Whatever conditions you have, I’ll agree to
Hopen Marshall? That old man must be over alunded by now. Sill trying to cash in favors with me at his age?”
His true was calm. “Out of respect for him, I’ll help you with this oner. But Lean’t guarantee siiccess.” Tracing his words, Elisa’s body nembled with exciteistal.
“Thank you, thank you! As long as you’re willing to come, that’s all that matters. Dr. Acher, where are you?
ate you? I’ll come pick you up right now…”
Before Kyle could end the call, be heard a furious pounding oulila door. “Open up, Kyle Accher! I know you’re in there! if you don’t open the door,
, I’ll kill you!”
