Justin’s training at the country’s top military academy and his three years in the army had left him exceptionally fit, even after transitioning into the business world.
As a result, Axel’s punch only grazed the corner of Justin’s lips, but his body remained perfectly still.
Ryan clicked his tongue inwardly, cursing Axel silently as he stood back.
My love rival.
.
.
he thought, but he knew better than to voice it aloud, remembering Anna’s earlier warning.
As the third party in the situation, he had to tread carefully.
Axel was beyond furious.
He threw another punch at Justin, but Justin dodged quickly, his body moving with the precision of a soldier.
“Justin Salvador! I told you to stay away from Anna! You shameless bastard!” Axel’s voice was full of rage, his chest heaving with each breath.
“If anything happens to Anna, I’ll skin you alive! I won’t let you or your company get away with it!”
Ryan, fearing the two men were about to escalate into a full-blown fight, stepped forward quickly.
“Mr.
Thompson, you’re overreacting.
It’s just a dislocation…”
Axel’s eyes shot daggers at Ryan.
“Just a dislocation?!” he spat, his fists clenched tightly.
“You two treat women like toys! How could you possibly understand what I’m feeling? Anna is my woman, and I will protect her until my dying breath! Stay away from her!”
Axel’s words rang with such sincerity and possessiveness that Justin felt a pang of something he couldn’t quite name—regret, jealousy, maybe both.
He had never been as direct as Axel.
In his own marriage, he’d always been too guarded, too unsure.
Axel’s confession was raw, passionate, and left Justin feeling like a fool for not being brave enough to express his feelings when he had the chance.
After leaving Justin, Anna had shone brighter than ever.
Asher, Ryan—both of them were now clearly vying for her attention.
Justin could barely stand the sight of it.
The bitter taste in his mouth grew worse.
He felt like a man who had lost a priceless treasure, only to see it now sought after by everyone else.
“Justin, you just wait.
I’ll sue you for what you’ve done!” Axel’s words were like a final blow.
His finger jabbed toward Justin’s cold face with fury.
“Fine, but I’ll correct you,” Justin said, his voice steady despite the tension building in the air.
“My divorce with Anna isn’t finalized yet.
She’s still legally my wife.
She’s still a Salvador, and you should remember that.
”
Ryan stood frozen beside Justin, his eyes wide.
He thought to himself, This guy is really something else.
Axel’s rage flared to the point where he almost spat at Justin, but his refined demeanor held him back.
“Mr.
Thompson…” A soft voice interrupted the charged atmosphere, pulling all eyes to the figure standing at the end of the corridor.
Bella stood there, her left arm in a cast, her pale face radiating a fragile, almost ethereal beauty.
Her eyes, calm and clear, locked with Justin’s for a brief, heart-stopping moment.
Justin’s chest tightened.
His breath caught in his throat.
The sight of her standing there—so composed, so distant—tugged at his heart in a way he couldn’t explain.
The memory of Anna flashed through his mind, but it was fleeting, like a ghost that disappeared before he could grasp it.
Axel’s distress was palpable as he rushed to Bella’s side, his voice breaking.
“Does it hurt? Are you okay?”
Bella smiled gently, her eyes softening as she reassured her brother.
“It doesn’t hurt anymore.
Let’s go home.
”
Her smile, full of warmth and affection, struck Justin like a physical blow.
He was irritated, angry even, as he watched Axel wrap his arm around her waist and lead her away, toward the other end of the corridor.
Bella didn’t spare Justin even a glance.
Her indifference hit him harder than any punch.
He felt a growing sense of helplessness, but before he could act on his emotions, Ryan grabbed his arm.
“That’s enough, Justin,” Ryan said firmly.
“You were the one who hurt her.
Don’t chase after her.
She wants to see Asher, not you.
Don’t make things worse for yourself.
”
As he watched Bella walk away, supported by Asher, Justin clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.