Axel’s anger was palpable, his teeth grinding together as he glared at Justin.
He wanted to say more, to continue defending his sister, but Bella’s sharp glare silenced him instantly.
“What? I’m going to beat that bastard on your behalf!” Axel growled, fists tightening, but Steven quickly moved to intervene.
“Forget it,” Bella said softly, her voice tired but firm.
“You can’t beat him.
He used to be in the peacekeeping army, so you’ll just end up being his punching bag.
And… he didn’t mean to dislocate my shoulder.
He’s just careless, and he never knows how to control his strength.
He’s always been like this.
”
Steven raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Ms.
Bella, why does it sound like you know him so well?”
Bella froze for a moment, and for a brief second, a flicker of hesitation crossed her face.
Her lips tightened before she simply said, “It’s nothing.
”
She didn’t feel the need to explain.
It wasn’t intentional, but she wasn’t in the mood to dwell on it.
After all, her relationship with Justin was in the past, and she had no intention of rekindling anything with him.
Back at the villa, Axel made coffee for Bella, still muttering about Justin being a jinx.
“I’m sorry, Axel,” Bella said quietly, her long eyelashes fluttering with guilt.
“Huh? Why are you apologizing to me?” Axel turned toward her, puzzled.
He raised his hand to gently touch her forehead.
“Do you have a fever? What nonsense are you talking about now?”
“No, I just feel bad for using you to keep my secret,” she admitted softly.
“Since Asher is on a business trip in Inalia, I had no choice but to ask for your help.
I was afraid you’d think I’m treating you like a prop…” Her voice trailed off, becoming softer with each word.
Axel’s heart softened as he walked over and embraced her gently, avoiding her injured arm.
He pulled her slim body close to his chest.
“Silly girl, what are you talking about?” Axel’s voice was filled with concern as he held her.
“Mom gave birth to the four of us before you, so we could protect you.
The next time you get married, all four of us will be right there by your side!”
Bella’s lips twitched in amusement, but she couldn’t help the bitter thought that crossed her mind.
Accompany me when I get married? Then I might as well become a nun…
Axel quickly corrected himself, realizing his words may not have been the most encouraging.
“Even if you never get married, we’ll still be at your beck and call.
We’ll protect you and be your backers for the rest of your life.
”
Bella smiled softly at him, appreciating the sentiment, though she couldn’t shake the sense of melancholy that lingered in her heart.
Meanwhile, Justin’s day was far from peaceful.
He couldn’t concentrate on his meetings, his mind constantly drifting back to the events at the hospital.
His lips still ached from Axel’s punch, but it was the pain of regret and frustration that weighed more heavily on him.
His team noticed his odd behavior but dared not speak up, afraid to bring up the topic of what had happened.
Justin’s status within the Salvador Corporation was unshakable, despite his being Gregory’s illegitimate son.
Gregory’s eldest son, frail and ill, was unable to take the reins.
His two daughters, born to his second wife, were still too young and inexperienced to take on the role of heir.
That left Justin as the only one capable of leading the family business.
His sharp mind and commanding presence had earned him respect, and no one had dared challenge his succession, at least not openly.
“Mr.
Salvador, the Walter Group Hotel we’ve been eyeing in the western suburbs has been acquired.
” The senior executive spoke cautiously, not sure how Justin would respond.
“By whom?” Justin’s sharp focus returned to the matter at hand.
“KS Group.
Walter Group transferred the hotel to them.
It will now become the second branch of KS World Hotel in Savrow.
”
Justin’s body stiffened at the news, his eyes narrowing.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” His voice was cold and unforgiving.
“We’ve been negotiating the acquisition, and we almost had the deal,” the senior manager explained, his voice shaking.
“But then Ms.
Thompson from KS World Hotel intercepted the project.
It was completely unexpected.
”
“Almost had a deal?” Justin’s eyes were dark with fury.
“I told you the hotel is in a strategic location, only 600 meters from Universal Studios, which will be completed in two years.
I told you to get it done, even if we had to pay double.
But you hesitated, and now KS Group swoops in and takes it from us.
”
The senior manager shrank back, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
“We… we didn’t expect this, Mr.
Salvador.
”
Justin’s voice was like ice as he continued, “You’ll be transferred to Fenn’s branch next week.
If you make this kind of mistake again, I don’t care how long you’ve been here.
You’ll answer for it.
”
With that, Justin stood and stormed out of the room, leaving behind stunned faces.
His temper was worse than usual, and no one dared to speak.
As he drove back to Tideview Manor, Ian glanced nervously at the rearview mirror, thinking to himself.
Could all of this be part of Mr.
Thompson’s plan?
Before he could voice his concerns, Justin spoke sharply, his gaze cutting through the rearview mirror.