Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Bella’s face remained an unreadable mask, though she was keenly aware of the malicious intent behind Shannon’s words.
Shannon was clearly trying to paint Bella as a gold-digging, country girl who had no morals—someone who would use her charms to seduce wealthy men, including Asher.
The mockery from Jean, Shannon, and their daughters made it clear they all thought Bella was beneath them.
The Salvador and Thompson families were already at odds, and Asher, as Wyatt Thompson’s eldest son, was in a position to choose anyone he wanted.
The idea that he would have any interest in Justin’s ex-wife was laughable to them.
Justin’s expression darkened, his anger rising.
He finally spoke up, his voice cold and biting.
“Aunt Shannon, this is my private matter.
You have no right to comment on it.
”
Shannon, however, was unfazed, continuing her thinly veiled insults.
“Justin, while this may be a private matter, it involves both the Salvador and Thompson families.
I’m only warning Mrs.
Thompson so she won’t be caught off guard later when she learns that Anna was your ex-wife.
I’m just looking out for everyone’s reputation.
”
Mila’s voice cut through the tension.
“The reputation of our families? Didn’t Ms.
Brown divorce Mr.
Salvador? Divorce means there’s no longer any connection between her and your family.
Mrs.
Salvador, why do you think Ms.
Brown’s actions will bring shame to your family? If she and Asher are compatible, then there’s nothing shameful about their marriage.
What era are we living in? Divorce isn’t a stain on her character, and the Thompson family will accept her regardless of her past.
”
Ryan, visibly relieved by Mila’s sharp rebuke, couldn’t help but clap.
He appreciated the way Mila was shutting down Shannon’s nasty insinuations.
Meanwhile, Jean, Rosalind, and Bethany stood frozen, embarrassed and unsure how to respond.
Mila continued with a slight smirk, her words pointed.
“Mrs.
Salvador, I know you come from a wealthy family, so you should understand that these things don’t matter.
If Ms.
Brown and Mr.
Thompson are happy, then that’s all that matters.
”
Shannon’s attempt to manipulate the conversation further only backfired.
“Ms.
Brown and Mr.
Thompson got together right after her divorce from Justin.
If this becomes public, people will think they had an affair while she was still married to Justin.
That’s not something any family wants to deal with.
As the matriarch of the Thompson family, shouldn’t you be concerned about your children’s future?”
Mila’s patience was running thin.
She raised her hand gracefully, silencing Shannon.
“That’s enough.
This is between the younger generation.
I am an elder, but I’m not Asher’s mother.
I have no business interfering with his personal life.
And you, Mrs.
Salvador, are not Mr.
Salvador’s birth mother.
Don’t think you can speak so disrespectfully to me.
”
Shannon was left speechless, her face draining of color.
Mila’s words hit her like a slap, leaving her unable to respond.
Bella felt a lump form in her throat.
The mention of her mother, the true matriarch of the Thompson family, stirred painful memories.
It was clear to her now that this battle wasn’t just about her; it was about something much bigger, something that could never be hers.
Justin’s anger was still simmering beneath the surface.
He had never truly cared about Anna, yet seeing Shannon’s harsh treatment of her made him feel his dignity being trampled on.
Mila, sensing the awkwardness, shifted her attention back to Bella, her voice soft and warm.
“Ms.
Brown, are you planning to see Asher? I’ll take you there.
”
“Thank you, Mrs.
Thompson.
Sorry to trouble you,” Bella replied with a serene smile, her voice calm and poised.
“You’re such a polite and beautiful girl,” Mila remarked, genuinely impressed.
She gently took Bella’s hand and caressed it, her tone turning louder and more deliberate.
“Asher truly has excellent taste.
”
The words hung in the air, cutting through the tension and drawing eyes toward them.
