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the past? What is she implying?’ Justin’s mind raced as his eyes remained locked on Bella, the woman he once thought he had under control.
Bethany sneered, clearly not recognizing Bella’s underlying confidence.
“You think you can just waltz in here and take control? I am the daughter of Gregory Salvador.
This hotel should be bending over backward to please me.
“
Bella’s lips curled into a confident smile.
“You’re right, you do have connections.
But that doesn’t mean you can come in here and act like a child throwing a tantrum.
I suggest you show some respect, Ms.
Salvador.
Or else, the next thing people will remember about you in this hotel is your little outburst.
“
The crowd was hushed, unsure whether to side with the woman in the pristine white suit or the entitled daughter of a powerful man.
But one thing was certain: Bella had a commanding presence.
The manager, visibly relieved by Bella’s intervention, gave a nod of respect toward her.
Bethany’s expression soured.
“What do you know, huh? You’re just a lowly woman who married into a rich family and then got dumped.
Now you think you have the right to talk down to me?”
Bella’s eyes glinted dangerously, her voice dropping in pitch.
“If you think that calling me a ‘lowly woman’ will get you anywhere, you’re mistaken.
I didn’t need anyone to build me up—least of all you.
I stand on my own now, and that’s more than you can say.
“
At this point, Justin couldn’t hold back any longer.
He stepped forward, his voice a little too eager.
“Bella…”
She turned to face him, her gaze sharp, icy.
“What is it, Justin?” Her voice was calm, but it carried the weight of everything that had passed between them.
The hurt, the betrayal, the frustration.
For a brief moment, Justin seemed lost, like a man who had just awoken from a dream he didn’t want to end.
“I—”
“Don’t.
Not now,” Bella interrupted, her words cutting him off with a finality that left no room for argument.
Justin faltered, his heart sinking as he realized Bella was no longer the woman he once knew, the one he could easily manipulate.
She had changed—grown stronger, sharper, more independent.
Bethany, seeing the tension, tried to regain some ground.
“You two are still legally married, aren’t you? Don’t tell me you’re ignoring that, Bella.
“
Bella turned back to face her, her smile almost mocking.
“Our marriage was a mistake, one I’ve long since moved past.
If you think I care about any legal ties between us, you’re gravely mistaken.
“
The crowd watched in stunned silence as Bella’s words resonated like a sharp slap in the face, not just to Justin, but to anyone who dared to underestimate her.
The lobby was thick with the tension of a past that refused to stay buried, and Bella was the one holding the shovel.
