Ch. 2031..2040

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2031-Bella's crystal-clear eyes narrowed sharply.

Chris…

The name "Chris" echoed faintly in her ears. It was a distant memory she had nearly buried in the past.

The image of the gentle, pale-skinned boy who once smiled so warmly resurfaced in her mind.

However, the harsh realities of life consumed that boy. He became a demon who brought suffering to others.

With no other choice, but for the sake of her loved ones, the people he controlled, and those he harmed, she had to rid the world of this evil.

Seeing Bella lost in thought, Christopher mistook her hesitation as a sign of emotional sway.

His intense desire surged uncontrollably in his chest. He leaned closer, his breathing heavy, his long lashes lowered as he moved in to kiss her lips, which he had yearned for.

Click- A sharp click cut through the darkness.

In an instant, Christopher's tall, slender body froze.

Along with the icy chill at his neck, he felt a sharp, cool sensation. His eyes narrowed slightly, and a pale smile played on his lips as he spoke, “Bella, your skills are just as good as before. Is Justin unable to give you the sense of security you need? Do you still feel the need to protect yourself so vigilantly?"

Bella's eyes were as cold and sharp as a blade, her butterfly knife pressing firmly against his trembling throat.

"Justin and I are partners. He provides me with an irreplaceable sense of security. But I've never been the kind of woman who seeks refuge through men. I can protect myself, and if necessary, I can protect him without hesitation."

Christopher's deep eyes were blood-red as if threatening to engulf Bella.

He struggled through a thicket of darkness and pain all his life. Everything he had achieved, though supported by others, was a result of his own bloodied battles.

No one had ever protected him. He even fought to shield his frail mother with his weak body.

Now, the woman he loved most stood before him, declaring that she would protect the person he hated with all his being.

He felt as if she was cruelly mutilating his heart, piece by piece, and then trampling on it.

"Christopher, do you not find it ridiculous that you are using yourself as a bargaining chip?"

Bella's crimson lips curled into a sneer, the angle of the butterfly knife shifting slightly. "With your current level of evil, what's left of your humanity? Do you think you're in any position to negotiate with me? Do you think you can make me give up on Justin? In this life or the next, I will never choose you. If you have any shred of conscience left, stop your wicked schemes. Otherwise, I will stop at nothing. Even if it costs me my life, I'll destroy you and the person hiding behind you!"

With a swift motion, Bella cut a narrow slit in Christopher's expensive suit with the butterfly knife, then forcefully shoved him aside and walked away with determination.

With a resounding bang, the door to the stairwell slammed shut.

The sensor lights flickered overhead as Christopher chewed his lip and slowly raised a hand to touch his throbbing neck.

Looking down, he saw his fingertips stained with vivid red blood. However, despite the pain, he broke into a twisted smile, his eyes dark with a psychopathic gleam.

Outside the door, Taylor's voice came through.

"Mr. Iverson, are you in there?"

"Come in."

Taylor entered immediately, closing the door softly behind him. He addressed Christopher's rigid, darkened back.

"Mr. Iverson, Chairman Thompson, and the others are leaving soon. Would you like to see them off?"

“Whether I see them off or not makes no difference. No matter how much I try to please Wyatt, his attitude toward me won't change."

Christopher's gaze remained fixed on the blood on his fingertips. The image of Bella's luscious red lips continued lingering in his mind, stirring his heart. "Justin is nou Wyatt's son-in-law. He can grovel and flatter Wyatt, but I can't I only have eyes for Bella." "Hmph, aside from groveling, what else can Justin do? Yet, Ms. Thompson and Chairman Thompson are still in favor of him!" Taylor's expression showed disdain and frustration. "A fierce woman sure fears a persistent man!"

"Bella knows about my secret dealings with Aaron."

Christopher's eyes turned icy, his fingers clenched tightly. "She even found out that I instructed Aaron to sell so-called drugs and use the members of the Southern Star Syndicate as test subjects."

Taylor looked stunned. "H-How did she find out so quickly?!"

The Thompson family's heiress was truly exceptional. Though a woman, she was a formidable opponent that should not be underestimated!

"Arnold has kind of become part of the Thompson family, and Elias is the Southern Star Syndicate's boss. Besides, Bella is also in contact with her potice officer brother. It's only a matter of time before she uncovers something." Even at this stage, Christopher's gaze toward Bella remained full of admiration.

"Did Ms. Thompson only find out about Aaron? What about Deputy Chief Hopkins?" Taylor could not help but worry.

"She probably hasn't found out yet. Otherwise, with Bella's cunning nature, she would have reported me to the police by now if she had such a crucial witness."

Christopher adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his lips curling into a faint smile. "However, Bella has given me a reminder this time We need to be more cautious. know Bella and Justin's methods. Since they've uncovered Aaron, he's now a ticking time bomb So, I need to get rid of him before they do something with him." “Now that the drugs have spread through the underground market to half of Savrow, Aaron is no longer of much value to us." Taylor's expression turned scheming. "Keeping him around is a risk."

"I'm the type who prefers to make full use of resources. He must die for a worthy cause."

Christopher stared grimly at his reflection in the fire extinguisher glass.

His face was a haunting sight.

"I'll need the entire Larson family to clear me off my dark crimes."

"Rest assured. They will take the blame. You agreed on this with the Boss a while ago, didn't you?" Taylor bowed slightly. "I'll notify Deputy Chief Hopkins to make preparations in the coming days."

"It's also time to take action against the Southern Star Syndicate," Christopher said coldly, brushing past Taylor as he turned away.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2032-The next day, news spread like wildfire across Savrow and even nationwide.

Christopher officially took over as chairman and CEO of the Iverson Group. He inherited all of Lance's assets.

Five days later, they laid Lance to rest.

Christopher arranged an exceptionally grand funeral, rivaling, if not surpassing, the extravagance of Logan Hoffman's funeral.

The turnout for Lance's memorial service displayed a stark contrast to the Hoffman family's crisis-ridden state. It demonstrated the vastwork and deep-rooted influence of the Iverson family in Savrow.

More importantly, in the past two years, the once-unknown Christopher Iverson repeatedly turned the tide in the Iverson Group's favor during critical moments. He proved his formidable leadership skills.

Naturally, many in the business world were eager to align themselves with Christopher, hoping to hitch a ride on the fast-moving Iverson Group. Little did they know, it was a ship destined to collide with an imposing iceberg, leading to their ultimate ruin.

At the KS Group headquarters, Bella sat in the CEO's office, her gaze fixed on the tablet displaying news about Christopher. Her brows furrowed with concern.

Just then, Ralph called her.

"Bella, I've conducted two more investigations recently. But I still haven't found any leads. The person who delivered the final blow did it cleanly and efficiently. I suspect it might be someone in the police force."

Bella leaned forward. She rested her elbows on the desk and her hands on her forehead, deep in thought.

The only name that seemed to fit all the evidence and motives was Owen Hopkins.

It was not some mystical intuition but rather a logical deduction based on the gathered evidence. Among all the individuals linked to Christopher's interests, only Owen had both the capability and motive.

“Bella, it'll be troublesome if this gets dragged on. If Elias can't provide evidence to prove his innocence, the prosecutors will formally prosecute him! Ralph's voice showed atinge of worry.

"We have no choice. We'll have to drag it out, even if it means being shameless about it."

Bella took a deep breath, her voice growing hoarse with frustration. "Ralph, I need you to investigate Aaron and the Larson Group over the next few days. Aaron is one of Christopher's drug distributors. If we can get evidence of his 'drug dealing', we can use him to extract confessions about Christopher's crimes!"

"Don't worry, Bella. As your brother and a veteran detective, I've already sent people to look into it."

"Thanks, Ralph."

Suddenly, Bella's eyes darkened. "Also, keep a close watch on Aaron, especially his safety. You need to be vigilant, even if he's surrounded by bodyguards twenty-four-seven."

Her mention of Aaron in front of Christopher was a strategic move.

Aaron's exposure would certainly make Christopher nervous. With his malicious nature, he would undoubtedly seek an opportunity to silence Aaron.

A mad dog appeared normal until provoked. It would only reveal its true nature by attacking and tearing at things blocking its path.

This was the best way to draw out the culprit.

Bella was not just playing a game with Christopher. She was also racing against time.

Just after finishing the call with Ralph, Steven knocked and entered the office.

"Ms. Thompson, the car is ready. We can depart at any time."

"Okay."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2033-Bella glanced at her watch and said, "Let's have a meal first. After that, we'll head out. We might face a tough fight, so it's best to fight while we're full."

"Ms. Thompson, are you really going alone? Shouldn't we inform Mr. Salvador so he can keep an eye out for you?" Steven's brows furrowed slightly because Southern Star Syndicate was more like a den of bandits.

"I'm not going alone. Aunt Sasha is already there," Bella replied casually.

"But…"

"Besides, Justin can't come with me. He has other matters to attend to."

Bella's gaze was sharp. Her slender, elegant figure exuded the commanding presence of a strategic leader. "We need to split up to keep Southern Star from falling into chaos."

In the afternoon, at the VIP ward of the hospital.

Watson Jenkins, the once formidable figure now with graying hair, sat propped up by the bed, receiving an IV drip. He had thrown up all the lunch he had eaten.

Ever since Elias' arrest, Watson's health has deteriorated rapidly.

A few days ago, Sasha visited him. The father-daughter duo, who had not seen each other for many years and were not very expressive with their emotions, sat for nearly an hour without speaking.

It was a heartbreaking display of childishness that seemed absurd.

Later, Watson's companion, Lane, brought them food. Sasha broke the silence first. She helped her father sit up and fed him bite by bite. Thinking of her once heroic and commanding father now unable to eat on his own, Sasha could no longer hold back her tears. "Chairman Jenkins, Ms. Jenkins still loves you," Lane said, holding Watson's withered hand by the bedside, her voice choking up with tears. She had been with him for half her life. Though she was not the first woman by Watson's side, she would be the last.

Without an official title as Watson's wife, the Southern Star members called her "Ms. Lane", while Sasha referred to her politely as "Aunt Lane".

"That damn girl… She's spoiled by that old bastard, Wyatt Thompson, but she seems to be doing well," Watson said, maintaining his stern demeanor, though his eyes became moist.

"Power and wealth don't matter net much. The opinions of others are not even worth considering." Lane's bright eyes softened with a gentle smile. "What's important is living comfortably and happily. Even if you don't think so, Ms. Jenkins is content with her life. Besides, Mr. Thompson is in his sixties and still looks like he's in his forties. He's handsome and wealthy, a rare find at his age. Ms. Jenkins really hit the jackpot." "Tsk, I'm not even dead yet, and you're praising another man before me. Aren't you afraid I'll lose my temper?" Watson feigned anger.

"Look at you. At your age…" Lane placed his rough hand against her face and gently rubbed it. "Even if Mr. Thompson is wonderful, I still prefer my man. You have the masculinity I admire." "Lane, let's get married."

Watson suddenly spoke, his usually stern eyes showing rare tenderness. "If you don't mind me in this state."

Lane was stunned. Her eyes filled with boundless joy and astonishment.

"Forget it… It's too late." Watson shook his head with a bitter smile, his voice tinged with guilt and regret.

"I don't have much time left, and you're still young… You have a long life ahead. Just pretend I never said anything." Lane's eyes welled up with tears of excitement. Just as she was about to respond loudly, a knock sounded on the door.

"Chairman Jenkins, the Chairman of the Iverson Group, Mr. Christopher Iverson, is here."

"Who?" Watson's brows furrowed deeply.

Christopher, accompanied by Taylor, walked in with an inscrutable smile in his dark, probing eyes.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2034-Southern Star was now in turmoil, struggling with internal and external crises. With Watson's godson Elias arrested and Sasha taking charge of the group, only Lane remained by Watson's side.

Watson took a deep breath, his eyes dark and brooding as he stared at Christopher's haughty and aristocratic face. The eyes hidden behind Christopher's refined gold-rimmed glasses seemed to conceal ulterior motives.

Having been with Watson for many years, Lane had seen all sorts of demons and monsters. She could sense that Christopher's visit was far from friendly. She felt him radiating ambition and hostility.

"Mr. Jenkins, you don't look well. It seems you're quite ill."

Before Watson's invitation to sit, Taylor had already moved a chair over, and Christopher elegantly seated himself.

His tone was not that of a concerned visitor but of a blatant agitator.

Lane's anger flared up. As she was about to speak up, Watson cut her off, his gaze icy. "Chairman Iverson, if you came here to visit, you can leave now that you've seen me."

"Don't be hasty, Mr. Jenkins."

Christopher reclined with his tall and lean figure, crossing his legs casually. "I came to visit you, but that's just one part of my agenda. The main reason I'm here is to discuss business with you."

"I have nothing to discuss with you, Chairman Iverson!" Watson's voice was weak with frustration." Lane, see him out!"

"I want to acquire the Southern Star Group," Christopher stated coldly, his ambition blatant and unrestrained.

It was nothing but an arrogant declaration.

"What... What did you just say?!" Watson's face flushed red with anger, his previously pale countenance now suffused with rage.

The Southern Star Group was Watson's lifelong achievement.

Not only that, but Wyatt had also provided significant support behind the scenes. To ensure the Southern Star Group's success and that projects could be established in Savrow and other provinces, Wyatt invested over $300 million of his own savings.

Sasha was unaware of this, as were Bella and the other Thompson family members. Wyatt had used his personal savings to support the Jenkins family without expecting repayment.

Now, Christopher, this presumptuous young man, wanted to swallow up the Southern Star Group right from the start of the conversation. How could Watson tolerate that?

It was like letting this pale-faced little brat defecate on his neck!

"Heh... It's not even dark yet. Are you already daydreaming, Chairman Iverson?"

Watson's eyes burned with rage, his emaciated body trembling slightly. "The Southern Star Group isn't a publicly listed company. It's not something you can just acquire. I don't agree with it. So, don't even think about it!"

"Indeed, that's true. That's why I came here to discuss it with you."

Christopher adjusted his glasses and remained calm. His long fingers lazily pointed upward.

"Now, the whole country knows I have officially taken over the Iverson Group. In Savrow, the Iverson and the Salvador families each control half of the businesses. In the future, if the Southern Star Group wants to establish itself in Savrow, it should know who it can offend and who it can't.

"Otherwise, not only will I engage in a business war with you, but I could also have the police visit your territory frequently. How long do you think the Southern Star's business will last if that happens?"

Lane clearly felt Watson's hand growing colder and trembling severely. She could not help but feel both anxious and angry.

"Since the Southern Star Group is doomed anyway, why not sell it to me? My offer is something that very few people could refuse."

Christopher smiled as he spread his hands, and Taylor respectfully presented a stack of checks. "Take this money. It's enough for you to get proper medical treatment. It'll also ensure a comfortable life for you and your wife in your later years. If you miss this opportunity, when Southern Star eventually falls apart, even if you offer it for free, no one will want it."

He signed a check with a flourish, writing down an amount beyond what ordinary people could dream of, and tore it off, handing it to Taylor.

Taylor then walked over and handed the check to Watson.

Gasping for breath, Watson received the check.

Christopher's smile grew. However, his triumph lasted only three seconds before Watson tore the billion- dollar check into shreds.

His face darkened, his eyes cold and menacing.

"Southern Star... No matter what, I will never sell it to you!"

Watson's eyes turned crimson with rage as he hurled the shredded paper at Christopher, scattering it across the floor. "Take your filthy money and get out!"

Eyes wide with anger, Taylor was about to retaliate. However, Christopher raised his hand, stopping him with a calm gesture.

"In that case, let's change the terms of our discussion."

The man's eyes narrowed. A faint, enigmatic smile played on his lips. "As long as you agree to sell the Southern Star Group to me, I can ensure your godson, Elias, survives this ordeal. The prosecutors are going to charge him with intentional homicide. If luck is on his side, he'll face the death penalty. If not, life imprisonment. If you sign the contract, I'll send him back to you. Sign the transfer agreement, and I guarantee that within a week, Elias will be back by your side, safe and sound."

Watson's heart clenched painfully, his entire being contorted in anguish. Though officially his subordinate, Elias was as dear to him as a son.

How could he bear to see Elias die?

In his agonizing struggle, Taylor had already placed the pen and transfer contract before him. The thin sheets of paper seemed so heavy, threatening to crush his legs with their weight.

Trembling, Watson held the pen, its tip hovering over the signature line, unable to bring himself to sign. "Chairman Jenkins..." Lane's heart ached, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. Christopher checked his watch, his impatience growing evident. "I'm busy and don't have extra time to deal with you. Make a decision quickly. You might be able to wait, but Elias cannot."

Amid Watson's heart-wrenching dilemma, a deep voice cut through the air like a resonant bell echoing in

an ancient, silent temple,

"Hold on!"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2035-Watson's pen hovered in mid-air, his gaze drawn in surprise to the door as he heard the formidable voice cut through the tense air.

The familiar, authoritative tone struck like a cold, gleaming sword aimed straight at Christopher's back.

He gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes as he turned to see the source of the voice.

There, Justin was striding into the room with undeniable authority. His commanding presence sharpened with lan's imposing figure closely following behind.

"M-Mr. Salvador!" Watson's previously ashen face lit up with a glimmer of hope.

Although Watson had never met Justin, the mere presence of this man brought him an inexplicable sense of reassurance.

After all, Wyatt, known for his impeccable judgment, had chosen Justin as his prospective son-in-law.

The fact that Wyatt would entrust his beloved daughter to Justin spoke volumes about the latter's remarkable character and capability.

This was a stark contrast to Christopher, who, despite his outward charm, was revealed to be a deceitful and cruel character.

"Justin, what are you doing here?" Christopher asked, his eyes dark with menace.

"Whatever you're here to do, I'm here for the same purpose," Justin responded, his tone calm and unyielding. While his demeanor was devoid of overt threats or provocations, his noble and aloof air radiated an inherent intimidation.

In comparison, Christopher's sinister expression seemed petty and inconsequential, lacking the noble presence that Justin effortlessly exuded.

Taylor clenched his fists, his gaze fixed menacingly on Justin.

Ian, too, tightened his fists, ready to pounce when necessary.

"Just now, I overheard most of the conversation between you and Chairman Jenkins."

Justin's lips curled into a charming smile. His starry eyes softened with a hint of indulgence. "Sorry, I learned it from my wife. I hope you won't mind, Chairman Jenkins."

Justin's presence made Christopher seethe with jealousy. His veins throbbed with rage, and his chest burned with frustration.

"Not at all! It's an honor for me to meet you, Mr. Salvador!" Though Justin was young enough to be Watson's son, he spoke to him in a deferential tone.

"Chairman Jenkins, the Southern Star Group is the culmination of your life's work. You must not sell it."

Justin's gaze turned frosty as he glanced at Christopher. "Even if you want to sell, it should not be to someone like Chairman Iverson. His words aren't worth believing."

Christopher jumped up suddenly, his chair crashing to the floor.

"He claims he'll help you rescue Mr. Storm, but after you sign the contract, he could easily backtrack. Wouldn't you end up losing both your company and your ally? This is his usual tactic. If you don't believe it, you might want to visit the prison and check on James and Astrid Iverson. That way, you'll understand his methods better."

Watson's eyes widened in realization.

In his desperate bid to save his godson, Watson nearly fell into Christopher's trap.

Deception was common in business. Promises without proof were easily reneged.

"Chairman Iverson, please get out of here!"

Justin's arrival shattered the fear Christopher had imposed on Watson. His gaze regained its sharpness, like a predator ready to strike. "Even if it means burning the Southern Star to the ground, I will never let you have it! As for Elias, I believe in justice and fairness. No one can truly escape the law."

Seeing Justin's intervention jeopardizing his almost complete plan, Christopher was furious.

"If that's the case, I can only say it's a great pity."

Christopher sneered, his eyes bloodshot with fury. With a last venomous glare at Justin, he stormed out with his secretary.

As the tension in the room began to dissipate, Lane's face remained pale. Watson clung to her hand, comforting her.

Despite years of seeing violence and upheaval, Lane was terrified by Christopher.

"Mr. Salvador... Thank you for what you did just now."

Watson took a deep breath and looked at Justin with sincere eyes. "If you wish to lead the Southern Star Group... I'm willing to step down and hand the entire company over to you. I won't ask for anything in return."

"Chairman Jenkins, I've never considered acquiring the Southern Star Group. The group will always belong to you and Ms. Jenkins."

Justin smiled gently. "I'm here to calm your emotions. You're understandably distressed over Mr. Storm's situation, and Christopher came here to break through your defenses and deceive you into giving up the Southern Star Group. Fortunately, we saved everything. From now on, I will increase the number of bodyguards around you and ensure that the Iverson family won't bother you again."

"Mr. Salvador... Thank you so much for this." Watson said, deeply moved, his throat tightening with emotion.

"As for Mr. Storm's situation, please don't give up and hold on to hope." Justin's eyes burned with assurance. "Ms. Thompson and I will find a way to clear his name!"

Meanwhile, chairs reigned at the Southern Star Group.

Sasha stood in the smoke-filled conference room, trembling with rage.

There were cigars and fine liquor on the table. More than a dozen of the Southern Star Group's senior executives were enjoying a feast in front of her.

The sound of soup slurping was incessant, and her blood pressure soared.

Taking advantage of Watson's long illness and their seniority, these senior executives showed no respect for Sasha, the rightful heiress of the Southern Star Group. They had long harbored intentions of dividing the company.

"Everyone, the Southern Star Group has a longstanding rule against eating during meetings. What is the meaning of this gathering in front of me?!" Sasha's narrow, beautiful eyes widened in fury.

"A few of us came straight here without eating, just to attend this damned meeting. There aren't many restaurants around. Ms. Jenkins, you can't expect us not to eat, right?"

"Besides, where we eat is our business! Women always make a fuss about everything!"

Indeed, it was their choice where they chose to eat. However, using the conference room as a dining hall was a blatant challenge to the Jenkins family's authority.

Sasha's temples throbbed with anger, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

She could not ignore it, but if she confronted them, the group of old men would surely rebel. This would further disrupt the meeting.

Just as she hesitated, the sharp, authoritative click of high heels approached.

Dressed in a striking black suit, Bella walked into the conference room with a strong presence amid the stunned gazes of the crowd.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2036-"Bella…?!"

Sasha was utterly stunned when she saw Bella suddenly appear. She was a tough woman who had taken three bullets before without shedding a tear, but the sight of Bella coming for her now moved Sasha to the point of tears.

Some of the older members of the syndicate noticed Bella approaching, finding her somewhat familiar. However, most of them were mostly gruff, uncultured men from the underworld who were far removed from the refined circles of this exceptional heiress. They brushed her off as simply a pretty, naive girl.

Some even chuckled crudely at her.

Sasha's fists tightened with fury, her anger boiling. While she could put up with being mistreated, she was prepared to fight anyone who dared to mess with Bella.

However, before Sasha could react, Bella, with a cold glint in her beautiful eyes, walked over to the man who had just mocked Sasha.

With one hand casually in her pocket, Bella grabbed a pot of hot coffee nearby.

The next second, there were cries of anguish as Bella smashed the scorching pot of coffee on top of the man's head.

"Aaahh!" He howled, clutching his scalded scalp in agony.

"Wasn't it you who said women were troublesome?" Bella jeered, her ruby lips curled in a wicked grin as she crossed her arms, radiating pure dominance. "Well, let this be a lesson. Women aren't only troublesome but also ruthless and dangerous. So remember, never mess with a woman again."

The members seated around the table had known each other for decades, discreetly working together for mutual benefits. Watching their colleague shamed by a young woman, they found it deeply troubling.

One by one, they slammed their fists on the table and stood up, glaring at Bella's composed expression. The man angrily yanked the pot off his head and smashed it onto the ground, shouting, "You bitch! How dare you hit me! Which gang do you even belong to?!"

Before Bella could say anything, Sasha quickly jumped in to defend her, glaring fiercely. "This is Bella, the heiress of KS Group! If anyone tries to lay a hand on her, they'll have to go through me—I'll fight them to the death myself. There's no need to even bother Chairman Thompson."

The room fell silent, the chaotic meeting now hushed. The man covered in coffee opened his mouth, but the curses he wanted to utter got stuck in his throat like a clump of dirt.

The hot coffee had splattered everywhere, and of course, some had landed on Bella too. She calmly removed her now ruined, expensive jacket and tossed it at the man.

Bella spoke calmly, "Clean up the mess, and let's carry on with the meeting."

Despite her casual demeanor, everyone could feel the weight of her presence. Shaken by commotion earlier, they lost their appetite and slumped back into their seats.

Sasha confidently took her seat at the head of the conference table, with Bella calmly sitting beside her, making Sasha feel completely at ease.

"Madam Sasha, this is a private meeting of the Southern Star Syndicate. Bringing an outsider like her… It's against the rules, isn't it?"

The person who said this was a highly respected figure within the Southern Star Syndicate.

Bella stayed quiet, lowering her eyes.

"Ha, you've all turned the conference room into a mess, even eating here. Is that following the rules?" Sasha looked around the room with a cold gaze.

These words shut them up for the moment.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2037-"I have two announcements to make today." Sasha paused. Her gaze was as sharp as a blade. "Firstly, I will be taking over, effective immediately, from Elias for full control of Southern Star and its thirteen divisions in Savrow."

Sasha's voice deepened as she delivered her second announcement. "Secondly, Southern Star will now be enforcing a complete ban on all kinds of drugs."

The conference room erupted in chaos.

The announcement of the drug ban was just as jaw-dropping as the ban on cigarettes.

In less than half a year, the entire Southern Star Syndicate had become embroiled in the drug trade. All thirteen branches, from the top down, were mixed up in it.

The staggering profits from the drugs had simply been too tempting to pass up. With a single statement, Sasha had threatened the livelihoods of far too many invested parties.

"I object!"

"I object as well!"

Voices of protest rang out one after the other.

Sasha's delicate hands, resting on the table, tightened into fists, her eyes reddening with anger.

In contrast, Bella, who sat beside her, maintained an eerie composure.

"Madam Sasha, your order is completely unreasonable! Southern Star has a rule against drug dealings, but what we sell aren't drugs-they're medicine! Why shouldn't we be allowed to sell them?!"

Jordan, who was a major distributor of the medicine, swiftly stood up in objection to the ban. "Banning this medicine without justification will cut off our livelihoods. Times are already hard, and it's only thanks to this medicine that all thirteen branches have been able to make ends meet. If you ban them now, how are all the members supposed to survive?!"

"Exactly! Cutting off someone's source of income is equivalent to killing their parents!"

The crowd chimed in agreement.

"That stuff may not be a typical drug, but it's still illegal. Recently, some people in Savrow have died from using it, and Southern Star is involved." Sasha's voice was hoarse, but she chose her words carefully.

"The people making these substances have ulterior motives and may have even more sinister plans. If we don't stop this now, the entire Southern Star could get dragged into it. By then, it'll be too late to fix the mess. This matter has already attracted serious attention from the police, and Southern Star is being watched closely. If we don't stop now, that's what will truly endanger the members!"

"Those people were weaklings. They can't blame the medicine for that!" Jordan scoffed, waving his hand dismissively, greed glinting in his eyes. "Right now, this medicine is in high demand in other provinces, and the price is skyrocketing. It's the perfect time to make money. The police cracking down is a good thing! As the saying goes, the rougher the sea, the more valuable the fish!"

Sasha was fuming, her anger twisting her stomach in knots.

At that moment, she finally grasped the reason for her father's declining health over the years. She had barely been in this position for an hour, and she already felt like bursting.

"Since Madam Sasha is so set on banning the medicine, we have nothing else to discuss!"

Jordan stood up with a grim look, and the others joined him in full rebellion. "I'm done taking orders from Southern Star. I'm going my own way from now on!"

He continued, "From now on, I'll run my own business at my own risk! Southern Star doesn't have to worry about me. My people and I won't be paying any more tribute to the Jenkins family."

Sasha's complexion paled noticeably.

"We stand with him!"

In a matter of seconds, seven or eight other members also rose to their feet. "Nowadays, only a fool would pass up a money-making opportunity. If the Jenkins family wants to starve us out, we have no reason to keep following them."

With more than half of the high-ranking members abandoning the group, it was obvious this revolt had been carefully orchestrated beforehand.

They did not show up to the meeting for nothing. They had come to stage a takeover.

Just as the group was about to walk out of the conference room, Bella, who had been quiet for a while, finally spoke up in a steady and composed manner.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2038-"Listen up, everyone. Once you leave this room, you'll be cutting ties with Southern Star for good. From now on, you'll no longer be allowed to profit under Southern Star, and the protection you've enjoyed will end the second you walk out." Bella narrowed her eyes, her graceful arms resting elegantly on the armrests.

With a slight push of her toe, her swivel chair turned to face them.

"The underworld is never just about fighting and killing; it's about relationships and connections. You don't actually believe that you've made it this far without trouble because of your reputation alone, do you?"

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances.

Some of the less influential members started to fidget uncomfortably after hearing her words.

"What do you mean, Ms. Thompson? Are you trying to threaten us?" Jordan narrowed his eyes.

"The only reason the Southern Star Syndicate has been able to thrive all these years is because my father has been secretly supporting the group behind the scenes. Yet, you've somehow convinced yourselves that the group's success is all your own doing. Isn't that just downright ridiculous?"

Everyone was speechless.

They had no idea the Thompson family was secretly backing the Southern Star Group.

"The Thompson family has been providing each of the thirteen branches with $10 million each year to keep your operations running. This is all on record. I'm not making it up," Bella said with a sweet smile as she rested her delicate fist against her cheek. "Since you no longer want to be part of Southern Star, my family will also stop supporting you. As for the medicine you depend on to get by, well, that's another story."

Bella's laugh sent chills down the spines of those old men.

"My brother, Ralph, is the captain of the criminal investigation team. Everyone here has probably heard of him. Now, imagine if I asked him to drop by your operations from time to time, audit your accounts, and maybe even search your premises under the pretext of cracking down on illegal substances. What do you think will happen to your business then?"

She continued, "He's a perfectionist, you know. Once he's got someone in his sights, he's relentless until he has completely torn them down."

At these words, a couple of the branch leaders who were not as influential as Jordan quietly slipped back to their seats.

Jordan glared at Bella, his eyes practically burning holes through her.

However, to back down now would be too humiliating! Others shamelessly returned to their seats, but he could not afford to lose his pride like that.

"Look, Ms. Thompson, I am not a pushover. I've been working with Chairman Jenkins for years, and I'd say that half of Southern Star's success is all thanks to me! Heck, who in the underworld doesn't respect me? Even Chairman Jenkins has to give me some credit. For years, we've paid more than enough tribute to the Jenkins family. You talk about spending $10 million a year on us, but how much have we got back? We've been squeezed dry, and now we can't even make a living? We're sick of living this miserable life!" This man knew how to provoke people.

After all, how could anyone not be angered when told their livelihood was cut off?

"Everyone! Let's go!"

Though three people had returned to their seats, five still followed Jordan as he left the room.

Just then, Steven suddenly barged in, his cold gaze scanning the room as he entered.

Behind him, two rows of bodyguards in black suits filed in, encircling the entire conference room.

The high-ranking executives of the Southern Star Group were all taken aback.

Bella and Sasha were equally surprised.

At that moment, Steven stepped back, politely gesturing for the newcomer to enter.

A tall, stern-faced man in a dark coat confidently strode into the room, his piercing eyes scanning the crowd with a hint of malice.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2039-"Ryan?!"

Bella's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at Ryan's imposing and handsome face, her pupils shining like morning stars.

"Chairman Hoffman?!" Sasha, standing beside Bella, was also stunned.

Ever since Carrie's incident, Ryan has devoted himself entirely to being by Carrie's side. He paid no attention to either the underworld or the business world.

Except for attending Logan's funeral, he had not made any public appearances, maintaining an extremely low profile.

This marked only the second time he had appeared since then.

The rebellious members of Southern Star, including Jordan, were visibly shaken when they saw Chairman Hoffman arrive. Some even took an involuntary step back in fear.

"Aunt Sasha, Bella."

Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly as he shrugged his broad shoulders, causing his black coat to slide off. Dean promptly caught it.

"Justin sent me here, saying there would be quite a spectacle here today. I'm someone who loves to join in the fun. Look, my good brother didn't disappoint me."

Gazing into Ryan's intense, vibrant eyes, Bella bit down on her quivering lips, her eyes turning red.

It was a struggle for her to control her emotions and hold back the tears.

How long had it been since she had seen Ryan smile so carefreely? It felt like a lifetime ago...

The man who had once been the most arrogant and unruly in all of Savrow now seemed to have returned after enduring all the trials and hardships. "Everyone here should know who I am, right?"

Ryan's smile was enigmatic as he surveyed the crowd, finally fixing his cold gaze on Jordan.

"Though my grandfather is no longer here, and our Hoffman family is now engaged in legitimate business, a dying camel is still bigger than a horse."

He looked down and deliberately fiddled with the wedding ring on his finger. "If you leave here today, you will not have the protection of Southern Star or the Hoffman family. The underworld is treacherous, filled with bel and slaughter. From now on, you're on your own."

His words were a blatant threat. But a threat from Ryan was ten times more intimidating than one from Bella.

Everyone knew that the late Logan Hoffman had been a man of great loyalty, a legend in both the business and underworlds. Even the famous Watson Jenkins could not compare to him.

Although the Hoffman family had ventured into legitimate business, many gangs in the underworld still admired the late Logan, relying on the Hoffman family for support.

They just did not admit it publicly to protect the Hoffman family's reputation.

There was still a sliver of hope for survival if one offended Southern Star, but there would be absolutely nowhere to go if one offended the Hoffman family.

Not to mention the rumors circulating in the underworld that Liam, the second master of the Hoffman family, mysteriously died in a hospital despite heavy police protection. Everyone believed this was Ryan's doing.

"I'll count to three. If you're back in your seats by then, Southern Star and I will let what happened today slide."

Ryan raised his brows slightly, a cold smile tugging at his lips. "Three..."

He hadn't even counted to one before all the traitors, except for Jordan, scrambled back to their seats. Some fidgeted nervously, while others pretended nothing was amiss. It was almost comical to witness.

"Jordan, you've been with my dad longer than anyone else in Southern Star. You even held me as a child.”. Sasha looked at Jordan's tense,

shaky back and sighed deeply speaking sincerely. "The Southern Star Syndicate doesn't belong to my father alone. It's the result of everyone's hard work."

She continued, “As long as you're willing to turn back and never touch those drugs again, my father and I will pretend nothing ever happened today." After a few seconds of silence, Jordan finally walked out of the conference room under everyone's watchful eyes. Although he had left the Southern Star Syndicate, all the members chose to stay.

With both Bella and Ryan providing backup, none of the subordinates who harbored rebellious intentions dared to make a move.

After the meeting, Sasha was drenched in sweat, feeling like she had been skinned alive.

"Damn... I can finally understand Elias now. His life these past years has been so hard."

Her voice trembled as she spoke, and her eyes welled up with tears.

"Aunt Sasha, don't worry. Justin and I will find a way to save Mr. Storm."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2040-Bella gently comforted Sasha, then turned her attention to Ryan.

"Ryan, why did you suddenly come here?"

"Of course, it was Justin who informed me." Ryan flashed a warm smile. "He couldn't leave his place, but he was worried something might happen to you and Aunt Sasha, so he sent me to check on you. After all, people from the underworld still give the Hoffman family some respect."

"Oh, come on, Chairman Hoffman, don't be so modest. Compared to your influence, mine is as insignificant as an old shoe," Sasha teased, her naturally cheerful personality showing through even in such a tense moment.

Ryan chuckled. "What influence do I have? It's all thanks to my grandfather's lingering status in the underworld."

Bella asked with concern, "How's Carrie? Is she doing well?"

The man's eyes softened infinitely. "She's gained some weight since I've been feeding her well. She's doing fine."

"Has she started talking yet?" Bella asked carefully.

Ryan slowly blinked as he gently shook his head. "After the wedding, I want to take Carrie on a trip around the world. Maybe we'll see some doctors along the way."

"That's a good idea," Bella smiled comfortingly. "Who knows, maybe when Carrie sees some breathtaking scenery, she'll be so amazed that she'll start talking."

"Bella, I'll take your good wishes," Ryan's eyes shone brightly, never having lost hope.

…

As the group stepped into the underground parking lot, a familiar car pulled up in front of them.

"Bella!" Before lan could open the door, Justin had already jumped out and pulled Bella into his arms, holding her tightly. "Sorry, I'm late."

"You're just in time! We were just about to leave," Bella tiptoed and affectionately nuzzled her cheek against his jaw. "How did it go with Mr. Storm?" “Just as you predicted, Christopher went to see him, trying to buy out Southern Star. I stopped him.” Justin replied calmly, not thinking he had done anything particularly remarkable.

"Justin, I can't thank you enough," Sasha said, her voice choking with emotion.

Justin's eyes curved into a smile. "We're family. It's what I should do."

"With this crisis resolved, Justin, Bella, I'll head back to be with my wife now." Ryan was about to leave when he suddenly thought of something and turned to Sasha "Aunt Sasha, should I send to keep an eye on that .ne troublemaker's business? Sasha shook her head. "Forget it. Let him be. He's on his own and can't stir up much trouble."

With that, Ryan and Sasha each got into their respective cars and drove off.

As soon as Bella got in the car, Justin wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her onto his lap and holding her close to his chest.

Their lips met in a heated, eager kiss, neither wanting to pull away until Bella was dizzy and Justin's eyes were ablaze with passion.

"First victory achieved, shall we celebrate?" Justin's deep, husky voice murmured against her ear.

“Hmm… I'm a little hungry," Bella said, sitting comfortably in his lap, her arms draped around his neck. She had effortlessly shifted from the fierce, decisive leader she had been moments ago to a soft, lovable woman.

“Is that old diner still around? I haven't been there in ages, and I'm craving it.” Justin's thin lips curved into a smile as he pecked her lips again. "Alright, let's go eat.” The car sped away, leaving a trail of dust behind.

Not far away, Asher and Arnold stood watching the entire scene unfold.

“See? I told you there was no need to worry so much." Arnold narrowed his eyes as he playfully poked Asher's cheek with his finger. "With Mr. Satyador protecting her, who would dare mess with her? Who could even manage to?"

"Yes, you're right, my dear partner." Asher wrapped his arms around Arnold's waist, their noses touching in perfect harmony. "From now on, I'll focus solely on protecting you. It's time for me to step back from elder brother duties."