Ch. 2311..2320

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2311-Bella only spent a couple of days resting in the hospital before returning to KS Group to take charge of the situation.

Due to health concerns, Wyatt had taken a step back from the public eye. He would still occasionally provide his daughter advice on major decisions behind the scenes, otherwise letting her manage everything else independently.

For two consecutive weeks, the temperatures continued to drop, and snow fell. Yet, there was still not a single word from Justin.

That kiss they shared felt more like goodbye than the start of something new.

After wrapping up an important meeting at the company, Bella headed back to her office to review the bidding proposal for the Savrow A5 real estate project.

The Savrow A5 real estate project was a huge deal that was going to be a big focus for national growth over the next five years. It had drawn widespread attention, and the potential value it could bring in was off the charts.

If it was handled well, it could really boost any businessman's status, maybe even offering a path into politics and greater power.

The A5 real estate project was located in Savrow, so the Salvador Corporation was naturally involved. Though KS Group primarily operated in Hatchbay, it was one of the nation's top financial groups and was set on winning this big deal.

Normally, Bella could easily immerse herself in work, but lately, her mind has been wandering, making it hard to stay focused.

Eventually, she could not hold back any longer and decided to call Arnold.

After several rings, someone finally answered with a tired, raspy voice. "Bella."

"Arnold!"

Bella had not expected Arnold to actually answer the call. Hearing his familiar voice, she was overcome with joy, her words quivering with emotion. "Are you okay?"

"I'm alright," Arnold responded coldly.

But Bella could tell he was far from alright. He was merely forcing himself to pretend to be strong.

"Arnold… We all miss you, and Asher does too…"

"Bella, is there something you need?" Arnold cut her off coldly, clearly not wanting to discuss anything related to Asher. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me. If there's nothing else, I have to go."

Bella's heart sank, and she hurriedly blurted out, "Actually, there is something!"

"Go on, then."

"It's about Justin's condition… I want to discuss it with you." Bella then relayed the speculation she had gathered from Alvin.

There was a long silence on the other end before Arnold slowly spoke. "If Justin is indeed using high-potency drugs, the impact on his everyday life could be catastrophic. After the extreme euphoria, he would plunge into severe suffering. He would gradually experience intense withdrawal symptoms, with his nerves and body losing control, and the situation would only worsen."

Bella urgently asked, "So how can we help him through this?"

Arnold responded in a heavy tone, "The quickest way would be for him to keep using the drugs. That would provide him instant relief."

"Arnold, you can't be serious!" Bella cried, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Justin is such an upright and principled person. How could you tell him to do drugs?!"

"If I don't suggest it, does that mean he won't seek it out himself?" Arnold's tone was rational yet cold. "If he's already suffering from addiction, the only thing that might help him get through is using the drugs again."

He continued, "The other option is to quit, but the agony of withdrawal is like having your bones ripped out or being devoured by a hundred ants. Could Justin bear such torment? Even if he could, his long absence and erratic behavior would surely raise suspicions. As soon as there's even a hint of conjecture, combined with the scheming of those with ill intentions, what do you think would await him?"

Bella sank into the leather chair, her body shaking as pain stabbed at her heart.

If the world found out the respected president of Salvador Corporation was a drug addict, the company would be in trouble. The stock prices would plummet, its reputation would be ruined, and morale would be shaky.

Justin would also be completely disgraced. He would lose everything he had worked so hard to build over the years.

Now it was up to him to decide whether to protect his empire or pull himself out of the muck.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2312-Arnold was silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. "But I believe he will choose the former. A man who has reached the pinnacle of his life cannot tolerate falling back into the depths, especially a man like him—so much pride and self-respect."

"Justin nearly gave half his life to build Salvador Corporation… I was his wife for three years, and no one understands better than I do what he went through to get here." Bella shook her head in frustration and continued, "Even if it means exhausting himself completely, he will never give up on Salvador Corporation."

"Drug addiction has no cure. The only solution is to endure it with sheer willpower. All I can do is help him alleviate the symptoms. Bella, I'm sorry." Arnold's restrained voice carried a hint of bitterness.

"Please don't say that, Arnold. You've already done so much for Justin. It's enough." Bella's eyes stung as she blinked back tears. "By the way, Aunt Mila and I visited Uncle Alvin the other day. He asked me to pass on a message to you. He wanted me to say sorry on his behalf."

There was a long silence on the other end of the call.

"It's all in the past. Apart from his strong opposition to my relationship with Asher, I've never really hated him, not even for a moment, from childhood until now," Arnold said as he took a deep breath, as if forcing himself to hold back some emotion, and laughed with a sense of relief.

"Though now that I think about it, I really should've listened to my father. If I hadn't gotten involved with Asher back then, I think I would've lived a much happier life than I do now."

After the call ended, Bella's heart felt as though it had been trampled by a thousand horses. She felt an indescribable weariness and sorrow.

She could tell that Arnold still had feelings for her brother.

But how could the deep wounds that lay between them ever be mended and healed?

Just then, her phone buzzed, and a WhatsApp message popped up on the screen.

[Asher: Bella, I have a lead on Arnold's whereabouts. I'm flying to Meridan tonight to find him.] Bella's chest tightened, but she remained optimistic and cheered him on.

[Bella: Make sure you bring Arnold back! Ash, you can do it!].

[Asher: If you get tired, don't push yourself too hard. Aunt Mila and the others can help you.] Steven approached with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and placed it on the desk. "Ms. Bella, the weather isn't great today. The roads are a mess and slippery. It might be best to hold off on visiting the project site until tomorrow."

"Alright, that's fine." Bella took a sip of the coffee, pausing in thought. "For today, I'd like you to come with me to see Grandpa Nigel."

After lunch, Steven drove Bella to the villa at Crescent Bay.

"Grandpa Nigel, I'm here to see you!"

As soon as Bella stepped inside, she saw Nigel dressed neatly and sitting in a wheelchair, with his secretary, Matt, behind him.

"Bella, you're here!" Nigel greeted her with a kind smile, but there was a trace of unease in his eyes, clearly not expecting her sudden visit.

"Grandpa Nigel, are you heading out?"

"Yes, I'm going to visit an old friend."

"The weather outside is terrible, Grandpa Nigel. Let me drive you," Bella offered immediately.

Before Bella could finish speaking, Nigel swiftly declined her offer. "Don't worry about it, Bella. Matt will accompany me. It's freezing out there. You should either go home and come back in the next few days or stay here and wait for me to return for dinner."

A sense of suspicion arose in Bella's heart as she watched them leave.

Nigel had always been open with her, never hiding anything. She had met all of his remaining old friends before. There was no reason for him to be so secretive.

The moment she heard the luxury car leave the courtyard, Bella rushed out of the villa, jumped into her car, and instructed Steven urgently, "Steve, follow them!"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2313-The gloomy, gray sky and the sleet added to Bella's feelings of distress. An hour passed before Nigel's car pulled up at the West Suburb Cemetery.

The door opened, and Matt stepped out with an umbrella, helping the frail Nigel out of the car.

Slowly, he walked toward the cemetery, even opting not to use his wheelchair.

"Ms. Bella, the West Suburb Cemetery isn't a high-end resting place; it's where ordinary people are buried," Steven said as he watched Nigel's retreating figure, feeling confused." Given his status, would Old Master Nigel really have friends who are just common folks? And whoever it is must be someone extraordinary for him to brave this kind of weather just to pay his respects."

Bella's gaze darkened as she looked out the window. After hesitating for a few moments, she opened the door and quietly followed behind.

She trailed them without being noticed until Nigel and Matt finally stopped in front of a tomb.

They bowed deeply and placed a bouquet of white daisies on the ground.

From where she was standing, Bella could not make out the name or photograph on the tomb.

Generally, people would come to pay their respects in the early morning or before noon, but Grandpa Nigel had chosen the afternoon. It was a bit unusual.

"Old Master Nigel, it's freezing out here, and you have a history of respiratory problems. You shouldn't be exposed to this kind of cold… Let's head back," Matt urged, full of worry, as he draped his coat over the elderly man.

Nigel coughed and dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand.

"I'm fine," Nigel rasped, his voice hoarse, laden with the weight of guilt. "She was such a good child. It was the Salvador family who wronged her. I don't even know if I'll live to see another year, so let me stay with her a little longer."

Bella's chest tightened at his words as she hid behind a tree, her heart aching faintly.

Before she could gather her thoughts, a middle-aged woman with a weathered face and graying hair approached Nigel. Her eyes were red with grief and anger as she glared at him.

The old woman yelled, "It's you again?! How dare you… How dare you come here to see my daughter?!"

Matt quickly stepped forward to shield Nigel, but the old man gently waved him away.

Bella, watching from her hiding spot, felt her heart pounding faster.

"Mrs. Cooper, I've felt guilty all these years about your daughter's passing. Maya was diligent and hardworking when she worked for our family. We all thought very highly of her." Nigel took a step forward, coughing heavily, his expression filled with sorrow and humility.

"The Salvador family has to take responsibility for what happened back then. Even after all these years, I still haven't been able to find peace about Maya's death. I'm really, truly sorry about this, once again…"

With that, Nigel bowed down to the woman, trembling as he did so.

"An accident?!" The woman let out a bitter laugh, her eyes brimming with tears. "If it was just an accident, why would you sneak over here to pay respects?! You know perfectly well how Maya died! It was Young Master Grant who killed her!"

The accusation crashed like thunder in Bella's ears, causing her pupils to contract sharply.

This woman's daughter must have been a servant for the Salvador family, yet she had died in what was described as an accident. Now, the woman was claiming that the culprit was none other than Grant.

Matt rushed forward, his expression hardened. "Mrs. Cooper, while Old Master Nigel sympathizes with your loss, you can't just make baseless accusations. Otherwise, we'll have grounds to sue you for slander."

In the face of such sharp accusations, Nigel remained silent, his face full of anguish. "Hah… it's been twenty years!" The woman laughed through her tears. "You forced us to cremate her body. What evidence could possibly be left now?! The Salvador family has enough power to do whatever they want! To protect that deranged firstborn of yours, you resorted to bribery and threats, even taking my husband and son hostage to silence us from seeking the truth about Maya's death… For twenty years, I endured humiliation and carried hatred just to survive. Every night, I dreamed of my daughter crying, asking why I didn't fight for justice for her…"

The woman wept uncontrollably, pounding her chest in grief. "I failed my daughter. I'm not fit to be a mother! If I don't seek justice for Maya, how can I face her in the afterlife?!"

A gust of wind howled through the cemetery, causing Bella to shiver slightly, her gaze dimming.

The woman continued to laugh and cry hysterically, teetering on the edge of collapse. "Now, my husband is bedridden with only a few months left. My son died in a car accident last month… I have nothing left to lose."

She continued, "I'm alive for one reason—to seek justice for Maya! I want you and Young Master Grant to confess and pay for what he did!"

Bella's heart was filled with an unspeakable melancholy.

A parent burying their child. Fate always seemed to deal the harshest blows to those who had already suffered enough.

But what concerned her more was how Grant, who had only been fourteen years old at the time, could have caused the death of a grown woman.

"Mrs. Cooper… I understand how you feel…" Nigel struggled to breathe, clutching his aching chest as he spoke with difficulty. "But your daughter did die from an accident. It had nothing to do with my eldest grandson…"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2314-As soon as the woman heard those words, she exploded in a fit of rage. Her bloodshot eyes were wild with frenzy as she lunged forward, poised to attack.

Bella felt her heart sank as she braced herself for the oncoming confrontation.

In that moment, Matt swiftly stepped in, firmly grasping the woman's wrists with both hands to restrain her, preventing her from making any move, let alone harming Nigel in the slightest.

"Monsters! Devils! Your entire Salvador family is a pack of heartless demons!" The woman's eyes were wide with rage as she struggled and shouted, "I won't let this go! I swear your grandson will pay in blood, unless you kill me right now!"

The commotion quickly caught the attention of the park's security guards. Two of them sprang into action, forcibly removing the agitated woman from the premises.

"Chairman Salvador, this is a serious situation. We can't ignore it," Matt said, his usual gentle demeanor now replaced by a sharp intensity. "If she starts spreading rumors, it could stir up public criticism and severely damage the Salvador family's reputation. Should I take care of the problem?"

"Take care of what?!" Nigel clutched his chest in agony, his face pale as he struggled to speak. "Her family has already suffered enough because of me… What more do you want? Do you want me to be the one to push her over the edge?"

Before he could finish, pain etched across his features, and his frail body began to tremble as he collapsed.

"Chairman Salvador!" Matt cried out in alarm, rushing to support the old man's weakened frame.

In that critical moment, Bella dashed forward, dropping to one knee beside the elderly man to perform emergency resuscitation, initiating CPR.

"Ms. Thompson! How did you…" Matt stared in astonishment.

Bella's delicate forehead was soaked with sweat, her clear eyes steady and focused. "Uncle Matt, get in my car. I'll drive Grandpa Nigel to the hospital!"

Thanks to Bella's exceptional driving skills, they arrived at the hospital in a flash.

Thankfully, Nigel was rescued just in time, escaping the critical stage. He was moved to a general ward.

Matt intended to immediately notify Gregory and the others, but Bella held him back, her face suggesting she was unsure.

"Don't inform anyone just yet. I have a few words I'd like to share with Grandpa Nigel first."

Matt looked conflicted. "But, given Old Master Nigel's condition…"

Bella hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. "Then notify Justin instead."

It was not that she was eager to see Justin. Rather, under the current circumstances, Gregory's appearance would undoubtedly complicate matters, and Grant was even less trustworthy.

Matt nodded seriously and left the room to make the call.

Steadying herself, Bella approached the bedside with gentle steps, sat down, and clasped the old man's withered hand.

"Grandpa Nigel, how are you feeling? Are you still in pain?"

"Much better… Bella, thank you…" Nigel's eyelids were half-closed, his breath faint and weak. "If it weren't for you saving me in time, I'm afraid I wouldn't have made it this time."

"Don't say that, Grandpa Nigel. You'll live a long and healthy life," Bella's voice trembled softly with a touch of bitterness. "I just hope you're not angry at me for following you in secret today."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2315-Nigel's eyes widened, his fingers tensing. "Bella… You…"

"I saw and heard everything that happened at the cemetery today." Bella took a deep breath, her voice steady as she asked, "Grandpa Nigel, was what Mrs. Cooper said the truth? Did Grant really kill her daughter?"

Nigel's pupils constricted, and he closed his eyes, clearly avoiding the question.

Bella's gaze deepened as she pressed forward. "Grandpa Nigel, your reaction has already given me the answer."

The elderly man remained silent.

"Grandpa Nigel, I understand your concerns. Grant is, after all, the eldest grandson of the Salvador family and grew up by your side. Even though you favor Justin, you still don't want that incident from all those years ago to ruin him, especially since he was just a minor at the time. No matter what he did, as long as he bears the Salvador name, you'll do everything in your power to protect him."

Her words were sharp and hit the mark. "But you also know that what he did was far too heinous. You're angry, you're fearful, and you don't dare to expose the truth. You've suppressed these feelings for years, trapped in a tangled web of emotions. Yet I believe you still have compassion. Otherwise, you wouldn't have risked the wind and snow, dragging your ailing body to pay respects to that deceased girl."

Suddenly, a realization dawned on her. 'No wonder Nigel was always so cautious and tense when dealing with Grant. With such a cruel secret hidden in his heart, how could his attitude toward this eldest grandson be anything but wariness?' Nigel clenched his teeth and was at a loss for words.

Bella had no choice but to press him further. "Grandpa Nigel, if you won't tell me the truth, then I'll have to go to the victim's family and find out for myself."

"No! Bella… Please, don't cause any more distress to that poor mother!" Nigel's trembling hand gripped her arm, his eyes moist. "The girl's name was Maya Cooper. When I lived at Tideview Manor, she worked there as a servant, taking care of my daily life. Her death involved Grant, but it was an accident, just an unfortunate mishap… The child was terrified and came to me crying, begging on his knees for me to save her."

Bella's brows knitted together.

Even if the person before her was the grandfather she respected most, she could not fully trust his words.

"Grant was only fourteen at the time… He had already been deeply affected by his mother's death, which left him withdrawn and listless. If he were to face jail time at such a young age, it would ruin his life! He grew up under my care, the eldest grandson of our Salvador family.

How could I bear to send him to prison?"

"So back then, you chose to help him dispose of Maya's body and disguised her death as an accident?"

Bella felt a chill sweep across her chest, grief and anger surging within her. "Grandpa Nigel, you only thought about your grandson's future, but who was going to take responsibility for Maya's short life? You quietly covered up the incident. Did you ever think about how her family would heal from such a wound? Grant is the eldest son of the Salvador family, your treasured kin… But wasn't Maya also a precious daughter to her parents? Does her life have a different value in your eyes?"

Nigel's voice was filled with pain. "Bella…"

"Grandpa Nigel, do you realize what you've done? You committed a crime. You were an accomplice, an enabler!" Bella's eyes were brimming with tears, blazing with intensity. "If you can't seek justice for that poor mother, then I will. I'll get justice for Maya."

"No… You can't…!" Nigel strained to sit up in bed, his voice desperate. "Bella, I'll do everything I can to compensate Maya's family. But please, you must listen to me and stay away from Grant… Do not get involved in this matter! I'm begging you!"

Bella sensed there was more to the story and urgently asked, "Why?"

Nigel hesitated, his parched lips parting slightly when suddenly, the door to the hospital room was flung open.

Justin's tall and imposing figure strode in, bringing with him the chill of deep winter.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2316-"Grandpa." Justin's breathing was heavy, his dark eyes filled with hidden worry. However, due to the toxins affecting the amygdala in his brain, his intense emotions felt trapped, beating wildly within him but unable to be released. However, his handsome face appeared indifferent, as if he had no emotions at all.

Nigel exchanged a look of understanding with Bella. The elderly man quickly wiped away his tears, replacing them with a kind smile.

"Justin, you're here…. Fortunately, with Bella helping to take care of me, I'm fine. You can rest easy."

Bella remembered Nigel's recent words, her long lashes fluttering as she drifted into a daze. She remained that way until a chilling, masculine presence brushed past her side. Startled, she looked up, meeting his intense gaze.

Justin's thin lips were pressed together, and he lowered his eyes to look at her.

Bella's heart seemed to skip a beat. Her pale face tinged with pink as she quickly and awkwardly averted her gaze.

She thought to herself, 'Ugh, I'm so pathetic!' Bella still loved him endlessly, whether his gaze shone like the stars or darkened like an abyss. She would inevitably fall into it, time and again.

"Why are you just standing there? Aren't you going to properly thank Bella?" Nigel's voice held a reprimanding tone. "If it weren't for Bella, you would have lost your grandfather!"

Justin opened his mouth to speak, but Bella briskly rose to her feet without glancing at Justin. She only gave Nigel a gentle smile.

"Grandpa Nigel, I'm relieved now that you're well. I have work to attend to, so I'll head back now and visit you another day."

"Bella, wait!" Nigel tried to call her back, but she had already hurried out of the room.

Justin stared at the empty doorway, his gaze deepening.

"Boy, what are you standing there for? Go after her!" Nigel grumbled, mustering his strength to kick his grandson lightly on the leg.

Bella, her face flushed, ran to the parking lot.

"Ugh-!"

Lost in thought, she failed to notice Justin standing nearby and ran right into his chest, hard enough to make her nose sting and turn red.

He looked down at her, his lips barely moving as he said in a low voice, "Ms. Thompson, why are you rushing like that? Shouldn't you watch where you're going?"

Bella rubbed her nose, her eyes glistening with pain as she scowled. "It's your fault for suddenly appearing here like a roadblock!"

She huffed and started to walk left, but Justin, eyes dark as night, took a step to her left, blocking her path.

She tried to go right, yet he moved in that direction too, as if determined to block her way.

Frustrated, Bella bit her lip and turned around to leave. But Justin suddenly grabbed her slender arm, pulling her gently into his embrace.

"What… What are you doing? Didn't we break up already?!" Bella was flustered, her eyes tinged with red.

Justin's expression remained calm, his voice emotionless. "Yes, we did. I ended it."

Bella felt a sharp pain in her chest as she struggled against his grip. "Then why are you acting like this?!"

He spoke softly. "Thank you for saving my grandfather."

"Grandpa Nigel sent you here to say that, didn't he?" Bella's eyes reddened as she scoffed." I don't care for forced gratitude!"

A hint of impatience flickered in Justin's frown. "Then what do you want?"

Bella looked into his silent gaze, a sour ache spreading through her heart.

In the past, his eyes had been full of affection and indulgence for her. He would let her cry, let her complain, and let her nag at him day and night about trivial matters. He would always listen with a gentle smile, never showing even the slightest sign of impatience.

She had to admit now that she was no longer important to him.

"I want you to promise me something." Perhaps driven by lingering reluctance, Bella found herself saying it out loud.

Justin looked at her, his tone cool. "Go on."

"I haven't decided yet. When I do, I'll let you know." She lifted her chin slightly. "But when I ask, you must agree. That will be your way of repaying me, okay?"

His eyes held a hint of suspicion. "Is it to get back together with me?"

Bella's heart skipped, and she quickly replied, "You wish! We've divorced once, and we've already broken up. Why would I want to be with you again? Are there no good men out there besides you? Do I look that desperate?"

"Good men? Grant?"

The words suddenly surfaced in his mind, and his grip on her delicate wrist tightened instinctively.

"Ow…" Bella gasped softly, her delicate frame almost wilting.

"Fine, I promise." Justin's intense gaze fixed on her. His words were firm. "No matter what it is, I will agree."

A wave of bittersweet emotion surged within her, and she gave a faint, mocking smile. "And if I ask you to kill someone or burn down something?"

"I will still agree," Justin said without hesitation. "But the Bella I know would never be so ruthless."

Bella's almond-shaped eyes curved as she laughed out loud. She raised her left hand. "Let's seal it with a high-five. Deal!"

"A promise is a promise." Justin's Adam's apple bobbed as he lifted his hand to meet hers, their palms coming together in a silent vow.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2317-On the way back from the hospital, Bella thought about Justin's words and the promise they had sealed with a high-five, feeling a torrent of emotions she could not describe.

Staring at the snowy view outside the window, her eyes glistened with tears as she murmured softly to herself, "Bella, he came to you willingly. He agreed to your request. That's already enough, isn't it? You don't have the right to act spoiled around him anymore. Be content."

Steven, who was driving, kept glancing in the rearview mirror at Bella, watching her lost and desolate expression and feeling a deep ache for her. Just the separation alone had turned her world upside down.

He thought, 'If Justin ever left this world for good, her life would crumble entirely.' Perhaps letting Justin live well was the best outcome fate could grant after all they had endured, even if it was bittersweet.

"Ms. Bella, it's getting late. Maybe we should skip going to the office. You should rest at home. You'll be busy enough fighting for the Savrow A5 project in the days ahead," Steven suggested, his voice calm with concern as he noticed her pale complexion.

Frowning, Bella muttered to herself, "Steven, help me look into someone."

"Of course. Who?"

"Twenty years ago, a girl named Maya Cooper worked as a maid at the Tideview Manor, looking after Grandpa Nigel. Her mother still lives in Savrow."

Bella swiftly gathered herself, her sorrow replaced by a cold, rational demeanor. "This girl died by Grant's hand 20 years ago, but the circumstances and cause of her death remain unclear. I believe we need to uncover everything about this."

Steven, startled by the shocking news, exclaimed, "Grant was involved in a murder case at such a young age? Was he some kind of vengeful spirit reborn?"

"Someone so polished and committed to charity would have such a brutal side. If I hadn't witnessed it myself at the cemetery, I wouldn't believe it if my life depended on it." Bella let out a cold laugh. "To think he maintains this facade, masquerading as a benefactor, living under the same roof as Justin. Isn't it terrifying?"

Thinking of Grant's refined and harmless face, Steven shivered. "Terrifying indeed!"

"That's why we must get to the bottom of this. Even if he was a minor at the time, it doesn't excuse him from the law."

Bella closed her eyes, her voice determined. "If he ever reveals his true nature and becomes a threat to Justin, we'll have leverage against him. At a critical moment, it could save Justin from disaster."

Steven's admiration for her was evident. Bella strategized with caution and depth, no longer acting impulsively.

Suddenly struck by a thought, he added, "Ms. Bella, if Grant dared to commit murder at 14, it means he's inherently cold-blooded and ruthless."

Bella's voice was cool, and her expression was calm. "Doesn't his behavior remind you of his uncle, Lucas Fowler? If we consider what Wilma said about his history of animal cruelty, his willingness to kill becomes much less surprising,"

Steven's eyes widened in shock. "But… There's a difference between killing animals and killing people, right?"

"Essentially, both display a callous disregard and disdain for life."

Bella shook her head, feeling a tightness in her chest. "Anyone who tortures animals so easily shows no real hesitation. Eventually, when they lose their thrill, they naturally turn to human targets. Many serial killers around the world started the same way."

"Ms. Bella, do you really think someone with such a warped psyche could be Justin's savior?"

Steven finally voiced the question that had been bothering him. "A man like that-ruthless and brutal-actually risked his life to save his half-brother. Doesn't that seem out of character?"

Bella's back stiffened, her gaze turning dark.

Unaware of her thoughts, Steven continued, "If it were me, I'd have hired those kidnappers to eliminate this nuisance of a brother. It'll be easily done! Back then, Justin was just a rejected illegitimate child. His death wouldn't have stirred much of a fuss. Soon enough, he would have been forgotten by the world."

The more Bella thought about it, the more anxious she became. She gripped the car door handle tightly.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2318-'Could it be? Could Grant have harbored such cunning at such a young age?' Bella didn't want to turn this into a conspiracy theory, yet a doubt had lingered in her mind for two years.

How had a fifteen-year-old boy managed to rescue Justin from a kidnapper's lair? Even for an adult, such a feat would have been nearly impossible, let alone for a child.

Moreover, the kidnapper, Jeremy Mateo, was known in the underworld as a ruthless criminal with a reputation stained by blood. The idea that Grant could have rescued someone from under Jeremy's nose was preposterous. If Bella had been in Grant's place, she doubted she would have made it out of that lair alive.

Returning from her thoughts, Bella quickly pulled out her phone and dialed her older brother.As soon as the call connected, she burst out, "Ax, can you get me a case file? I want to take a look."

This was typical of Bella. She would be silent for ages, then she would utter a sudden, outrageous request.

Axel complained, "Bella, you know case files aren't casually shared. It's against the regulations!"

"Then just tell me about it. That won't break any rules."

He sighed. "What case are you after?"

"The case from twenty years ago, the one where Jeremy Mateo kidnapped the Salvador brothers."

Axel hesitated. "Why are you suddenly interested in that?"

"Don't worry about it. Just find out and let me know!" Bella paused before asking, "Do you remember how many years Jeremy was sentenced to?"

"I believe it was a suspended death sentence. Later, he got a life sentence for helping solve a theft case while in prison. His accomplice was sentenced to 25 years. With some reductions, he might be getting released soon."

Bella narrowed her eyes, considering this new information.

Late at night, Nigel lay in his hospital bed receiving an IV drip, while Justin sat beside him, tending to his needs.

"Justin, you must secure the Savrow A5 project. If you succeed, even after I'm gone, no one will be able to challenge your place in the Salvador family."

Nigel's gaze, heavy with expectation, settled on Justin's stoic face.

Justin's voice was soft, his warm hand firmly holding the elder's thin one. "Grandpa, don't say things like that. You'll live to a ripe old age."

Nigel sighed. "This old body's lived long enough. I only have two wishes: for you to fully take over the Salvador family, and for you to reconcile with Bella."

A faint ache touched Justin's throat as his fingers curled slightly.

"Justin, do you remember how you cried to me about wanting Bella back?"

A shadow flickered through his eyes, his expression unreadable.

"I don't believe that you feel nothing for her. You loved her so deeply. Can a few little pills erase all of that? That's nonsense!"

Nigel's chest tightened with pain, his expression twisting.

Justin hurried to soothe him. "Grandpa, please take care of yourself. The doctors said that emotional stress and anger will only do you harm."

But Nigel persisted. "Then promise me… Bring Bella back."

Justin looked conflicted. "Grandpa, she and I… We're already…"

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and a gentle voice came from outside. Grandpa, it's me, Grant. May I come in?"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2319-Both Nigel and Justin fell silent, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Neither had any desire to open the door for Grant.

Yet, this uninvited guest took matters into his own hands. Matt, who was stationed outside, reluctantly let him in.

"Grandpa, I heard about your sudden health scare. How are you feeling now?" Grant asked.

As if only now noticing Justin's presence, his eyes glinted briefly as he offered a gentle smile. "Ah, Justin is here too."

Justin's expression remained cool as he gave a slight nod. "Grant."

"If I had known you were here, I'd have waited until tomorrow to visit. I wouldn't want to disrupt Grandpa's rest." Grant maneuvered his wheelchair to the bedside.

"Nonsense." Nigel forced a faint smile, speaking quickly. "It's late, and you're not well yourself. You shouldn't have gone out of your way to visit me."

Leaning forward slightly, a flicker of something unspoken flashed across Grant's dark eyes. "Since I was a child, Grandpa, you've always been the one who spoiled me most. If I can't fulfill my duty to you when you're unwell, what kind of man would that make me?"

A subtle tremor rippled through Nigel, hidden beneath the blankets.

Justin caught the shift in Nigel's demeanor. Though it aroused his suspicions, he kept his composure.

Keeping one's thoughts buried and remaining outwardly calm was a fundamental trait for those in power.

Thus, Justin often carried an undercurrent of repression, loneliness, and even melancholy. Lately, in the solitude of night, these feelings seemed to resurface with renewed vigor. He felt an unshakable emptiness, an insistent chill seeping into his soul.

Grant's voice softened. “Grandpa, I have something I'd like to discuss with you in private. Is that alright?"

Nigel's gaze shifted hesitantly toward Justin. "Is it that important? Justin isn't an outsider. You may speak freely."

"Grandpa, you can talk with my brother. I'll take my leave," Justin replied. He had no intention of remaining where he was not welcome, so he turned and left the room with Matt.

As he shut the door, Grant's voice drifted to his ears, spoken in a tone with rare tenderness.

Grant said, "Grandpa, I've met someone I care for."

Justin's tall figure stiffened, his lips tightening reflexively.

Nigel sounded surprised. "Oh? Grant, have you met someone special? Is it a girl from Meridan, or did you meet her here in Savrow?"

"This girl is someone you know. Justin knows her as well," Grant answered, his calm and charming smile brightening his refined features. "It's Bella. I admire Ms. Thompson deeply,"

"What…? You… You like Bella?" Nigel's pupils contracted in shock, his face paling further.

Outside the door, Justin heard each word clearly. Each sentence hit him like an invisible needle, fine yet sharp, driving slowly and silently into his chest, leaving no visible wound but drawing out crimson drops of pain.

"Yes," Grant confirmed with a smile, admitting it again without hesitation.

Though Nigel forced himself to stay calm, his voice trembled. "When… When did this start?"

"I don't know when exactly… Feelings are hard to pinpoint." Grant's gaze dropped as he picked up an apple and knife from the bedside table, carefully peeling it. "At first, Ms. Thompson was someone Justin cherished deeply. They were deeply in love, and I sincerely wished them happiness. I never had any intention of taking what belonged to him.

"After all, Justin is my only brother-the brother I risked my life to save. He grew up facing hardship, coming to the Salvador family with Aunt Mary as a child, and enduring scorn. His life has always been lacking love, so when he found someone he cherished, I was genuinely happy for him."

Outside, Justin felt a chilling sensation in his bones, his fists clenching tightly in silence.

Grant's words, ostensibly full of concern and regard for him, were like invisible hands, peeling back old scars he had thought healed.

Since coming of age, Justin has rarely heard mention of his origins. Any reminder was an implicit challenge to his legitimacy as heir to the Salvador family.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2320-Grant, either unintentionally or deliberately, kept pressing on Justin's sensitive points. But since this was his beloved older brother, Justin could only endure in silence.

"But now, Justin and Ms. Thompson are no longer together. Since he doesn't want her, then I will take care of her. Grandpa, you'll support me, right?" Grant's lips curled in a half-smile as a strip of apple peel dropped in one unbroken spiral. "I know you've always liked Ms. Thompson and wished for her to become your granddaughter-in-law. Since she and Justin aren't meant to be, I'll marry her and still fulfill your wish. Isn't that great?"

Grant's actions were simple and deliberate, exuding a subtle yet undeniable pressure.

Justin's breathing grew ragged, his brow knitting tighter.

Nigel struggled to catch his breath, his body tense as he attempted to sit up in bed but found himself too weak. "Grant… It's not that you aren't good enough. It's just… I know Bella well. Her heart has always been with Justin, and it always will be. She won't allow anyone else in. If you insist, it will only end badly for you… After all, Bella is stubborn and unyielding."

"There's no such thing as an impossible task for someone determined enough. With time, her heart will come around." Grant's smile was gentle, but his ruthless determination was unmistakable, piercing to the very core. "I have patience. All I ask is your support, Grandpa. You won't stand in my way of pursuing Ms. Thompson, will you?"

Nigel's breathing became erratic. His cheek muscles twitched slightly as he struggled to respond.

Justin stumbled through the corridor, his vision clouded, gripping the walls for support until he reached the underground parking lot.

"Mr. Salvador! Are you all right?" Ian hurried over, catching him as he swayed.

"The medicine…"

Ian froze. "What?"

Justin's body trembled uncontrollably as he fumbled inside his suit for a packet of blue pills. Ian recognized them immediately. They were the pills Clarice had given Justin.

Ian tried to grab them, but Justin had already poured them all into his mouth and swallowed them.

"Mr. Salvador! How can you trust the medicine from that woman?! She's loyal to Young Master Grant. What if it's poison?"

"Ian… I can't bear it anymore…" Justin's weight sagged against Ian, his once-handsome face drenched in cold sweat, his lips pallid as though frozen. "I don't know if it's a side effect from the drug Christopher gave me… Only Dr. Amaryllis's medicine can ease it…"

Ian felt a chill down his spine, a foreboding sensation gnawing at him.

He supported Justin into the car and sped away, leaving only taillights fading in the distance.

After the car had gone, Clarice emerged from behind a pillar, a cold smile on her lips as she raised her phone to her ear. "Sir, Justin's addiction has set in. He can't live without Crystal Ice now."

"He managed to resist for so long… My brother's willpower is indeed stronger than I expected." The man's voice, resonating through the dark night, sounded like it came from the depths of hell. "But I've always enjoyed a challenge, whether it's him or Ms. Thompson."

Clarice's voice was icy. "Are you planning to act now?"

"The A5 project provides an opportunity. Be patient and wait for the right moment."

Three days later, after presiding over the foundation's regular meeting, Bella stepped out of the conference room, only to be met by Steven.

"Ms. Thompson, I've found the current address of Maya's mother."

Bella's gaze darkened, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "Prepare the car. We're going immediately!"