Chapter 304 Not Giving

Colin nodded sympathetically and gave Bella's shoulder a gentle pat. "Alright, I get it. Don't worry, I'll help you get Sunny back. And hey, don't be too down. The future's wide open. Who knows, maybe you and Sterling will work things out."

Sterling wasn't the type to let Bella slip away easily.

Bella's face turned serious, and she said firmly, "Stop kidding around. I'm done with him for good! I won't clear my dad's name publicly or try to overturn the case, but I can't keep living with Sterling."

Colin saw the determination in Bella's eyes and knew she meant it, but he couldn't help but ask, "What if it wasn't Sterling? Maybe there's been a misunderstanding, and he had no choice?"

Bella hesitated, a mix of emotions flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her resolve. "No, I saw and heard everything myself. He did those things. Even if he had his reasons, I can't accept what he did to my dad. Our trust is completely broken and can't be fixed."

Colin sighed, knowing he couldn't change Bella's mind. He could only support her and hope she might understand Sterling someday.

"Alright, I respect your decision. If you need anything, you know where to find me," Colin said softly.

Bella nodded gratefully.

Colin watched Bella's door close, shook his head, and then picked up his phone to call Sterling. 

He lowered his voice to avoid disturbing Bella. "Your sweetheart isn't taking your peace offering. She told me to get rid of the desserts and asked for the cat."

On the other end, Sterling was silent for a moment before replying in a low, firm voice, "Tell her, no." Then he hung up.

Colin listened to the dial tone and sighed deeply. 

He leaned back on the couch, eating the desserts one by one, but there was no enjoyment on his face.

Colin hoped Sterling would realize his mistakes and make amends with Bella, resolving their misunderstandings and conflicts. 

At the same time, he hoped Bella could let go of her resentment and accept Sterling again. 

After all, they were both important friends to him, and he didn't want to see them part ways over misunderstandings.

On the other side, Anna had told Qiana about Caleb and her plans to leave. 

Qiana went from indifferent to gradually accepting, and Anna listened as Qiana cursed Caleb for two hours straight.

Anna found it both amusing and frustrating. 

Suddenly, Qiana's phone rang, and Qiana immediately started cursing, "That jerk still has the nerve to call you? What a scumbag."

Anna's smile vanished instantly. She grabbed the phone, fearing Caleb might cause trouble for Qiana. 

Her fingers trembled slightly as she took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "What do you want?"

Caleb's voice on the other end was low, "Anna, it's me. How have you been?"

Anna pressed her lips together, trying to keep her voice from shaking. "I'm fine."

Caleb paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Anna, I heard you're leaving. Is that true?"

Anna's heart tightened. She hadn't expected Caleb to find out so quickly, and she wasn't sure what he wanted.

She moved to a quieter spot to take the call. "What do you want?"

Caleb's voice turned cold. "Don't worry, I just want to have dinner with you. I'll pick you up. Meet me at the first intersection. I hope it's just the two of us."

As the call ended, Anna felt drained. She leaned against the wall to steady herself. 

Why was Caleb still clinging to her?

"What did he say?" Qiana asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Anna took a deep breath, forcing a smile and trying to sound casual. "He said he wants to have dinner. We have some things to discuss. Mom, you go to White Bay Restaurant alone. I'll have Colin save you a spot."

Qiana, though worried, didn't press further and nodded. "Alright, be careful. Do you need me to go with you?"

Anna shook her head, trying to stay calm. "No, Mom. I'll be fine. You go eat, don't go hungry."

Without waiting for a response, Anna quickly turned and entered the elevator. 

As the doors closed, her smile faded, replaced by worry and unease.

Caleb was still clinging to her. This made Anna feel both scared and confused. 

She didn't understand why Caleb wouldn't let go. What was left between them but hatred?

The elevator stopped on the first floor, and Anna stepped out, heading to the first intersection. She looked around, searching for Caleb.

Soon, a black car slowly approached and stopped in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing Caleb's familiar yet distant face.

Anna took a deep breath and mustered the courage to walk over. 

She knew tonight, she had to end things with Caleb once and for all. No matter the outcome, she had to face it bravely.

Anna got into Caleb's car, trying to suppress her inner fear and revulsion. 

Her voice trembled slightly despite her efforts. "What do you want? How long are you going to keep this up?"

Caleb glanced at her through the rearview mirror, a smile playing on his lips. It was a smile that seemed gentle and polite, as if he were a gentleman. 

"Don't be so agitated, Anna. I just want to have dinner, nothing more. I know you're smart and won't do anything rash. I promise I won't make things difficult for you."

Anna listened to his words, feeling a mix of emotions. She didn't understand why Caleb was still clinging to her. 

Didn't he realize there was no future for them?

"Caleb, we're over. Let me go, and let yourself go too," Anna said softly, her voice tinged with a plea.

Caleb seemed not to hear her, continuing, "I know you're still angry, but please believe me, I genuinely want to make amends. Give me a chance, and give yourself a chance too, okay?"

Anna closed her eyes, not wanting to hear any more. 

She knew, no matter what Caleb said, she would never go back.

Entwined Love and Hate: The CEO's Beloved
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