Chapter 322 Unusual Emotions
As Anna spoke, a hint of worry crept into her eyes. She bit her lower lip gently and continued, "I'm just worried this news might upset you or make you want to start over somewhere else. We've worked so hard to get this store to where it is today, and I don't want to give it up. Besides, maybe they'll only come here occasionally. Their main focus should still be elsewhere."
Bella listened quietly, her gaze wandering around the empty store as if searching for answers. Finally, she took a deep breath and said slowly, "Anna, thanks for telling me. This news is surprising, but I won't give up everything we've worked for so easily."
Bella rubbed her temples, looking a bit troubled. The Windsor family's business empire was already vast and complex; Sterling did not need to open a new financial company, especially right across from her store. The intention behind this move was clear, and Bella understood it well.
Turning to Anna, Bella's eyes showed determination. "Anna, I get your concerns. We've poured so much effort into this store; leaving it behind isn't realistic. But since Sterling chose this location, he must have a plan. We need to be prepared, but there's no need to panic."
Seeing Bella's calm demeanor, Anna felt slightly reassured. "Bella, you're right. I was just worried that Sterling's actions might distract you, given your history..."
Bella interrupted with a slight smile, "The past is the past. We have our own lives and business now. Sterling's choices are his own; we can't interfere with or change them. What's important is that we protect what we have here."
She paused, her tone growing firmer. "So, Anna, is there anything else you haven't told me?"
Knowing Anna well, Bella sensed there was more to the story. Anna's hesitation was out of character.
Anna's face fell, as if she were delivering a string of bad news. "Bella, there's one more thing. I heard that Sterling's company abroad, which he closed down, has recently reopened. And he announced a surprising decision: he's no longer going to do charity work. The news is everywhere, and the public is buzzing."
"No more charity work?" Bella's voice was tinged with surprise and confusion. She recalled her time with the Windsor family, where Sterling's dedication to charity was unwavering for over a decade. His charitable image had earned him widespread admiration.
Now, his sudden decision to end his charitable activities was indeed unexpected and puzzling. Bella couldn't help but think this would trigger a wave of public reaction. Those who had benefited from Sterling's charity, and those who had followed his philanthropic efforts, might feel disappointed and confused. Critics would likely seize the opportunity to attack and condemn him.
"Why would he make such a decision?" Bella murmured, her eyes filled with doubt. The reasoning behind this choice was complex and beyond her understanding.
Bella quickly adjusted her mindset. She knew that whatever decisions Sterling made were his own. She needed to focus on her own life and business, doing her best to manage her responsibilities.
But Bella couldn't help but voice her thoughts, "When someone who's always done good suddenly stops, people tend to think they've changed for the worse. But if someone who's always done bad starts doing good, they're often praised. That's human nature—complex and subtle."
Bella sighed and continued, "Sterling must be aware of this. After all, he's been navigating the business world for years and understands human nature well. Yet, he still chose to do this. Why?"
Anna sighed in agreement. "Yeah, human nature is indeed complex. Sterling must have his reasons."
Bella nodded. She understood that Sterling's decisions were his own and no longer concerned her. Yet, she couldn't shake a growing sense of unease.
"Alright, let's not dwell on this," Bella said, patting Anna's shoulder with a hint of lightness and relief in her voice. "We just need to focus on our work, run the store well, and keep our customers happy. Let others say what they will."
With that, the two shared a knowing smile, as if reaching an unspoken agreement.
Late at night, the world was silent, with only the moonlight filtering through the curtains onto Bella's bed. She turned her head gently, looking at the sleeping Anna beside her, feeling a sense of peace in her current life. Yet, amidst this tranquility, her thoughts drifted to another person—Sterling.
Unable to resist, Bella picked up her phone and began typing the familiar yet distant name, Sterling. As she pressed the search button, information about him flooded the screen. News, reports, social media comments—each piece seemed to narrate his life and changes since she left.
This was the first time since her departure that Bella actively sought out information about him. She had thought she had moved on, but now, reading the words on the screen, her heart stirred with ripples of emotion.
Sterling's company, his new projects, his charity decision—each news item felt both familiar and strange. She remembered the days spent with him, the laughter and tears, the arguments and reconciliations, all now faded memories.
To her surprise, even though time had dulled many memories, seeing news about him still touched her heart. She wondered if this meant she hadn't fully moved on or if it was merely nostalgia for the past.
Bella sighed softly and closed her eyes. She knew that no matter what had happened, the present couldn't be changed. She needed to cherish her current life and work hard with Anna to run their store.
The night remained deep and quiet. Bella silently reminded herself that whatever Sterling did was no longer her concern. Her focus now was on living her life well.
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