Chapter 360 Not Yet

Anna's face turned even redder after Bella hit the nail on the head. She lowered her head and mumbled, "I wasn't thinking about him. He was the one who wanted to video call."

Despite her words, Anna's heart was filled with sweetness. She knew that Colin held an irreplaceable place in her heart. Bella understood too; this couple might bicker often, but their feelings for each other were genuine.

After a bit of playful banter, the two finally calmed down. Bella looked at Anna seriously and said, "Anna, Colin is really a great guy. You should cherish him. Even though he comes from a wealthy family, he isn't arrogant at all and he truly cares about you."

Anna felt warm inside as she listened to Bella. She nodded and said, "I know, I will cherish our relationship."

At the Windsor Villa, Colin turned to Sterling with a teasing look in his eyes. "Did you see Bella? I think you should go talk to her now. Otherwise, Anna might think I'm hanging around your girl just to make things easier for you and Bella. That would be a huge misunderstanding."

Sterling shook his head lightly, his expression serious. "Not yet. As long as Caleb is alive, I can't be at ease. He's always been a threat to me. Only when he's completely gone can I see her without any worries."

Colin nodded understandingly. He knew the complicated history between Sterling and Caleb and why Sterling was so cautious. 

He patted Sterling's shoulder and reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Caleb's movements. But you need to act fast. Don't wait until Bella is taken by someone else and then regret it."

Sterling smiled slightly, a determined look in his eyes. "Don't worry, I won't let that happen. Once Caleb is dealt with, I'll go to Bella immediately."

Colin's expression turned serious. "I've already sent people abroad to find Caleb, but it's challenging to operate overseas. You know how these things go; it could take months or even longer. Sterling, can you really endure this uncertainty and wait?"

Sterling clenched his fists, his eyes filled with resolve. "I have no choice but to endure it. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait until Caleb is dealt with. I can't let him continue to roam free, and I can't let him threaten the people around me."

Colin sighed. He understood Sterling's determination but was also worried about his state. He advised, "Sterling, I get how you feel, but you need to think about yourself too. This prolonged waiting and uncertainty are tough on both your mind and body. You need to find a way to balance your life and this waiting."

Sterling was silent for a moment before he slowly spoke, "I will."

Sterling walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and gently picked up the sleeping Sunny. His voice was low and firm. 

"As long as Bella is around, Caleb will see her as my weakness and think I haven't completely given up on her. He'll use that against me, even if it means mutual destruction. I can't take that risk."

Sterling paused, his gaze distant. "I can't afford any mistakes right now. Caleb is cunning and ruthless. I can't give him any opportunity. So, it's safer to keep things as they are. Keep the people watching Bella in place. Make sure she's safe and that I don't fall into a trap because of a moment's carelessness."

Colin sighed, a hint of helplessness in his tone. "Don't worry, they're safe. Didn't you place Lily in their shop? She's a professional bodyguard. Even if she's not as strong as me, she can handle ten people. What are you worried about? Besides, I need to find some time to visit. I haven't spent any time with Anna because I've been busy with your stuff."

Sterling looked apologetic. "Sorry, Colin. I know it's been tough on you lately. But even though Lily is skilled, we can't let our guard down. Caleb's methods are endless. We must stay vigilant."

Colin nodded, his expression serious. "I understand. But you don't need to worry too much. I've added more people to ensure their safety. And Lily can handle unexpected situations."

Sterling was silent for a moment before he spoke slowly. "Colin, I know you've been working hard for me. Once this is over, I'll make it up to you."

Colin smiled and patted Sterling's shoulder. "Sterling, there's no need for that between us. We're friends. Your problems are my problems. No need for thanks."

The next day, the sun was shining brightly, a rare beautiful weekend. The dessert shop was bustling from the morning, with customers coming in non-stop, as if the entire city's sweetness had gathered there.

Anna was so busy she didn't have time to lift her head, her hands moving quickly behind the counter, making drink after drink.

Bella stayed in the kitchen, meticulously preparing each dessert. The other employees were also busy, some greeting customers, some organizing utensils, and some packing desserts. The whole shop was filled with a busy yet orderly atmosphere.

When Colin walked into the shop, he looked around and saw there were no empty seats. He smiled slightly and walked straight to the counter. Anna, with her back to him, was so focused on making drinks that she didn't notice his arrival.

Isadora saw Colin and habitually asked, "What would you like to order? We can only do takeout right now, no seats available, sorry."

Colin smiled at her and said, "No problem, just a drink. Your business is really good."

Hearing Colin's voice, Anna turned around abruptly, her face lighting up with a joyful smile. But then she scratched her head a bit awkwardly and explained, "Sorry, I'm really busy right now. Wait for me, I'll be free by noon!"

Isadora, hearing this, had a look of sudden realization. "What's going on?"

Anna's cheeks turned slightly red, and she lowered her head a bit embarrassed. "He's my boyfriend."

Colin nodded, satisfied with Anna's introduction. "Alright, I'll wait until noon to have lunch together. That sounds good. Also, could you make me a drink? Nothing too complicated, just something simple. I came straight here from the airport, so at least give me a little hospitality, right?"
Entwined Love and Hate: The CEO's Beloved
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