Chapter 427 Self-Destruction
Bella's face flashed with surprise when she heard the news. She had no idea that Dash and Debra were already in jail, let alone that it was Sterling's doing. She looked at Mira, her eyes filled with confusion and disbelief. "I had no clue before, but now that I do, what are you trying to say?"
Mira paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts, before she slowly began to speak. "I know they deserve it; they messed up and should face the consequences. But from my perspective, as their family, I can't help but think that if there's a chance to save them, I should try. I know coming to you with this might be out of line, but I really don't know who else to turn to. Sterling did this for you, maybe to help you get some revenge, or maybe to show his goodwill."
Ryan looked uncomfortable but continued, "Dash took most of the blame, and I can't save him; he brought it on himself. But Debra is still young, with her whole life ahead of her. I don't want to see her life ruined because of a momentary mistake. So, I'm asking you to help, to see if Sterling might show some mercy and let Debra go."
Thinking about what Dash and Debra had done to her, Bella felt she could never forgive them.
Bella was touched by Mira's straightforwardness and honesty, but it also triggered a sensitive nerve, filling her with anger and resentment. How could Mira speak so easily, as if she were the innocent victim?
Bella looked at Mira coldly, her tone full of sarcasm and dissatisfaction. "Go find the person who put them in jail; coming to me won't help. Do you really think I would go to Sterling to save Debra? Dream on! I've left the Windsor family, as you well know. Don't flaunt your selfishness in front of me. Debra is your daughter; I won't stop you from saving her, but it has nothing to do with me!"
So this was Mira's real purpose for coming today. Bella had thought Mira was here to atone and seek forgiveness.
Mira was still so selfish, her hypocrisy was nauseating.
Mira listened to Bella's words, her face showing a mix of embarrassment and helplessness. She knew her request might be excessive, but she couldn't help but try to fight for Debra. Seeing Bella's angry eyes, she felt a pang of guilt.
"Bella, I know this request is difficult for you. But could you give Debra a chance for my sake? I know you've been hurt, but..."
Bella suddenly interrupted Mira, "And I don't think Debra would spare me if she got out. Just for that, why should I let her go? The harm she and you caused me can't be undone with an apology or some material compensation. I've said it before, if I get the chance, I'll repay it double! This isn't a threat; it's a promise to myself."
"Mira, do you know what I hate most about you? It's your ability to do disgusting things while acting so open and guilt-free. How do you do it? Do you really think a bit of money and a house can make up for the harm you've caused me, and that we can call it even? I'm telling you, it's impossible! Those wounds are deeply etched in my heart and can never be erased."
Facing Bella's questioning, Mira's eyes showed a mix of emotions. She spoke softly, "Back then, when you had the miscarriage, I covered for Debra. If I don't save her, she'll expose me."
Bella found Mira's explanation laughable and infuriating. She looked at Mira coldly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "So, you're here to save your precious daughter or to save yourself? You have the nerve to talk about your infighting. If you hadn't reminded me, I'd have forgotten. Since you admit you covered for her, why would I help you? What I should do is watch you all go down together. I'm off work now; please leave."
Mira's face turned pale; she knew she couldn't persuade Bella. She lowered her head, her voice tinged with despair. "I know no matter what I say, you won't forgive me. But I still hope you can give Debra a chance. She's young, with a long life ahead, just give her a chance to change."
Bella had heard enough of Mira's pleading and explanations. She looked at Mira coldly, her tone firm and indifferent. "I'm closing up. There's nothing more to say between us. Leave, I won't help you, and I won't forgive you."
With that, Bella turned and walked into the depths of the shop, starting to tidy up for closing. Mira watched Bella's back, filled with despair and helplessness.
But Mira wasn't one to cling desperately; she left the dessert shop.
Back home, Bella finally relaxed. She turned on the shower, letting the warm water wash away the day's fatigue. Once her body was clean and refreshed, she felt revitalized.
Sitting on the couch, Bella enjoyed the rare quiet, but a solitary night always felt lonely and boring, making her thoughts wander.
As her body touched the soft couch, an unexpected figure suddenly appeared in her mind—Sterling.
The image of Sterling's drunken madness that night also surfaced vividly. Those scenes were so clear, as if they had happened yesterday.
Bella frowned, starting to inspect the couch carefully. How could such a wild night not leave any traces? She meticulously checked every corner of the couch, even gently touching every inch of fabric.
Blushing, Bella removed the couch cover and threw it into the washing machine, operating it while cursing Sterling in her mind, as if that could slightly ease her resentment and embarrassment.
Thinking about Sterling sending Dash and Debra to jail, her heart rippled with mixed emotions.
Bella couldn't understand why Sterling did it. Despite the insurmountable gap between them, he still constantly paid attention to her. This contradictory behavior was beyond her comprehension and acceptance.
Bella told herself that no matter how much Sterling did for her, their grudges couldn't be easily resolved. The past wounds and betrayals were deeply imprinted in her heart, becoming an indelible shadow.
In Bella's heart, Lucas's image had long faded in her memory, but the deep fatherly love remained like a brand, forever etched in her soul.
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