Chapter 32
<Chapter>**Chapter 32: Frown with Worry** </Chapter>
Gianna gave him a playful glance and put the pork back in his bowl, "You should be the one eating more. After all, you work so hard every day."
Bella couldn't bear it any longer. Looking at Felix with tear-filled eyes, she demanded, "Felix, have you forgotten what you promised me?!"
His face darkened, and he remained silent.
Sensing the tension, Julian quickly stepped in to smooth things over, "Here's to you, Felix," he said, raising his glass.
Not wanting to disrespect him, Felix took a sip, and Julian deftly changed the subject.
The atmosphere mellowed afterward, and once Gianna finished eating, she put down her chopsticks and stood up to leave.
"I'm done,"
As she turned to go, Felix grabbed her wrist with a grip so firm she couldn't break free.
"Felix, what are you doing?" Gianna's voice was quiet and carried a hint of irritation.
Felix looked at her with a steely gaze, "Stay and keep me company. I'm almost done."
"I need to go out for a walk," Gianna finding a reason to leave.
"Then I'll join you," he insisted.
Impatience flickered in Gianna's eyes. She was about to respond when Julian intervened.
"Gianna, why don't you keep Felix company for a bit? He's been drinking quite a bit and hasn't really eaten much. Maybe help him with his plate?"
Gianna gave Zhen a wry smile. "Didn’t you already have someone see to that? Bella was doing a fine job. Let her continue."
Bella's face turned red with sudden embarrassment. She had wanted to annoy Gianna, but now Gianna's response made her feel like she was being treated like a servant.
Standing up, Bella looked at Gianna with a hurt expression. "Sis, I was just looking out for Felix since you were busy eating. If this upsets you, I'll stop."
Gianna, somewhat annoyed by Bella’s act, raised an eyebrow and let out a scornful laugh, "Looking out for him all the way to his bed, perhaps?"
Bella's lips turned white, and she was left trembling, unable to utter a word.
Snap!
Lauren slammed her chopsticks on the table, glaring at Gianna with disgust, "You neglect your duties as a wife and have the nerve to criticize Belle? Belle and Felix grew up close. Is their familiarity also a cause for your jealousy?"
Gianna just chuckled, her voice clear and deliberate, "I’m not jealous. She’s quite capable. That's why I suggested she keep it up."
"You!"
The air in the dining room had turned icy. Gianna smiled, "Enjoy your meal. I'll take my leave."
Watching Gianna walk away, Lauren seethed, her face nearly purple with rage, "Gianna, if you walk out that door today, don’t bother coming back ever!"
"Lauren!"
Julian shot her a furious look, his eyes flashing with anger.
Before Gianna's visit, he had warned Lauren to keep her emotions in check. Yet, there she went, losing her temper, risking the wrath of Felix. What would become of the Redstones?
Felix glanced indifferently at the sobbing Bella and said, "I should get going too. Thank you, Gianna, for the evening."
Julian, his expression sour, mustered some courage, "Felix, about that project I mentioned in the study..."
Felix wore an expressionless gaze, "The Chi Corporation is welcome to bid, but securing the project depends on their own merits."
Though disappointed, Julian was heartened by the opportunity to compete, "Thank you, Felix! Let me see you out."
"No need."
No sooner had Felix stepped outside the Redstone Family Estate than Bella caught up with him.
"Felix, have you really stopped liking me?" she asked, her voice quivering.
He turned to look at her, her eyes were swollen from crying, and they gazed at him, filled with sorrow. Once upon a time, those eyes sparkled with pure sunshine.
"Belle, it's chilly out here. You should head back inside," Felix urged her.
But as Felix made to leave, she suddenly clung to him from behind. "No, I won't let you go until you give me an answer today," she sobbed.
He frowned, feeling a wave of irritation, and said sternly, "Belle, let go."
"No, I won't!"
Her voice broke as she shook her head. "Don't you remember, Felix? That year when we were eighteen—at the resort—you promised me something."
For a brief moment, he tensed up, with a flicker of conflict in his eyes. Then, he gently withdrew his hands, turned to face her, and said deliberately, "Belle, I haven't forgotten."
‘I had always tried to fulfill her every wish, even knowing the hurt she caused Gianna—I never held it against her.’
"Then why haven't you divorced Gianna yet?" she pressed on.
He stayed silent, mind wrestling with the idea of leaving Gianna, which inexplicably met with resistance.
Her eyes fluttered as tears continued to fall. "Felix... have you fallen in love with Gianna?"
Felix felt a jolt, a flicker of denial flashed, and he replied with furrowed brows, "Belle, don't jump to conclusions. I couldn't possibly love her."
"If not love, then why can't you divorce her? If you're just grateful to her for looking after you, there are plenty of other ways to show it. You don't have to sacrifice your whole life—I can help you repay her! I'd do anything to have you back, even if it means facing insurmountable challenges."
Confronted with her pleading gaze, his throat felt dry, and it was a long moment before he managed to say, "Belle, give me some time to think."
Understanding not to push too hard, she nodded tearfully, "All right, I'll wait for you."
After Felix left, Bella wiped away her tears, her eyes seething with resentment. It appeared the only way to get him back would be to make Gianna vanish—permanently.
‘The Redstone estate was soon behind me when I caught a glimpse of Gianna. She was making her way down the hill at a slow pace, her silhouette slender and upright, much like her indomitable spirit.
The question Bella had posed at the estate's entrance echoed in my mind.
Did I love Gianna?’
The answer was a firm no. If he had truly cared, he wouldn't have stood idly by when the Redstones were pushing her around, nor would he have turned a blind eye to Bella's scheming behind her back.
It could have been that Gianna used to be too timid; whenever he returned to the Villa, she was quiet and submissive. But the Gianna of today had a demeanor that made him feel like she was slipping away from his control.
As he watched Gianna, a realization dawned on him, unraveling the unease that had plagued him in recent days. He came to understand that his interest in her was merely fueled by curiosity, devoid of any deeper feelings of love. As the black Maybach pulled up beside Gianna, the rear window lowered, revealing Felix's icy countenance, a stark reminder of the complexities entwined in their relationship.
"Get in!"
Gianna, her expression indifferent, glanced his way. "No need. I've called a friend to pick me up."
Felix let out a cold laugh. "Gianna, are you throwing a tantrum because I didn't stand up for you with the Redstones?"
Gianna gave a faint smile. "If I were, would you even care?"
"Of course not!"
"Well then, whether I'm upset or not seems irrelevant to you."
Felix's eyes grew colder. "Gianna, my patience has limits!"
Her smile widened, and her words were spoken with careful intention, "Coincidentally, my patience is limited too. I don't care who you're fond of, Felix, but you'd better keep her in line. If she tries to cross me again, believe me, not even you can protect her."
Felix's eyes narrowed, his voice tinged with anger, "What do you mean by that!"
"My grandfather's birthday banquet says it all, doesn't it?"
As her words hung in the air, a Lamborghini rolled to a stop in front of the Maybach. Jonah stepped out and walked toward Gianna.
