A glint of darkness flashed in Grant’s calm, clear eyes. He briefly glanced at Bella, who stood with her back to them.
His voice deepened as he said to the mayor, “We’ll find another time to talk about it.”
“Why another time? Do you find it inconvenient to speak freely because I’m here, Mr. Salvador?” Bella suddenly turned around and flashed a graceful smile.
“It seems that you and I are merely collaborators and not true business partners. You and Mayor Zellman must have many secrets between you, huh?”
“Haha… Ms. Thompson, you’re taking this too seriously.” Mayor Zellman forced an awkward laugh while stealing nervous glances at Grant’s face.
Bella had seen through it by now. On paper, Mayor Zellman was the superior one among them as a government official. Yet in truth, their positions were reversed. In private, it was Grant who held the reins.
If Grant kept things about the research institute hidden from her, there was bound to be something suspicious or even something dark and unspeakable.
Otherwise, why would he keep it hidden?
Seeing Grant’s silence, Bella smirked and scoffed. “Well, if you’re guarding against me so much, Mr. Salvador, you shouldn’t have invited me to this dinner in the first place. You make me feel like an unwelcome spy. I’ll leave you gentlemen to your private talk.”
With that, she turned sharply and strode away without looking back.
“Ms. Thompson, wait!” Grant called after her, his tone urgent.
But Bella acted as though she had not heard him. Her steps were quick and brisk, the air around her charged with quiet anger.
Grant’s lips pressed into a pale line. The man who was usually composed and reserved could no longer contain himself. He stood abruptly and strode after her.
The sight left Mayor Zellman utterly stunned.
Was this frantic man chasing after a woman really the same regal and imposing man that he knew?
It seemed that the saying was true, that even heroes could not withstand beauty. Mr. Salvador was no exception.
Bella heard him coming after her, yet instead of stopping, she walked even faster.
Grant finally caught up to her in the living room and grabbed her slender wrist. His voice trembled with urgency as he said, “Bella, don’t leave!”
Bella’s body froze, her pupils widening slightly.
In her mind, she heard Justin’s gentle voice. Memories of all their warm and intimate moments together flooded back, as vivid as yesterday.
Her eyes reddened.
Though many people called her Bella, and the man standing behind her was no longer Justin, their tone was the same.


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