The Ex-Wife He Couldn’t Afford to Lose（37）

Chapter 37

“Don’t wait for me.

” Bella turned down Ryan with a smile that was more polite than sincere.

“I won’t eat with you.

” Ryan clicked his tongue in mock frustration.

“Why are you so heartless? Can’t you at least have a meal with me to show some gratitude for helping you out with Zeke last time at ACE?” Bella let out a mocking laugh.

“I remember Justin was the one who came to my rescue.

You’re not such a good friend for stealing his credit behind his back.

” “Ms. Brown, did I offend you? Why can’t you give me a chance?” Ryan’s eyes were full of intense affection.

“Is it just because you’re with Asher? Will Asher even dare to openly say you’re his girlfriend? I would.

” “Mr. Hoffman, love isn’t about who comes first, but I have integrity and morals.

” Ryan’s face paled, a sharp pang of shame hitting him.

“I may not come from an affluent family, but I have principles.

When Justin and I were together, he was the only one I loved.

Now that Asher, the CEO of KS Group, is my boyfriend, I only have eyes for him.

I make my own choices, and I can’t stand people forcing their will on me.

Mr. Hoffman, please show some respect and stop pestering me.

” Bella’s heart ached as she spoke those words, and even Ryan could see the hurt and resentment in her eyes.

The dark look in them was hard to miss.

She took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and walked toward the exit.

But suddenly, she stopped in her tracks.

“Justin?!” Ryan’s eyes widened in surprise.

Justin had arrived so quickly—it was almost as if he had used a rocket to get here.

As soon as Justin stepped into the restaurant, a cold, chilling presence seemed to fill the air, turning the already cold hotel even colder.

Bella locked eyes with him.

His gaze was intense, almost otherworldly.

The slight curve of his eyes and the red rims of his irises stood out, making him even more striking than she remembered.

In that moment, Bella realized something—she was still drawn to his looks.

But Justin hadn’t shown her any warmth in the last three years.

He hadn’t smiled at her, let alone shown affection.

Bella had always been stubborn, thinking that if she worked harder, maybe she could win his love.

But in the end, she was the only one who had changed.

Justin stepped closer, his eyes narrowing.

He had heard that Ryan was with “Anna” and, without a second thought, canceled his afternoon meeting to drive over by himself.

When he heard the conversation between Ryan and “Anna,” a hollow, empty feeling spread through his chest.

And then anger bubbled up.

He wasn’t usually one to lose his temper easily, but when it came to “Anna,” his emotions were always on the edge.

“Why are you here?” Justin’s voice was harsh as he looked at Bella.

“I’m working.

” Bella turned away from him, unwilling to engage.

“Don’t you remember what I said? Until the divorce is finalized, we’re still legally married.

You’re still part of the Salvador family.

And you know that the Salvador family and the Thompson family are sworn enemies.

How could you work in a hotel owned by them? What are you trying to do? Piss me off? Disgust me? Or slap me in the face?” Justin’s voice was low, but there was a sharp edge to it.

The veins in his forehead bulged with frustration.

Ryan panicked.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Bella interrupted.

“Oh, so that’s how it is.

” Bella slowly lifted her gaze from the ground to meet Justin’s eyes, her expression cold.

“In that case, let’s get our divorce certificate today.

I don’t want you haunting me like a resentful ghost, looking at me like I’m your enemy every time you see me.

” “Anna Brown!” Justin’s voice tightened, and his frown deepened.

“Did you bring your documents? Ask Ian to deliver them to you.

I keep mine with me, just in case.

” Bella walked past him with a mocking smile, not sparing him a second glance.

She wasn’t affected by his presence in the slightest.

But then, Justin’s hand shot out suddenly, grabbing her slender arm with terrifying force.

It felt as if he was afraid she would slip away from him forever.

In the next moment, there was a sickening pop.

Bella gasped in pain, and cold sweat broke out on her forehead as the sharp pain shot through her arm.

Justin froze.

His heart skipped a beat as the reality hit him—he had just dislocated her arm.

He stared at her, his face ashen with horror.