Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 177

Hannah knocked on the door to Sebastian's office. The moment he saw her, he asked, “How is she?”

“Mr. Blake, Bella is not doing well at all. In the short time I was with her, she broke down several times. Bella has always been a perfectionist when it comes to her career, and that immature design she created was originally for you, Mr. Blake...

Sir, I’m going to risk offending you today to say a few words in her defense. You know that kind of development isn't her strong suit, but she was willing to try for you.

Now, for something from years ago to be dragged out to humiliate her like this... she's a proud person, which is why she's so devastated. Mr. Blake, she did it all for you.

Seeing her so heartbroken, I just feel it’s so unfair. For years, Bella has held the highest position in her department, worked the most overtime, and never complained. She’s a young woman with no time to dress up or date. Her entire heart is devoted to her work. All she needs is one word of approval from you, Mr. Blake, and she feels like all her efforts are worthwhile. One nod from you, and she’s re-energized and ready to charge forward again.

For all these years, Bella hasn't been working for herself. She doesn't care about personal achievements; what she wants is your approval and your care, Mr. Blake. It's been so many years. You should give her a clear answer about your intentions.

You know, Bella once wanted to pursue her doctorate with Professor Avery. She didn't have the chance back then, but now she's acquainted with him. This incident has made her wonder if her skills are lacking, if she should pursue further studies. If Bella really goes back to school, the projects at the company...”

Hannah spoke in a rush, but before she could finish, Sebastian seemed to realize something. He grabbed his car keys and hurried out of the office.

Watching him go, Hannah gave a triumphant snap of her fingers and immediately called Bella.

“Bella, mission accomplished, and then some. Mr. Blake didn't even let me finish before he took off. He should be on his way to you now. Just wait, he's definitely going to react.”

Whatever Bella said on the other end, Hannah’s smile deepened.

“Bella, I’ll be waiting for your good news too.”

At the grand Mercer family villa.

After hanging up, Bella immediately called the housekeeper to clear all the face masks, snacks, and other clutter from her room. Then, she looked at her radiant reflection in the mirror and quickly dabbed some powder on her face to create a more distressed look. She did her best to appear wan, heartbroken, and distraught.

She looked up, her tear-filled eyes fixed on him. “Sebastian, so much happened yesterday. It was supposed to be a happy day. You know how hard my mother and I have had it. Seeing her happy yesterday should have made me happy.

But Lillian so easily shattered my mother’s happiness and my joy, crushing them to pieces. She showed no regard for Mr. Mercer's feelings and nailed my mother to the pillar of shame as a homewrecker.

I’m scared. I’m scared that if I get too close to you, I’ll be her next target. The double blow to my career and my life... I really can’t take it.

I think I should get away from all this, away from your side. Maybe then I won’t have to bear such a heavy price.

Sebastian, I want to go back to school. I don’t want to be near you and cause you trouble. Please, let me go.”

Sebastian hadn't expected that Bella would consider abandoning the company over this. She was the one most familiar with the project. If she left, where would he find such a suitable replacement on short notice? Taking a deep breath, he made a solemn promise: “I won’t let the same thing happen to you again. I will handle my marriage with her as soon as possible and give you a proper commitment.”