Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 975

"He's been back at the office too, but honestly, he's in a bad place.

"During the day, he acts completely normal. He runs the company, attends meetings, and keeps everything running perfectly.

"But the second the clock hits five, he starts drinking.

"Word is, he's drinking heavily. The people working overtime say that after hours, you can hear him screaming and throwing things in his office.

"I think he's just too madly in love with you, Bella. Why else would he be spiraling like this?

"It's pathetic to watch. You two really need to make up.

"The wedding disaster is in the past, and besides, it wasn't even your fault—it was his mother's doing."

Bella stiffened, absolutely hating the topic.

For years, she had maintained a flawless, saintly persona in front of everyone.

But the wedding had completely nuked her reputation.

The disaster was broadcast globally. The whole world knew she had weaponized Sebastian's manipulative, low-class mother to seduce Old Mr. Blake, all to extort a $1 billion debt payoff as her bride price.

The internet had turned her into a punchline. They mocked her for being cheap, for needing to run a disgusting con just to secure a payout.

The comments were vile, and the humiliation only faded because she had leaked scandalous photos to bury the story.

Now, she was branded with every degrading label imaginable.

Unless she secured an absolute fortune, she didn't dare show her face at the office with her reputation in tatters.

She had acted untouchable when she slapped those employees at the office, but inside, she was terrified of the whispers.

"I'm too busy to go back right now," Bella said dismissively. "If Sebastian wants to use a temp, let him. I couldn't care less. No one in that building has the skills to permanently take my position anyway.

Hannah hadn't even brought up the main reason for this dinner yet.

Bella had walked right into the trap herself.

Bella let out a vicious sneer. "He wishes. Even if he pays me off, if he thinks he can run back to that slut, I'll never sign the papers. I'll drag the divorce out until he rots.

"As long as I'm his wife, he can never have Lillian. He wants to make me the laughingstock of Northwyn again? Keep dreaming!"

Hannah was smiling on the inside.

Outwardly, she maintained a look of quiet realization. "Oh, so that's his game. I was wondering why Mr. Blake suddenly accepted the invitation to the St. Kingsley Centennial Celebration.

"He always throws those in the trash. But this year, he specifically checked if Lillian was attending.

"The second he heard she was going, he RSVP'd immediately! He's totally using the event to corner her and win her back!"