The Divorced Heiress Revenge (Bella Thompson) novel Chapter 1702

As Axel spoke, his strong, slender arms wrapped tightly around Roza's waist, tightening as if he were afraid she might escape again.

Roza felt a tingling warmth spreading through her body. Her voice was soft and playful, sounding both like a complaint and a tease. “So you realize that you act like a thief, huh? At least you have some self-awareness.”

“My darling Roza,” Axel called her again, almost addicted to the name, causing her pale face to blush faintly. “Actually, you are also a thief... A thief who stole my heart.”

Roza was speechless.

She recalled her mentor mentioning her family sometimes. The mentor had said she had another brother who, despite being exceptionally good-looking, engaged in highly improper behaviors that made people feel uncomfortable.

Now it seemed Bella wasn’t lying at all.

Seeing her silence, Axel grew anxious and turned her around to face him.

“Are you still mad at me?”

“Axel Thompson.”

Roza suddenly called him by his full name, making him even more anxious. “I am the illegitimate daughter of the Walker family. My status is not respectable, and the Walker family constantly causes me trouble, never giving me peace. Someone like me is not worthy of you. Being with me means a future filled with endless turmoil.”

As she spoke, her heart ached again, as if she were cutting away a piece of her own flesh. “You deserve someone better.”

"Maybe, for various reasons, out of pity, you feel protective of me. But once that initial impulse fades, you’ll understand. Love is a fleeting thing that only adds to countless unnecessary troubles. Someone with your background—even if you don't seek a high-status match—should find a girl from a respectable family with a clean background. My life is full of stains. What you saw today is just the tip of the iceberg.”

As a top fashion designer, Roza used her immaculate, aloof persona and dazzling creations to mask her deep-seated bitterness and insecurity. She had no sense of security, always feeling like she was living like a rootless floating plant. Although she bore the Walker name, she could never openly tell others that she was part of the Walker family.

“As for my family and my father, you have nothing to fear. If they’re not open-minded, then no one in this world is. My dad accepted that my eldest brother is gay, and he even accepted Justin, who once hurt Bella. How could he not accept you? Why wouldn’t he?”

Roza felt a mixture of bitterness and frustration, shaking her head in resistance as she closed her eyes. She pressed her hands against his heaving chest, trying to push him away. “Dr. Larson is the second son of the Larson Group, and Justin is the president of the Salvador Corporation, both exceptional men. What am I compared to them? How can I measure up? It’s different. Don’t waste your time on me...”

‘This stubborn woman! Is she trying to drive me crazy?!’ Axel panted heavily, his handsome face gradually turning red with frustration.

Roza lowered her gaze, forcing herself to turn away with a heavy heart. “My assistant told me you’re here to pick up clothes. Bella couldn’t come, so she sent you to pick up Dr. Larson’s tailored suit, right? The suit is packed, and my assistant will give it to you. You should go. I’m very tired and want to rest.”

“It’s not just that. There’s one more thing.”

Axel’s cold voice came from behind her. “My badge is still with you, isn’t it? I have to attend a meeting at the office later, and everyone needs to wear their badges. Give it back to me.”