Chapter 201:
I grabbed a tissue, wiped my hand with deliberate calm, then crumpled it into a ball and tossed it into the trash.
Turning to face her, I met her gaze directly and said, “Are you jealous of me? That’s right. After all, I was married to Herbert. You never were.”
Bella’s POV:
My words clearly struck a nerve. Caroline’s face twisted with anger.
“What did you just say? Do you want to be slapped?”
She raised her hand, ready to strike me.
Without hesitation, I caught her wrist midair and met her gaze coldly.
“Caroline, enough. I’ve tolerated you for long enough. You want Herbert, don’t you? I already gave him to you. Whether or not you can make him marry you is your problem, not mine. So stop dragging me into your mess!”
I had no idea why Herbert refused to marry Caroline, nor did I care. But I was sick of her constantly pestering me.
Releasing her wrist, I pushed her away and walked straight toward the door.
“Even if Herbert doesn’t marry me, he’s already divorced you!”
Caroline’s voice rang out behind me, but I didn’t stop. I had no intention of engaging with her any further.
Leaving the bathroom, I turned toward the entrance of the banquet hall. But before I could take more than a few steps, a firm grip suddenly seized my wrist.
Panic surged through me as I turned around—only to come face-to-face with a cold, familiar expression.
Before I could utter a word, Herbert dragged me toward the end of the corridor.
He pulled me through a door, leading us into the back garden of Mr. Reina’s estate. It was eerily quiet here, the distant chatter from the banquet muffled by the night air.
I yanked my arm free and glared at him.
“Why did you bring me here?”
“I have something to tell you.”
“I don’t want to hear it!”
I turned to leave, but Herbert stepped in front of me, blocking my path.
“Let me go. Do you hear me?” I struggled against him.
He didn’t let go. His grip on my shoulders tightened instead.
“Do you even know that Klein has a girlfriend? Right now, you’re a third party! Are you even aware of that?”
I froze.
I had no romantic feelings for Klein, but I genuinely hadn’t known he had a girlfriend.
Herbert’s fury only deepened. His voice rose, filled with barely restrained anger.
“Klein and Vivian have been together for years. Their relationship is recognized by both families. You will never be Klein’s wife. From now on, you’d better distance yourself from him immediately. If you deliberately chase after him, it won’t end well for you. Don’t let others think you’re a shameless woman.”
I intentionally pestered Klein? A shameless woman?
Is that really how he saw me?
I couldn’t tolerate such slander. Without hesitation, I raised my hand and slapped Herbert across the face.
