Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

After secretly hiring an investigator, Bella discovered that the vague relationship lurking in the shadows between Pearl and Max had existed for a longer time than she had thought. Though she believed that their involvement had started before her marriage to Max, the private detective's findings revealed that they had been deeply in love long before Bella even knew Max.

This news struck Bella like a thunderbolt, leaving her trembling and overwhelmed. She recalled snippets from what she had overheard in Max's private office. It seemed that Max was merely using her to gain control of her father's company and all her family's assets, which was the reason he married her.

As Bella pieced together the events and actions, she began to understand the situation better. Their plan was indeed quite foreseeable. Bella smirked inwardly. They believed she was so naive and blinded that she couldn't fathom what was happening. But she still wanted to know what their next moves would be; it would be even more amusing to watch their little drama unfold.

During dinner, Bella sat across from Max. Unless it was absolutely necessary, she had no intention of conversing with him. Max, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to engage in cheerful conversation with Bella as they had done in the past. After meeting Levi earlier that evening, Max couldn't help but keep stealing glances at his beautiful wife, Bella.

"Bell... I just signed a significant contract today, worth up to ten million dollars," Max spoke with excitement and enthusiasm. This contract marked the most valuable deal he had secured in over three years of work.

In stark contrast to Max's enthusiasm, Bella felt a hint of disdain within, though she didn't show it. She smiled faintly and replied, "Oh, really? Congratulations."

Max continued, "That's why I want to throw a party at home, like those rebellious student days. I miss those times, when our love was just budding."

Thinking back to their college days, it was indeed during that time when Bella's resolve withstood Max's fervent pursuit, and she was determined to love only him. However, it was that very mistaken decision that led her to regret her choices now.

"We can invite a few friends to join the celebration. We haven't had a fun gathering since we got married," Max said joyfully. He didn't wait for Bella's agreement and decided everything on his own. He believed that whatever he decided, Bella would always support and comply.

As Max anticipated, Bella didn't say anything; she simply went along with whatever he said, further pleasing him.

The party was arranged in a simple yet not at all-shabby manner. Pearl was the first to arrive, and her presence annoyed Bella greatly, as she hadn't invited Pearl herself.

"I arrived early to see if I could help with anything," Pearl said, showing a strong desire to assist Bella and Max. However, Bella's unfriendly attitude caught Max's attention. He quickly interjected, "Pearl is here because I invited her. I thought you might also invite her, so..."

Thus, without Bella's consent, Max had invited this friend over. Understanding the situation, Bella put on a fake smile to welcome Pearl. After a while, other friends also arrived, as they all attended the same university and knew each other well.

"Congratulations, Max! It's surprising to see you become so successful after graduation. Among us, you're undoubtedly the most talented," a friend named Alex congratulated. Following that were numerous heartfelt congratulations for Max. He was thoroughly enjoying this elevated sensation.

Bella stood there, finding it somewhat amusing. Max had forgotten that he was working for Bella's family, and the position he was sitting in was entirely given by her father without any need for his effort. Bella chuckled inwardly, relishing the moment. She could elevate him, but she could also bring him back down to earth.

While everyone was showering Max with praise and celebration for his achievements, a man swiftly appeared and stole all of Max's limelight.

"Hello, sorry for being late," Levi greeted everyone cheerfully.

Except for Bella, Max, and Pearl, nobody else knew who Levi was. Max stepped in to introduce, "This is Levi, we went to the same high school."

In just a few basic exchanges, Levi managed to captivate others quite swiftly. Bella noticed Max's evident discomfort. It was easy to understand; Levi had unabashedly taken away the spotlight from Max despite just arriving.

This time, instead of accolades for Max's accomplishments, they were praising him for making an acquaintance with someone as wealthy as Levi. The party, which should have been Max's spotlight, ended up focusing on Levi.

Levi wasn't just wealthy; although he hadn't shown off anything, his name alone was enough. From appearance and charisma to his refined gestures, he drove girls crazy with admiration.

From the beginning of the party, Bella remained in a corner observing everyone. She didn't speak or greet anyone. Most matters were addressed by Pearl. Pearl seemed to be the mistress of the house, hosting and entertaining everyone, deliberately ignoring Bella.

Bella cooperated in a way that allowed Pearl to take the lead. After all, none of the friends there liked Bella; or rather, they hate her. Even now, she didn't know why she was so disliked during her college years. She had always treated everyone well. At times, she was even quite confident, as with her previous lack of beauty, anyone in the class who needed help eagerly sought her out for conversation without expecting anything in return.

However much she tried, they all looked at her with disdainful and hateful eyes. At that time, Max was like a beacon of light saving her student's life because every time she felt sad, he would appear and offer timely comfort. That's why everything in her life back then revolved around a man named Max; if she hadn't discovered Max's affair, perhaps she wouldn't have changed either.

Bella felt deeply discouraged, yet she didn't dare show it outwardly. She entered the restroom to wash her face. Gazing at herself in the mirror, Bella felt utterly bewildered. She was the host, but those who came here today acted as though she were insignificant. What frustrated her the most was that they knew she and Max were a couple, yet they openly claimed that Pearl and Max were the perfect match.

"Bell... You must be quite satisfied now. Even if we don't meet after graduation in three years, you won't be able to hide your wickedness," Bella heard someone saying these incomprehensible words as she stepped out of the room. It was Mai, Pearl's former best friend who also held a strong grudge against Bella.

Bella couldn't recall inviting her, and Max surely wouldn't have either since he didn't know much about Mai. The only person who could have invited Mai was Pearl. Bella felt a bitter irony; she had given Pearl comfortable, and now Pearl acted as if she were the host herself.

"I don't understand what you're saying. If you want to talk nonsense, just leave and go back to the party," Bella said coldly, no longer the person who used to cower in front of anyone.

Mai couldn't believe that the person she used to bully was now showing such an attitude. Indeed, Bella had changed a lot over the past three years. Angrily, Mai retorted, "Don't think that marrying Max, would secure your place in his heart. Because of you, Pearl has endured so much pain, do you even realize that? And now you act all self-righteous. If Max weren't talented, do you think you could be this arrogant?"

Bella heard Mai's strange words and saw her angry expression, but she couldn't fathom Mai's true intention.

"I don't understand what you're saying. What have I done to cause Pearl pain?" Bella had never intentionally hurt anyone, so Mai's words caught her off guard.

Mai sneered, thinking about how Pearl had suffered throughout this time, and feeling enraged, she regarded Bella as an enemy. "Because Pearl knew you liked Max, she always kept her distance from him. She gave you all her love. Max is talented and successful, while you're the complete opposite. Do you really think you deserve to marry him? You're the one who took everything from Pearl."

"Me? I took everything from Pearl? That's ridiculous. Let me ask you, do you know the name of Max's company?" Bella burst into laughter at Mai's baseless accusations.

Mai frowned, annoyed, but she answered, "The company is called TanPhu, so what?"

"And who owns TanPhu?" Bella continued, and this question seemed to agitate Mai, as she believed Bella was mocking her. "Of course, it's owned by Max, right? Because you see Max as talented and wealthy, even owning his own company, you used every means to marry him, didn't you? You don't care how much Pearl was hurt, do you?"

Bella sighed. Mai couldn't have come up with these things on her own, and she wouldn't have known without Pearl's influence. Bella ignored Mai's words and searched for something on her phone.

"I'm telling you, do you know what it means to respect others?" Mai spoke, but Bella interrupted her by showing the phone in front of Mai.

"Look, TanPhu company was founded by James William. Do you know who he is? He's my father." Bella calmly said while scrolling down the article. On the phone's screen, there was a clear image of her and her father at a press conference. This was an article from a reputable source. Bella looked at Mai's astonished and pale face.

"I don't know what Pearl has told you, but I've never taken anything from her. At that time, everyone knew Max publicly pursued and confessed his feelings to me first. His current position is also due to my father, as he married me. Think before you accuse someone." Bella didn't want to argue with Mai, so she turned and went back to the party.