Before Ian could finish speaking, Dominic abruptly cut him off with a stern look. "Shut up. No one will think you're mute if you don't speak." The room fell silent. Ian glanced at Bella with concern, and Bella, sensing the awkwardness, stood up. "I'll just go to the restroom."

She knew staying would only make things more uncomfortable. What she hadn't expected was that Ian actually knew about Mandy's existence, and they seemed quite familiar. This meant she was the only woman around Dominic who couldn't be seen in public—the one unworthy of acknowledgment.

The question Ian asked was one she also wanted answered: Why had Dominic brought Mandy to Horizon Hospital, where she worked? Was it deliberate—to ensure she found out? To make her back off?

This thought prompted a bitter laugh. He didn't need to go to such lengths. She had already decided to step back, her resolve firm. He didn't need to waste any more effort.

She stood by the sink, aimlessly playing with her phone, deliberately prolonging her stay. Suddenly, a lively figure appeared: "Ms. Jones!"

The child's loud voice almost made her drop her phone. Recognizing Yvonne, she reached out to pat her head. "Yvonne, what are you doing here? Who are you with?"

Yvonne dodged her hand, pouting. "Don't touch my hair! Felix braided it. Don't mess it up. I'm with Felix. You want to see him, right? He said you two have known each other a long time. Did you date?" Bella was taken aback. "You're so young. How do you even know what dating is?"

Yvonne struck a pose. "Of course I know! Dating is when you hold hands, eat together, and kiss!" (The promotional text "Search the FindNovel.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality" has been removed as it's not part of the narrative.)

Bella's mouth twitched. "Kids these days are really mature. Weren't you here to use the restroom? Hurry up and go."

Yvonne then went into a stall, returning soon after to wash her hands, eyeing Bella suspiciously. "You didn't come here just because you knew Felix would be here, did you?"

Bella considered this. Could Felix's past relationship have left a shadow on Yvonne, making her so guarded?

Bella sighed. "No. You don't need to be wary of me. If I wanted to be your sister-in-law, it would have happened already. I'm just here to eat. If there's nothing else, I'm going back."

She was telling the truth. If she'd agreed to date Felix then, they might be married now.

Yvonne seemed to want to say more, but Bella left. Felix was waiting outside; he was always overprotective of Yvonne.

Seeing Bella, he hesitated. "What a coincidence."

Bella smiled. "Yeah, I finished work and came here to eat. I didn't expect to see you. I'll head back now."

Felix nodded, but Yvonne tugged at his sleeve. Bella laughed and returned to her seat.

Noticing her lingering smile, Dominic's eyes darkened subtly.

Ian commented pointedly, "Bella, I didn't expect you to know the Quinns."

Bella answered honestly, "I was Felix's classmate in university. We just know each other, nothing special."

Ian's tone shifted. "Really? Then why have I heard he pursued you before?"