Chapter 171: No Need to Keep Everything From Me

Bella couldn't hear Amber's side of the conversation, but Dominic's response was cold: "I wish you happiness." Those words sounded like sarcasm. How could Amber find happiness marrying a man she didn't love? It was clearly a marriage of convenience.

The room fell silent. Bella knocked. Dominic's deep, slightly weary voice called, "Come in."

She entered, pretending she hadn't overheard. Maintaining a casual tone, she asked, "How are you feeling today? Any discomfort?"

He lit a cigarette. "No."

Bella hesitated, then said gently, "Try to cut back on the smoking. It's bad for your health, especially while you're recovering. Maybe it's time to quit altogether." With a sigh, Dominic extinguished his half-smoked cigarette. "Got it, Dr. Jones."

Bella felt helpless. "I'm not lecturing you, just suggesting. I'm going to take a shower."

He stopped her. "The day after tomorrow, come with me to a wedding."

Her first thought was that he meant Amber's wedding, but she remembered it was a few days away. Before she could process this, he added, "In case I pass out or something. Aren't you a doctor? But if you don't want to go, forget I asked."

Bella pressed her lips together. He wasn't in such bad shape; if he wanted her to go, he could simply say so. Why the excuse?

After a moment, she agreed and returned to her room.

After dinner, Bella accompanied Dominic and Pudding for a walk. He noticed a scratch on her hand. "What happened?"

Bella instinctively hid her hand. "Nothing. I scratched it accidentally."

She didn't want to burden him with her problems, especially the mess caused by Simon.

Sensing she was holding back, Dominic didn't press her. He simply said, "You don't have to keep everything from me."

Bella forced a smile. "Really, it's nothing."

Just then, Dominic received a call from Ian, and they turned back home at a leisurely pace.

Once inside, Ian and Dominic went upstairs to talk. It seemed serious. Ian had looked troubled since his arrival and was deliberately avoiding Bella. Upstairs, Dominic offered Ian a drink. Ian took it, teasing, "Not joining me?"

Dominic smiled slightly. "What do you think? My personal doctor would probably lecture me. Enough stalling. What's going on?"

Ian's expression turned serious. "You got the wedding invitation, didn't you?"

Dominic nodded. Ian's fingers tightened around his glass, but he remained silent.

After a moment, Dominic urged, "You should go. He's still your father. And he's not even asking you to acknowledge his fourth wife. You wouldn't want the Clarke family legacy to end up in someone else's hands, would you? I'm sure he's contacted you about it."

Ian downed his drink, his gaze cold. "The whole thing disgusts me. I never intended to return to that house, and now he's insisting I show up. I don't know what he's thinking."

Dominic understood. "He's getting older. Even if things are bad, you're still his only son. He probably has plans to discuss. Just keep your cool and don't make a scene. Sometimes, appearances matter."

(The final "Chaw" and promotional text should be removed.)