Chapter 65: Winning Him Over in Bed

Bella sighed and said softly, "Behave yourself."

"No," Lia insisted. "I'm coming with you. I'd like to see what he can actually do to me."

Bella had no choice but to take Lia downstairs. Dominic was familiar with the people around her and wasn't surprised to see Leonard. Liz was also there. He was wearing a suit that day and looked more solemn than usual.

"Is your older brother doing better?" Bella asked. "I saw the news."

Leonard nodded. "It's all thanks to you; otherwise, we don't know what might have happened. My mother wants to invite you to dinner tonight, and you can't refuse!"

Bella couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about his demeanor that day. He was acting much more formally than usual. Since they were all familiar with each other, there was no need for him to be so concerned about his image.

Bella glanced at Lia, who was happily munching on chips, and it dawned on her that Leonard was probably being more reserved because he didn't know Lia well. It made sense that he'd be a bit more formal around strangers. Bella remembered the necklace the Sawyers had given her last time and went back to her room to retrieve it.

"I would be delighted to join your family for dinner, but I must decline this gift," she said. "It's far too expensive, and I can't accept it. Please, take it back."

When Leonard saw the necklace, he said, "I thought Dominic gave that to you. So, it wasn't from him"

Bella was flustered. "What are you talking about?"

Dominic's expression changed slightly. He rose from his seat and said, "I'm going to grab some files from my study. I'll be right back, Leonard."

Leonard nodded stiffly before looking at Bella. "I would never take back a gift I've given someone. My mother thinks you're more than deserving of it, so you should keep it. I have to go out with Dominic later. I just wanted to let you know about dinner." Bella was still hesitating when Lia accepted it on her behalf. "Come on, they aren't short on cash; just take it. If you keep turning it down, it'll make this expensive gift seem worthless."

With that, she flashed a smile at Leonard.

He cleared his throat. "Go check on Dominic. I'll carry on without him."

After he went upstairs, Bella grumbled, "Are you out of your mind, Lia? This necklace was a thank-you gift from his family after I operated on his father. I'm a doctor; I can't accept gifts from my patients!"

Lia shrugged. "But they insisted on giving it to you! So, you might as well take it! If you don't want it, you can sell it. It's worth a few thousand dollars, you know? Don't judge me; I'm just someone who loves money."

Before long, Dominic and Leonard came downstairs. Before leaving, Dominic told Bella, "I'll pick you up later. Make sure you're ready. Don't keep me waiting." Bella nodded. "Got it."

After finishing her chips, Lia clapped her hands. "I need to get back to the shop. I'll visit you again soon. It looks like you and Dominic aren't going to work out. Dominic doesn't love you, yet he won't let you go, which is really confusing. Maybe you could try dominating him in bed. He's handsome, so it shouldn't be too hard."

"That's not going to happen! Just get out of here; I don't need your help," Bella said, smiling slightly.

Dominic's car arrived at Miller Manor just as the clock struck six. Bella had been ready for a while, looking effortlessly chic in a simple tee and denim culottes that highlighted her long, lean legs.

As soon as she reached the car, Dominic rolled down the window and said, "Go change into a different pair of pants."

Bella looked up at the still-blazing sun, as it began to set. "Are you kidding me? I'm not out to pass out from heatstroke! You had a problem with my dress last time, and now you're criticizing me for showing my legs? My legs are perfectly fine, and they definitely won't be the subject of ridicule!"

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